A coworker of mine was relaying a story to me about his daughter. “”When my daughter was four years old, she was saying ‘Daddy, I want this, I want that, I need this, I need that.’ In exasperation I said ‘I’m not rich’ and what my daughter said floored me ‘Daddy, you’ll never be rich, you have me.’ I bent over laughing”

For a middle class family earning $61,530 and $106,540, the costs of raising a child can be staggering. According to USDA.Gov (http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentidonly=true&contentid=2014/08/0179.xml), a child born in 2013 will cost $245,340 to raise from birth to 18 years old. But in reality, cost of living — from housing to education to childcare — varies so much by location that the price of raising children can range precipitously.

What can a family do?

1. Realize that your job is not your source, God is. God can make a way where there seems to be no way.
   • The blessings of Abraham belong to us (Galatians 3:13-14)
   • God is our source and provider. He will supply all our needs (Philippians 4:19).
2. For families starting out, arguments about finances is right at the top of the list for marital disharmony. For many couples there is only so much money. Something will be left unattended.
   • Being patient with one another is a must.
   • Being unified in having a financial plan will be critical.
3. Start a budget. I’d suggest reading David Ramsey’s material (http://www.daveramsey.com/home/). Some of his sayings are:
   • Personal finance is 80% behavior and only 20% head knowledge.
   • You need to become “gazelle intense” about getting out of and staying out of debt.

                    I am not affiliated with David Ramsey or his company.

Know that there are many families in the same boat, struggling with similar issues as you and I. Do not loose heart. Rely on the Lord. His favor can cause you to succeed. Be mindful of His presence and direction in all things.