Those whom I know who talk about not being able to “afford children” mean that they wouldn’t be able to give those children the lifestyle and financial security

Those whom I know who talk about not being able to “afford children” mean that they wouldn’t be able to give those children the lifestyle and financial security that they deem acceptable. They don’t want to compromise and give their children less future comforts and safety than they currently enjoy, so they don’t dare have children on those terms. And often they have a nagging natural need to have children, so the discussion and reasoning is always tinged in a deep sadness.