OJR Posted June 4, 2009 Report Share Posted June 4, 2009 Just to add a little to this, we had two boys. Our medical insurance was horrible and we were very lucky with both the boys and my wife. Now with me, it was a different story. We have laid out more than $250,000 for my medical bills, but we paid them and still raised the two boys. Looking back, I can't really tell you how we did it! I know one thing we, my wife and I worked our butts off and now we can relax a bit! Good luck and wishing you nothing but the best! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RangerClay Posted June 4, 2009 Report Share Posted June 4, 2009 BowJoe said: Kyle, I'm sure no offense was meant and I'm sure you know that. I think what a lot of the dad's on here are trying to say is that until you hold that baby in your arms, you have no idea what you are in for. I'm sure every one of us that has children can attest to that. That's not a knock on your age but it sorta is too. You're young and so were most of the dad's in here and if they had somebody there to tell them what they are telling you now, it'd be a lot easier on this journey you're about to take. Every little bit counts. Make sure your insurance is up to date, get the maximum coverage you can for both you, your wife and baby. What you do now will only save you massive trouble in the very near future. Stress comes not just from the newborn but from finances as well. In this tough economic time, no job is safe and replacing a new job is not easy. It's happened to the best of them and learning now not to spend when you don't have to is much easier to swallow than if you are forced to. I'd start putting back for that house and rainy day money just in case. The rule of market is save when the market is good, save even more when the market is bad. That may sound like Wall Street advice but what happens on Wall Street ends up on Main Street. You'll be a good Father. I think to sum it up, Kyle, stress comes in many forms and you are about to experience one of the biggest stressers in your life. Unless you have several million just lying around, save, save, save. You will be glad you did. Well said Joe. No offense was meant. Just saying that your lifestyle will take a complete 180 degree u-turn. Freetime & extra money will become a thing of the past. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bfletch7441 Posted June 4, 2009 Report Share Posted June 4, 2009 I can't imagine Joe would ever try to insult you, but every person on here who has kids will say the same thing. " I thought I was ready until I brought that kid home!" Noone is ever prepared to have a first child! The second, third, etc... maybe you're a bit more prepared, but the first one, no way. Ben Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Randy Posted June 4, 2009 Report Share Posted June 4, 2009 I'm not sure of your situation but my water and electric bill went up because it seems like we're doing two loads of laundry every day... There are soooo many hidden cost that you could never possibly list them all. A couple others mentioned daycare and THAT was probably the biggest bill to try and swallow when I first heard what that was going to cost. :rolleyes: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cinch314 Posted June 4, 2009 Report Share Posted June 4, 2009 Hey Kyle speaking of daycare, do either you or Jen have a CDIB? My daycare was $400 a month until I got assistance and now it costs me $100 a month. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
okiedog Posted June 4, 2009 Report Share Posted June 4, 2009 BowJoe said: I think what a lot of the dad's on here are trying to say is that until you hold that baby in your arms, you have no idea what you are in for. I'm sure every one of us that has children can attest to that. That's not a knock on your age but it sorta is too. Those are very true words. No one can tell you what to expect, but you will figure it out soon enough:) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhunt Posted June 4, 2009 Report Share Posted June 4, 2009 Randy said: I'm not sure of your situation but my water and electric bill went up because it seems like we're doing two loads of laundry every day... There are soooo many hidden cost that you could never possibly list them all. A couple others mentioned daycare and THAT was probably the biggest bill to try and swallow when I first heard what that was going to cost. :rolleyes: Yep, count on electric and water going up for each child. Baths, dishes, laundry, etc it all adds up. At one point for us we were paying around $240 a week for our 3 daughters in daycare. Really on some stuff like diapers kids will be different, and what worked for some of us may not work for you. Our kids seems like the huggies unscented wipes were the only wipes we could use regularly that did not irritate their skin. They were able to wear a couple different brands of diapers without irritation, but we mainly stayed with the huggies or pampers because they were less likely to leak and we tried to always buy the large boxes from sams club. Since others mentioned natural momma milk over formula, if Jenn can do it, it is definitely much better for the baby. All 3 of our daughters were on breast milk for as long as my wife was able keep them on it. Have read that it makes for happier and smarter children. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
