Nov 21, 2024 Last Updated 12:46 PM EST

Personal Financefinancial parenting

Cost of Raising a Child Up to 18 Years Old May Reach $331,933

May 12, 2024 09:50 PM EDT

While many fundamental expenses, like food and clothing, are generally something you can plan for and manage as a parent, some things might be far more costly and unexpected.
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  • Northwestern Mutual's research from 2023 analyzed USDA data and U.S. inflation figures, revealing that the average cost of raising a child until age 18 will be $331,933.
  • The research highlighted unexpected child costs that can significantly impact a family's budget, including expenses like tutoring, extracurricular activities, and medical needs.
  • Parents are advised to prepare for unforeseen expenses by seeking suggestions from friends and professionals, ensuring qualified tutoring services, setting clear boundaries for extracurricular activities, and planning for potential medical emergencies resulting from children's active lifestyles.

USDA data and U.S. inflation figures were examined in a Northwestern Mutual research from 2023. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average cost of raising a kid in 2023 will be $331,933 from the time of birth until age 18.

Unexpected Child Costs: What Are They?

While many fundamental expenses, like food and clothing, are generally something you can plan for and manage as a parent, some things might be far more costly and unexpected. When they do, they have the power to completely destroy your well-planned budget.

Even if none of the following scenarios are likely to happen to your family, it's still wise to prepare for them. If they do, here are some things to think about and ways to prevent them from ruining your financially. Getting suggestions from friends and professors if there are no free choices available.

Make sure you take the time to comprehend the strategies and tactics used by a learning professional. As to Tutors.com, the cost of tutoring can range from $25 to $80 per hour, so be sure the teacher is qualified for your child's needs.

Should you have to pay for tutoring or summer school yourself and your child has been identified as having learning difficulties, you could be eligible to claim a tax deduction for those expenses.

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Talent and Sports

Your youngster is enthralled with sports, figure skating, or the flute, but you didn't budget for these pursuits.

While supporting extracurricular activities is a wonderful idea, establish clear guidelines. Instructors and coaches place a lot of demands on their students, so it's critical that you discuss your own boundaries with them.

Medical Needs and Accidents

Mishaps ranging from sports injuries to skateboarding mishaps can land your child in the hospital and bankrupt you.

Children frequently take chances that lead to shattered bones and expensive medical expenses, so if you are aware that your child is particularly active or daring, think ahead.

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