LogFAQs > #937599627

LinkPizza posted...

Having a child is going to push it back as much as it does. The problem is you won't know how much you have to spend on the child until after you have it. For things like medical (Whether they have a disability or not), food, clothes, school, etc. It'll probably push retirement more than a few years.

That's if they live in a place where they can find an apartment for that price. Depending on the state, they might not. And that also depends on if they make as much as you're saying they will make. Which also depends on the area they live in. And how much they are actually getting paid for that job. And if they can actually get it. You'er making a lot of assumptions. Not only that, but you're making it at a time where you really can't because the world is very different now. And could end up very different after this whole thing is over.

And the reason I say cardboard boxes and ramen is because whenever people bring up living a certain way, everyone always immediately turns to you can live cheaper. Which usually involves moving into somewhere small and possibly uncomfortable. And changing lifestyles like telling people to not have kids, or get rid of pets, or something similar. I like that you think you advice can work for anyone. But I wholeheartedly disagree. I think it can work for some people, possibly. But I disagree with you thinking it could work for most people or families. And I disagree with you thinking it would be easy for most people, as well...

I agree a kid with a disability would push retirement off more than a kid without a disability, but its not the standard. Having a kid is also expensive, but its a one time expense per kid. People typically dont have a kid with a lifelong disability, its an exception. Food and clothes are inexpensive if you choose them to be, expensive if you choose. For a young kid theres nothing wrong with thrift shopping for clothing, or have a few outfits you found on clearance. Very low cost. School amounts to notepads, writing utensils, folders, some money for projects or labs.

How much someone makes and the cost of living does depend on the city. Luckily, nothing is preventing a move for most people. Most people also arent in a super high cost city. Nothing is also preventing people from choosing a career that earns more...even managing an In & Out or a Taco Bell location pays over 50k. Being a lead at certain call centers, some jobs, sales, medical tech...you cant get these things tomorrow but you can look at what youre good at and start from there.

And yes, you can always live cheaper. There is utility in money for having a good life, but theres diminishing returns. Getting my 3rd guitar or getting professional screwdriver over the bargain bin doesnt really add much. There just needs to be a point where you can say this is enough instead of having lifestyle inflation.

Unless youre in the inner section of a major city you can find a quality apartment for under 1k a month, especially with a roommate or someone else to help with economy of scale. Playing games 1-2 years old, watching movies 6-8 months old, playing sports, inviting people over for a park BBQ, using the library, not buying things that dont get used often, travel to Central America now and do Europe for when youre more stable. There isnt a huge lifestyle adjustment needed to get spending down to early retirement levels if you have decent (40k+) earnings. Not having a oversized house, luxury vacations, luxury vehicles. Theres definitely no reason to not have a kid or get rid of a pet, theyre only expensive if you choose to make them expensive, beyond initial costs.

A bit off the topic, but I split a 800sq ft luxury apartment with my gf. Its an indulgence, its a waste of money but I love the location. I spend around $600 on it ($7200/year) because we split expenses. Before we had a 700 square foot for $400 each ($4800/year) center of a midwestern city. Before that I had a roommate in a two bedroom town house and paid $450. But figure food is $2000 a year reasonably, $3000ish transportation (could be lowered, I usually walk or bike but choose to keep my car), maybe 1-2k on utilities and other things that come up, and that leaves thousands a year for entertainment, gifts, my kitty, doctor visits, travel while still living on under 20k.

I guess I just dont see what part is difficult or sounds shitty. Possibly making a move from family, but a move isnt entirely needed unless you really live in the middle of nowhere.