okiedog Posted June 4, 2009 Report Share Posted June 4, 2009 wtnhunt said: Yep, count on electric and water going up for each child. Baths, dishes, laundry, etc it all adds up. I forgot about that! Our washer and dryer are always running when we are home. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redkneck Posted June 4, 2009 Report Share Posted June 4, 2009 Also kids are great for job security. Cuz once you have kids, YOU GOT TO WORK!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
toddyboman Posted June 4, 2009 Report Share Posted June 4, 2009 Randy said: I'm not sure of your situation but my water and electric bill went up because it seems like we're doing two loads of laundry every day... There are soooo many hidden cost that you could never possibly list them all. great point Randy......I know ours is way up cause just as you said that washer and dryer are ALWAYS going. I was in your same shoes Kyle with my first one.....My wife and I did as we please with money and our free time.....Thought things would change some when we had our first.....then day 2 of our daughter and reality slapped me square in the face. As my wife was pregrnant several of my dad's friends told me..."life as you know it is about to end/change". I laughed at them everytime and told them no its not. NOW I laugh and say darn that guy was right. You will be fine I do not question that....everyone makes it work. But things will change. But THEY ARE WORTH IT ALL!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ohiobucks Posted June 4, 2009 Report Share Posted June 4, 2009 (edited) BUT - there are benefits. 2 words - tax deduction. I say if you want a tat, get your tat Kyle. I have a feeling your baby boy will end up just fine, he won't go hungry if you get a new tat or a new bow. Only you can justify how much is too much. Don't panic by reading some of these comments. Trust me, things will be just fine. Kinda makes one wonder how some people can justify the extra cost of an internet connection while raising kids. :D Edited June 4, 2009 by Ohiobucks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gator Posted June 4, 2009 Report Share Posted June 4, 2009 Ohiobucks said: BUT - there are benefits. 2 words - tax deduction. I say if you want a tat, get your tat Kyle. I have a feeling your baby boy will end up just fine, he won't go hungry if you get a new tat or a new bow. Only you can justify how much is too much. Don't panic by reading some of these comments. Trust me, things will be just fine. Kinda makes one wonder how some people can justify the extra cost of an internet connection while raising kids. :D That there is great advice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fly Posted June 4, 2009 Report Share Posted June 4, 2009 (edited) Well Kyle there are a lot of numbers out there for you to ponder on. My contribution is not to worry about the numbers too much. By posting this it tells me you're already being a good dad and provider for your family. Do you have good family support because you may not need daycare. If you have to go to private schools (often church related) consider joining for cheaper tuition. There are always ways to cut costs and make it work out. Kyle, from what you've stated I'd say you're well prepared at this point. One last thing... You can't do this for your child but your wife can. Encourage her to breast feed and transfer her lifes work in fighting off various viruses and other bugs to your baby. By breast feeding she can provide all the immunoglobulins she has developed to the baby giving it a better chance to stay healthy (which would also lower medical expenses). Breast feeding is tough work and she'll likely need your support. If she can't or doesn't want to don't make a big deal of it. Edited June 4, 2009 by fly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doubleA Posted June 4, 2009 Report Share Posted June 4, 2009 One thing that hasnt been mentioned yet is.............. time, it's a huge investment. Not going to get into detail but bad things can and do happen when having children. My youngest daughter spent the first 4 1/2 months of her life in NICU. At the time it turned our life as we knew it then upside down. My wife was working at the time and had to quit her job to be with the baby everyday, I had to continue to work. It was 50 miles one way to the hospital for her everyday. Times were tough on us financially, spiritually,emotionally and tried our marriage. Even though the child was insured when she came out of the womb, people have no idea of the work involved dealing with doctors and hospitals and insurance companies. Not everything is covered and it's quite a shock when the HR dept wants you to sell everything you have to pay the bills. Long story short.... that was $575,000 and nearly 15 years ago. Countless of hours dealing with the bill collectors, insurance, doctors etc, it took us about 8 years to clear things up. The daughter still sees a couple of specialist and has a couple MRI's done yearly. The time will come, and it will trust me, it will come when you have to suddenly take off of work, miss a night with your buddies, cancel a hunting trip,be at the the child's medical check up, ear infections,soccer games and this and that, fight with medical claims and so on. Yeah, time...............figure that in, it's priceless. