When were your children most expensive?

[RoamingToaster]

I’ve noticed some people saying children are more expensive as they get older. Is that true for you? I’ve paid for nursery which is a lot so I’m hoping it’s not for me 😂. I’m curious what everyone’s experience has been.

I definitly agree that some costs on here arre laughable. Tusually from the damepeople who cant admit that £100k is an extremely high salary (and that are just very good at spending it all!)

Do parents need to fund university? What about student loans?

Lacking knowledge on this subject so please enlighten me.

Its been explained several times.. loans are based on parents income with the expectation that parents cover the difference between minimum and maximum.

Just to add everyone gets the same tuition fee loan regardless of income. Its the maintenance loan that varies. The full maintenance loan is about 10k for households with less than 25k. Then it reduces bit by bit when over 25k.

@Hyssops in England the maintenance loan is means tested, so the higher the parental income (of the parent/s/partner) of the household where student lives the lower the amount of loan given. Doesn’t have to be that high income for the amount to be reduced. Also doesn’t take into account your costs. There is a minimum amount. Also impacted whether in London or student living at home. The minimum amount will not cover accommodation costs (and in some areas the maximum loan won’t either). It is very much expected by the Government that parents pay the shortfall of the loan.

Ok. Got it. Thanks

Definitely teens for us. Currently driving lessons, and planning for uni. Plus clothing, shoes have become more expensive as they grow into adult sizes.

£10 for an annual bus pass for students is absolutely amazing!

In our town it's £630 for the same - and it doesn't include August (for some petty stupid reason). We live in an area of high deprivation - I think all deprived areas should give students a bus pass.

Bravo Greater Manchester!

In Scotland, everyone under 22 gets free bus travel. Everyone under 26 gets free orthodontic treatment. And there are no tuition fees for university.

(Plus free prescriptions, dental check ups and eye tests for all)

I know. It's amazing.

England is so expensive 😞

They’re not laughable when the question was simply, “when were your children most expensive?” with the OP asking for posters experience and was was true “for them”. If OP had asked about essential costs, then you would gave a point, but they didn’t, so you don’t.

Comprehension skills are lacking by many on here, or maybe it’s a mentality of some wanting others to struggle like they did/do that is getting in the way?Jealousy? Chips on shoulders? Lack of knowledge about uni loans? I’m not sure what some people’s issues are, because posters are just answering the question asked by OP.

It was the price of your salary so, plus whatever else you bought...food, nappies etc.

University years

Think this thread is a nasty wake up call for those with little kids who grew up in the generous student loan era themselves!

I have been through 0-19 so far. One adult child now, two teens, a primary school age and a baby.

i think the initial financial outlays for the first baby and buying all the equipment when I was young and inexperienced was pretty eye watering however learnt by my mistakes and learned to love second hand things for the others and what items were a waste of money (wet wipe warmer anyone? 🤦🏼‍♀️🤣)

The nursery years were also financially tough as pretty much the majority of my income went on fees even with help with funding.

The teens are expensive as the activities cost more now, eating out is adult prices and portions, the birthday and Christmas presents are about fancier as they no longer want play-doh and Barbie’s 😬

Im dreading uni!!

I supported my son financially through higher education (not fully but a monthly contribution to living costs) which ended up lasting for 8 years as he did a PhD!

Teens for us. My eldest has needed private orthodontist treatment, driving lessons (although they are funding most of that) tools and equipment for college course, gcse tutors, bus fare for college etc.

This is true. I do sometimes wonder though when people say uni/teen years if they are accurately pricing up the early years. So often you see people say “oh I was a SAHM” or “I worked part time so childcare was minimal” overlooking the fact that for these people, it’s the reduction of income that is the indirect cost. I think there is some skepticism around the calculations which make people question it a bit. But yes ultimately the OP has worded it in terms of what it costs for the poster, not generally.

Uni
we also didn’t have nursery fees.
im paying £700 a month for my sons rent (yes he gets all the loans he is entitled to), also driving lessons and occasional clothes shops.
although, ive just given my DD £40k for a flat deposit and have now remortgaged to give my middle one the same as i have no savings left. That’s expensive!

Our nursery was £1200 a month, so much more than you are paying!

But what if they can't afford it?

My parents earned too much for me to get a loan but with 4 other kids at home and a big mortgage, I was on my own at 18.

@Abso that is why many posters on the 'I want another DC' threads always mention uni fees

Nursery years were among the cheapest for me because nursery was free (not in the uk) and they ate their main meal there for free so that reduced spending.

I pay £2k nursery fees per child, and that's before you consider things like food, clothes, toys or holidays. I can't imagine it gets more expensive than that unless they go to boarding school

Nursery fees must be a nightmare , I found teenagers clothes expensive but once purchased they lived in them , after a certain age ‘ labels matter to most teenagers ‘ but makes life easier all round but I didn’t buy designer labels .