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

Universal Life Insurance

Universal Life Insurance

Universal life insurance is permanent insurance with a flexible premium. Here's how it works.

Emotional vs. Strategic Decisions

Emotional vs. Strategic Decisions

Information vs. instinct. Are your choices based on evidence of emotion?

Required Reading: The Economic Report of the President

Required Reading: The Economic Report of the President

The Economic Report of the President can help identify the forces driving — or dragging — the economy.