Death, Sex & Money Money on the Mind: To Have Kids or Not to Have Kids
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Nov 1, 2025 The discussion dives into the emotional and financial turmoil of deciding to have children. Felix, childless by choice, contrasts with Anna, a mother navigating the costs of parenting. They tackle budgeting for kids, unexpected expenses, and the potential long-term benefits of raising children. The conversation shifts to how adult children can support aging parents and the societal pressures surrounding procreation. Ultimately, they explore the intricate balance between personal freedom and legacy in a world where financial decisions intertwine deeply with familial choices.
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Cost Perception Shapes Fertility Choices
- Felix questions whether the idea that people avoid kids because they're unaffordable is truly accurate.
- He suggests the perception of high cost has strong "truthiness" even if not fully proven.
Early Parenthood's Sticker Shock
- Anna Sale describes balancing costs like nannies, preschool, and buying a family car while buying a house.
- She says those combined expenses created intense financial anxiety during early parenthood.
Weigh Childcare Options Concretely
- If you can, use grandparent care to reduce childcare costs and avoid sticker shock.
- Compare the financial and logistical trade-offs of paid childcare versus a parent staying home.