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluelund79 Posted June 4, 2009 Report Share Posted June 4, 2009 Alot depends on where you live as well, my family and I moved 36 miles away to a smaller town, so prices are higher. Formula for 1 week-about 20 bucks Diapers-12 bucks av per week Wipes-4 bucks I have 2 boys, so thankfully the youngest gets the "hand me downs" and what not, but when it all comes down to it, you make the sacrifices to ensure the kids have everything. Good luck to you and your spouse on a healthy baby. Fatherhood definitely changed my life for the better! Eric Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The_Kat Posted June 4, 2009 Author Report Share Posted June 4, 2009 cinch314 said: Hey Kyle speaking of daycare, do either you or Jen have a CDIB? My daycare was $400 a month until I got assistance and now it costs me $100 a month. Nope, Jenn doesn't work so we will be ok on the daycare issue. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hutchies Posted June 4, 2009 Report Share Posted June 4, 2009 Well Kyle mine are a little older now and in daycare.............Daycare cost is $100 a week. I would guess $20 a week for diapers and wipees......................... Man believe me kids aren't cheap. It's all the little things you don't realize that you have to pay for. Say when he is 5 and you and jen want to go out and eat................Add another meal to that bill. With that said I would give every dime up I've ever made for my kids. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
okiedog Posted June 4, 2009 Report Share Posted June 4, 2009 cinch314 said: Hey Kyle speaking of daycare, do either you or Jen have a CDIB? The CDIB alone doesnt get you assistance, it is still based off of your income..... unless you can tell me something else about it:D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The_Kat Posted June 4, 2009 Author Report Share Posted June 4, 2009 RangerClay said: Well said Joe. No offense was meant. Just saying that your lifestyle will take a complete 180 degree u-turn. Freetime & extra money will become a thing of the past. I see what your saying and I'm sorry for being so defensive about it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tominator Posted June 4, 2009 Report Share Posted June 4, 2009 RangerClay said: Well said Joe. No offense was meant. Just saying that your lifestyle will take a complete 180 degree u-turn. Freetime & extra money will become a thing of the past. Complete 180? I disagree, then again, it's tough to put a protractor measurement on kids. It's just different is all, at least in my opinion. I don't think you can make a blanket statement like "all your freetime and extra money will become a thing of the past." It's just not true in a lot of cases. Certainly wasn't in my case and I have 4 kids. wtnhunt said: Since others mentioned natural momma milk over formula, if Jenn can do it, it is definitely much better for the baby. All 3 of our daughters were on breast milk for as long as my wife was able keep them on it. Have read that it makes for happier and smarter children. Yep, no argument there, breast milk is the best. I know it sounds weird, but I really miss watching my kids nurse. There's nothing like watching a kid pass out on a boob because they've got their fill. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woolybear Posted June 4, 2009 Report Share Posted June 4, 2009 This thread outta be sponsored by a birth control company:rolleyes: Heck man it ain't that bad and I got 3 of them. Never really had much extra cash laying around anyhow so it's pretty easy to not miss what you don't have. You'll ADJUST and be a great father the best you know how, I can assure you that. Don't sweat the litle things.... learn from them. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bfletch7441 Posted June 4, 2009 Report Share Posted June 4, 2009 Another benefit of a kiddo nursing is that you can't do it! No getting up and making a bottle in the middle of the night. Both of ours slept in our bed for a good 6 months. When they would wake up at night hungry, I would just roll over and go back to sleep. Past about 6 to 8 months, they're sleeping through the night. Ben Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hungry hunter Posted June 6, 2009 Report Share Posted June 6, 2009 Kyle, its all good advice and too the amounts of financial costs per year. It seems like ya got your stuff wired tight and have planned well. I got three boys all out the door. the extra money that I didn't have suddenly appeared and Thats when I realized I had done good becaue I had learned to live without it. Since your a hunter and fisherman well we all know the benifits of venision and fish you will save lots by taking a extra deer (If allowed) so already money saved. May you and your wife enjoy the gifts of each other and your child when the times come. You will be alright. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevebeilgard Posted June 6, 2009 Report Share Posted June 6, 2009 costs of having a child can be put real simple. all you can make, and just a bit more needed. how's that for the simple response.....lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HUNTINGMAN Posted June 6, 2009 Report Share Posted June 6, 2009 (edited) I am still spending on my twins that are 5 years old and will be 6 this year,I dont know how much they have cost but every penny was worth it just to watch them grow up.It dosent matter what the cost is you will find a way,it will be worth every penny.I have a substantial amount come out of my check every week for my 13 yeer old and I dont complain about it either,its all for the kids. Edited June 6, 2009 by HUNTINGMAN Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.