Do you think having children and how many should be based on how much money you earn?

[Bathsheba]

I agree with RayRay, so much depends on your values and no one can decide them for you.

We can't technically afford our third child but for us life is more about intagibles than material wealth. I'm not saying everyone should live like this though. For example, we value the fact that i am a SAHM than owning our own home (we rent). We value providing our children with the best education that is available than stuff like new furniture, techno gadgets etc.

These are just 2 example of intangibles that we make huge sacrifices for. you can't touch them or see them like a house but they are way more important to us.

Fortunately DH is in a very well paid job with a very bright future so, sofar we have been ok financially, just... it's like God (or whatever) is granting us just enough money to get by... members of the Mastermind group who know about Money Miracles will know what I mean So we didn't hestitate in having a third child despite not being able to technically afford one.

I think so much comes back to your beliefs... spiritual or otherwise. We simply have faith that if we are making good decisions and are good people all will fall into place. yeah, maybe we are deluded... but maybe no more deluded than my parents who did everything by the book financially and accumulated wealth, a home, a boat, holidays etc... but lost it all when they got divorced. To me there is little security in "stuff"... it can all be lost overnight... at least no one can take away my DDs private education, and her absolute LOVE of school and learning.

Sorry I've waffled on a bit here...

But to answer your question: yes, children do cost a LOT. it's always better to over-estimate than under-estimate... but then again... love will always find a way