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?

Related Content

Retiring the 4% Rule

Retiring the 4% Rule

A portfolio created with your long-term objectives in mind is crucial as you pursue your dream retirement.

Encore Careers: Push Your Boundaries

Encore Careers: Push Your Boundaries

Ready for retirement? Find out why many are considering encore careers and push your boundaries into something more, here.

Put It in a Letter

Put It in a Letter

A letter of instruction provides additional and more personal information regarding your estate.