Having Kids
Children reshape your budget, your insurance needs, and your savings priorities. Starting early — especially on college — is the biggest lever you have.
Your checklist
Work through the steps in order. Progress saves in this browser, without an account.
Pre-Baby
6–12 months before
Often $8k–$20k/year — frequently the largest line item after housing.
Map paid leave, FMLA, and any unpaid gap you'll self-fund.
A new dependent raises how much coverage you need.
Decide who raises your child if you can't.
Model the leave period before it arrives.
Tool: Budget Analyzer
Birth & First Year
0–12 months
Usually a 30-day enrollment window after birth.
Needed for the tax credit and a 529 plan.
Even $100/month started now compounds powerfully.
Tool: College PlannerA new child changes your credits and withholding.
Growing Up
School age and beyond
Steady monthly contributions beat lump-sum guesses.
Tool: College PlannerCompare after-tax income against childcare costs as they change.
You can borrow for college; you can't borrow for retirement.
Tool: Retirement Planner