3 ms·

Sure. That's a valid point. Things have changed a lot since my oldest child. But my youngest children are still at home costing me money. My own financial situa

Sure. That's a valid point. Things have changed a lot since my oldest child. But my youngest children are still at home costing me money. My own financial situation has improved, of course. But my recent college grad children step into jobs making 80% of my current salary. And they're not making SV money. So again, I turn the volume down on millenials who complain about the cost of children. I had my first children when I made less than 1/3 of what I make now and new college grads are making 4/5 of what I make now. And I'm still raising children. You can argue about inflation or whatever you want. I don't buy it. Just admit that you are not willing to give up anything to accommodate children. I'm not saying that you should give up anything. Those are your choices. But you do have a choice. I have neighbors who make $40K and raise children--yes, more than one. Right now. Today. In the U.S. No welfare. It is within the reach of most everyone on HN to become a middle school math teacher in Kansas and raise a family. Very few make that choice. But they do have the choice.

prolikewh0a 8y ago
>You can argue about inflation or whatever you want. I don't buy it. This is literally ignoring factual evidence. Inflation has happened, there's no denying it. Wages have stagnated since the early 70's with a good portion of the country making less than they did in the 70's, or are making exactly what they made in the 70's. Chances are your "less than 1/3 of what I make now" was probably what you make now, or was at least worth much more than that same salary would be today. The cost of almost everything that's necessary & essential has risen by insane amounts since your children have been born. Try an inflation calculator: https://data.bls.gov/cgi-bin/cpicalc.pl https://data.bls.gov/cgi-bin/cpicalc.pl
- freeopinion 8y ago
  How do you figure inflation differences for events happening in the exact same moment, especially when that moment is now? I don't need an inflation calculator to know how much I am paying this year for braces and glasses and broken bones and Prom and car insurance for a new driver. I know what it took to raise children 20+ years ago. I did it. I know what it takes to raise children right now today. I am doing it. Yes, "the cost of almost everything that's necessary & essential has risen by insane amounts." So you have to choose to trim things that are less essential. A baby carseat can run $250. A $4 coffee every workday adds up to $800/year. I'm not insensitive to those who feel overwhelmed by the commitment required to raise children today. I admit that it's a little amusing that some seem to think that the commitment wasn't overwhelming 20 years ago. Maybe it was easier 20 years ago. I honestly don't think so.

prolikewh0a 8y ago

>You can argue about inflation or whatever you want. I don't buy it. This is literally ignoring factual evidence. Inflation has happened, there's no denying it. Wages have stagnated since the early 70's with a good portion of the country making less than they did in the 70's, or are making exactly what they made in the 70's. Chances are your "less than 1/3 of what I make now" was probably what you make now, or was at least worth much more than that same salary would be today. The cost of almost everything that's necessary & essential has risen by insane amounts since your children have been born. Try an inflation calculator: https://data.bls.gov/cgi-bin/cpicalc.pl https://data.bls.gov/cgi-bin/cpicalc.pl

freeopinion 8y ago
How do you figure inflation differences for events happening in the exact same moment, especially when that moment is now? I don't need an inflation calculator to know how much I am paying this year for braces and glasses and broken bones and Prom and car insurance for a new driver. I know what it took to raise children 20+ years ago. I did it. I know what it takes to raise children right now today. I am doing it. Yes, "the cost of almost everything that's necessary & essential has risen by insane amounts." So you have to choose to trim things that are less essential. A baby carseat can run $250. A $4 coffee every workday adds up to $800/year. I'm not insensitive to those who feel overwhelmed by the commitment required to raise children today. I admit that it's a little amusing that some seem to think that the commitment wasn't overwhelming 20 years ago. Maybe it was easier 20 years ago. I honestly don't think so.