Kids cost a lot.
Like a lot, a lot.
Like $233,000 a lot.
I know that sounds like way too much, but the Department of Agriculture ran the numbers, and when you add up food, childcare, clothes, activities, and everything else you can think of, it costs about $14,000 a year to raise a child, or about $233,610 to get them to the age of 17.
Rethinking your future after reading that?
I don't blame you, and neither does Justin Worsham of The Dad Podcast.
However, Justin points out that kids do lead to a a more fulfilled life.
"Research shows that couples who do not have kids are happier but people with children lead more fulfilled lives.
I think that what it really means is that people should only have kids if they really really really really really....really want them.
So knowing that dual income no kids, or Dinks, are happier but that parents lead more fulfilled lives, I would say that the cost of happiness is about $14,000 per year either way you break it down."
Feeling like a glutton for punishment? Check out how much your kids cost you with the USDA Calculator
Learn more about the costs of having and raising kids at CBS News and CNN
To hear more of Justin's take on the cost of having kids, and other parenting topics, you can check out all of his stuff at The Dad Podcast
Check out his latest episode with Patti Crouch about the realities of adopting kids, raising kids with special needs, and the importance of focusing on your marriage.