Re: "Want to be middle-class? Don't have kids."

On 03 Dec 2003 17:28:27 GMT, Lenona321 <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> 
> I'm too lazy to analyze this - how many here think the author needs to read Amy
> Dacyczyn's book?
> 
> http://www.citypages.com/databank/24/1199/article11694.asp

        I don't think reading Dacyczyn would hurt.  :)  The details
are kind of sketchy, since I don't have a clear idea of what cost of
living in that area of the country is or what kind of criteria the
person has for wanting to raise children in a particular environment.
I'm pretty sure people have raised families on less, though!

    I like Dacyzyn's writing because it offers a very different
perspective than what most people are familiar with...one where the
frugality is considerably more hard-core.  That's helpful because
sometimes people don't realize exactly HOW frugal they can be if they
chose, they're not always aware of the possibilities.  Even if they
don't agree with Dacyzyn's approach, at least they know it's an
option.

        Then again, maybe the author's friend has certain ideas of
what she'd like for her kid(s).  If a well-off school district, lots
of extracurricular activities, music lessons, summer camps, etc. are
in the picture, or if bad eyesight/teeth are issues, well... those
kind of have to be factored into the expense, too.  That could be one
reason why the author's friend feels that she can't afford chidlren.
DH and I aren't having kids, and we're happy with that.  Luckily, we 
haven't been bugged too much about it by friends and family so far,
but then, we've only been married for four years.  We realize that if 
we did have children, the cost would be significant and it would mean
not being able to do a lot of the things we enjoy now.  It's a
decision everyone has to make for themselves, just because there's so
many factors that go into deciding whether or not it's worth it for
someone.  Really, damn near every frugal decision boils down to that,
this is just a far more serious decision with longterm repercussions
than say, figuring out whether or not you should buy a used or new car.

Ariane