Money

The Half Million Dollar Baby

Infographic titled 'The Half Million Dollar Baby' with a navy silhouette of a seated baby. Text states childbirth costs an average of $18,865.Infographic titled 'The Half Million Dollar Baby' with a navy silhouette of a seated baby. Text states childbirth costs an average of $18,865.Navy baby bottle and parent-child silhouette flank text stating food costs average $3,249 per year, totaling nearly $60,000 by age 18.Navy baby bottle and parent-child silhouette flank text stating food costs average $3,249 per year, totaling nearly $60,000 by age 18.Navy silhouette of an adult and a stethoscope graphic. Text covers childcare costs of $5,357–$17,171 per year and medical expenses of $1,624 annually, exceeding $30,000 by age 18.Navy silhouette of an adult and a stethoscope graphic. Text covers childcare costs of $5,357–$17,171 per year and medical expenses of $1,624 annually, exceeding $30,000 by age 18.Graduation cap and baby shoe silhouettes accompany text on private college costs topping $56,190 per year and clothing expenses exceeding $2,347 annually, totaling over $42,000 by age 18.Graduation cap and baby shoe silhouettes accompany text on private college costs topping $56,190 per year and clothing expenses exceeding $2,347 annually, totaling over $42,000 by age 18.Car keys silhouette above text describing transportation costs averaging $2,708 per year, adding up to nearly $50,000 by age 18.Car keys silhouette above text describing transportation costs averaging $2,708 per year, adding up to nearly $50,000 by age 18.Navy crib silhouette alongside text on housing and furnishing costs reaching approximately $95,000 by age 18, with a bold callout that total child-rearing costs can exceed $500,000.Navy crib silhouette alongside text on housing and furnishing costs reaching approximately $95,000 by age 18, with a bold callout that total child-rearing costs can exceed $500,000.Sources slide listing three references: CreditKarma.com (February 2024), Investopedia.com (December 2023), and CollegeBoard.com (2024).Sources slide listing three references: CreditKarma.com (February 2024), Investopedia.com (December 2023), and CollegeBoard.com (2024).

Have A Question About This Topic?

Thank you! Oops!

Related Content

Monthly Memberships

Monthly Memberships

A look as how autopay subscriptions can be a drain on your finances, especially when forgotten.

What If Your Kids Decide Against College?

What If Your Kids Decide Against College?

Rising college costs prompt students to seek alternatives; 529 account funds can be used for other education options.

U.S. Personal Savings Rate

U.S. Personal Savings Rate

What can be learned from the savings rate?