Having a kid ain’t cheap. In fact, a report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimated that it will cost a middle-income married couple $233,610 to raise a child to the age of 17.
So it costs money to raise one of these cuties. But can you afford it?
Well, here's some cool news: A new tool by career website Zippia will let you know: "Yes!" or "No!"
The tool is meant for first-time parents (so if you’re thinking about having a second, third, or Duggar-level addition, this probably won’t work).
Since I already have kids, I tried it out with an imaginary couple, Jane and Bert Robertson.
To use the tool, you have to plug in some of your deets: income, household status, region, insurance info, whether you plan to save for college, and monthly debt.
Here's what I put in for The Bings, I mean — shit! — The Robertsons!
Here was their result:
And here's a breakdown of what they would spend their money on.
Are the results 100% accurate? Probably not.
BUT...it’s still a cool tool and probably more accurate than the advice you'll get from your desperate-for-grandkid parents.