News From the USDA
Are you raising children or planning on it in the near future? Do you have $222,360.00? According to USDA annual report, a middle-income family raising a child born in 2009 can expect to spend about $222,360 for food, shelter, and other necessities to raise that child over the next 17 years.

The largest expense in the report was housing cost. Child care and education (for those with the expense) and food were the next two largest expenses. How much are you paying for child care?

Don't worry because the report made it clear that the expenses per child will decrease as a family has more children. Families with 3 or more children spend 22 percent less per child than families with 2 children. This is the case because as families add more bundles of joy to the bunch they can share bedrooms, clothing and toys. Food can be purchased in bulk (economical packages) and child care facilities and private schools may offer sibling discounts.

How do you manage and budget for your family? Share your important thoughts below.



USDA REPORT: Expenditures on Children by Families