By eHow Relationships & Family Editor
Bringing up children is not cheap, so planning your family ahead of time makes sense. Why not get the benefit of careful planning (before you add children to the mix) by sitting down with your spouse and feeling things out ahead of time.
Step1 Determine how many kids you want. Discuss this with your partner and think about the long range plans required.
Step2 Figure out when you both want to have them. Do you want the kids out of the house when you and your spouse are in your 40’s or in your 60’s?
Step3 Get a rough idea of how much your family is going to cost. Budgeting for children has seven main components: housing, food, transportation, clothing, health care, childcare and education.
Step4 Start saving money. Establish a college fund for the child when they are about one year old. Many states now have child savings programs and early-tuition programs.
Step5 Decide if you and your partner are going to continue working. Some experts say that it is actually less expensive for one parent to stay home, as the costs of childcare continue to rise.
Step6 Choose a home that is big enough for your planned family. A small house will accommodate a small family. If you are planning on having several children, stay in the small house and save for a larger one when the time comes.
Step7 Read childcare and parenting books, as well as discuss your decision with friends and family.
Step8 Realize that starting a family is a life-long commitment and is not something to be rushed. Be sure that you have a stable, happy marriage before bringing children into the world.
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