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

A Decision Not Made Is Still a Decision

A Decision Not Made Is Still a Decision

Investors who put off important investment decisions may face potential consequences to their future financial security.

Emotional vs. Strategic Decisions

Emotional vs. Strategic Decisions

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

Inflation & Retirement

Inflation & Retirement

See how inflation over time could affect the purchasing power of your retirement income.