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

Historical Inflation

Historical Inflation

See how the purchasing power of a dollar has changed over time due to inflation.

All Muni Bonds Are Not Created Equal

All Muni Bonds Are Not Created Equal

Gaining a better understanding of municipal bonds makes more sense than ever.

When Special Care Is Needed: The Special Needs Trust

When Special Care Is Needed: The Special Needs Trust

A special needs trust helps care for a special needs child when you’re gone.