A recent debate about whether prioritizing a career or having children is more financially beneficial has prompted a detailed analysis of the costs associated with raising children compared to potential career earnings and savings. Two employees from Fontanka conducted independent calculations to estimate the expenses related to raising children, revealing varying figures based on their individual circumstances.
One employee, a single mother, estimated spending approximately 6 million rubles over 18 years, averaging 27,700 rubles per month. In contrast, a father of four calculated his monthly expenses at 22,000 rubles per child, benefiting from economies of scale and state benefits available to large families.
State support for low-income families with children averages 17,201 rubles per month nationally, with figures slightly higher in cities like St. Petersburg (18,749 rubles) and Moscow (20,663 rubles). These benefits aim to ensure a minimum acceptable standard of living, covering essential needs like food, clothing, school supplies, and utilities. However, they do not include expenses such as entertainment or higher education.
To illustrate the potential financial burden of raising a child, consider the costs associated with providing a comfortable upbringing, including higher education and a down payment on an apartment. Assuming double the state-provided minimum, plus additional expenses, the total cost could exceed 10 million rubles per child.
Comparing two hypothetical life paths—one focused on a stable career with a family and the other on an ambitious, childless career—reveals the long-term financial implications of each choice. A steady engineer with a child might rely on their offspring for financial support in retirement, while an ambitious executive could accumulate significant savings and pension benefits.
An alternative scenario involves investing the money saved by not having children into a savings account. Over 18 years, this could accumulate to 12.3 million rubles, potentially growing to 41.7 million rubles by retirement age, generating a substantial monthly income.
Ultimately, the decision between prioritizing a career and having children depends on individual values and priorities. While financial calculations can provide insights into the potential costs and benefits, factors such as personal fulfillment, family connections, and the unpredictable nature of life play a significant role in making this choice. The article concludes that there is no guaranteed successful formula for either approach, emphasizing the importance of considering both financial and non-financial aspects.