How much money do you realistically need for 3-4 children?

[ABabyPanda]

Hello, I’m due DC3 and thinking of possibly a fourth at some point. I love having a family, I’m an only child so it’s completely uncharted territory and I really love being a parent!

I also work full time, I don’t think going part time is an option (again I’m getting the sinking feeling that’s not a good idea with more than 2 kids - feels selfish as most with large families have a SAHP). I want to progress my career & I’m doing fairly well at the moment.

I had the realisation the other day about how much it will cost when they are older. For now it’s fine, lots of hand me downs / second hand stuff, we have four bedrooms so enough space, the kids don’t want for anything. I worry they are too spoilt.

But then I got thinking - shit - school dinners? £10 a week, £40 a month for one child. That’s going to be £120 a month on school dinners with three children! I also thought regarding teenage things like driving lessons (so so expensive) - how will we afford to put three kids through that never mind four. University isn’t my main issue as there are loans & my kids may not even go - myself & their dad didn’t. They both have savings accounts which have around £60 per month added (2 grandparents + myself) so that’s something for when they are 18 but still, I want to be able to afford to help them.

How much do you earn as a family with 3/4 children? I don’t know why all of a sudden I’m getting scared but I think it’s because it’s now (nearly) a reality! Probably should have thought of this before...

For context, I earn 30k and my husband nearly 50k so we definitely aren’t low income but also aren’t rich.

It’s not just the expense with teenagers, it’s them needing you emotionally although expense is a big factor as they get older, even just basic things like clothes suddenly have VAT added onto them etc.

I have 4 soon to be 5

We survive on half your wage and manage

I don't save for my children's future
But I will help them when there older
Currently saving into a fund for my own future which is important to !
My husband works i stay at home

You can easily afford it and make any adjustments where needed

@BackforGood yeah, it is choice, you’re right. I also paid for my own, didn’t do extra curricular activities etc but I guess I want to give them everything & I cant, it’s not possible! Dreading 3 teenage boys with food now

@wozzerree wow that’s so expensive. We are very lucky to have family support + my husbands shifts which mean we don’t need much during the week.

@Sewsosew very true again, I think I’m underestimating time too. I do drive - we are making do with squeezing in the infant seat at the moment but when he moves to the bigger toddler seat we’ve no chance so need a new car.

@Mother2princess yes, I think it’s doable but not sure how much we would want to stretch. Having heard what everyone has said, I think it’s very personal and the choices you make or are willing to make. I bet having 5 is lovely and crazy at the same time!

Thanks for everyone’s input

3 kids - currently pregnant - 30k combined income between me and my DH. You learn to live within your means.

OP I know you don't want to think about university but you should - if any of your children go they won't get a big loan due to your earnings, and you will be expected to make up the difference (and that is without all the other stuff people end up paying for e.g rent contributions etc) so you should consider what happens if any of them do want to go (especially if they are overlapping in terms of years there) it's an expensive business so you should have a plan