How Parents Pay for the Big Stuff

Are you a parent, planning to be one, or still not sure what your future holds? Before making a final decision about whether to have children, it’s essential to know about some of the significant expenses that moms and dads face once their children come into the world. Being a parent can be one of the most rewarding of all life’s experiences, but wise adults take time to do some planning, thinking, and pondering before choosing to become mothers or fathers. 

There are emotional, financial, and spiritual factors to consider. On the financial side, every prospective mom and dad should understand what it takes to pay for major child-related expenses, including medical needs for younger children, special events like bar/bat mitzvah celebrations, college bills, weddings, and more. Here are some practical ideas and suggestions about how to pay for it all.

Medical Needs

If one or more of your offspring need braces, surgery, or have special physical or mental health needs, costs can run high. Fortunately, insurance policies come to the rescue in some cases. In others, it’s imperative to set up a special health savings fund as early as possible. The tricky thing about costs like these is that they are virtually impossible to predict. That’s why it’s necessary to err on the side of caution and create a designated fund and contribute to it regularly. This can also mean setting up life insurance for yourself as a way to protect your loved ones. You can find the cheapest options so that it fits into your budget as seamlessly as possible. 

Rites of Passage

Rites of passage can mean significant expenses. For families who cover the costs of special events like quinceaneras, confirmation parties, and bar/bat mitzvahs, costs can run into the thousands. Some set up earmarked funds when children are born, others borrow, and many choose to use plastic credit cards for these special celebrations. One strategy for saving money is to hold scaled back events that only include close friends and immediate family.

College

Sending kids to college is a significant personal and financial commitment. For moms and dads who want their children to graduate without the burden of education debt having over them, a wise solution is a low-rate Private Parent Loan. In addition to the competitive interest rates, you can take advantage of excellent terms and repayment periods. The other benefit for parents who opt for private loans is that they can choose to finance as much or as little of their child’s education as they want. It’s not an all or nothing proposition. Additionally, it’s fast and straightforward to apply online, and you’ll get a response quickly. Mothers and fathers pay for college in all kinds of ways, but Private Parent Loans are probably the most economical and effective strategy of all.

Weddings and Grandchildren

More couples are paying for their own weddings these days, but moms and dads still do their share of contributing something to the total bill. In some situations, a parent will cover the entire cost, which can reach five figures even for modest celebrations. When grandchildren come along, the proud grandparents often create college funds for the new arrivals or commit to helping with future college costs. There’s no denying that the financial responsibilities of being a parent never really end.