Whether it’s an accident or carefully planned occurrence, having a baby is an enormous responsibility—one you may not be ready for. Many couples plan carefully for any new addition to the family, but others are caught off guard, having spent little thought or preparation for the arrival of a baby.
Statistics show that approximately 6 million pregnancies occur each year in the U.S. alone. With over 60 million women in child bearing years, only 64 percent use contraception, and over 450,000 babies are born to teenage mothers. Unexpected pregnancies become more common and the costs increase due to lack of planning and preparation. Planning and preparation, which could save young families hundreds, if not thousands of dollars each year, as well as reducing the psychological and educational costs involved.
According to The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unwanted Pregnancy, 48 percent of community college students have been or gotten someone pregnant and 61 percent of these individuals have not finished college. That’s a lot of young people missing out on a college education.
Are you ready to grow your family?
Money takes the romance out of trying for a baby but if you don’t consider it a priority, you’re only asking for trouble. Babies cost money; money which you may not have. It may seem impossible to imagine that your little bundle of joy can cost you more than anything you’ve ever purchased. The truth is, baby number one is going to cost you more than a small car, and that’s just in its first year.
Do you have a spare $8,000 lying around?
According to PregnancyToday.com, you’re looking at $8,000 in the first year alone. For some people that might not seem like much; unfortunately, that figure doesn’t include birthing costs, pregnancy check-ups, and unexpected expenses that can arise. If you don’t have insurance, the cost before you even step out of the hospital can be double or triple that amount. Wannabe mothers and fathers can forget about the reality of the situation. A baby is for life and it will change yours completely.
