Big families, low to average income, not council housing - is it really doable?

[lunavix]

I don't ever anticipate being part of a big earning household (don't really anticipate ever hitting over £50k jointly tbh). And never been a council/HA tenant so would always private rent/buy if that was ever an option.

So, big families possible? Anyone got their tale to tell?

Sorry, DH put his foot down at 2 DC cause of our low income... although i don't think we're doing too badly and would love more (children rather than money that is

I have 2 dd's - 2 yo and 3 mo and I want a 3rd.

At the moment our joint income is around £30k because Im on maternity leave and will only go back to 10 hours a week.

We manage. Its a struggle and I dont get to spend money on myself but we dont go without IYSWIM.

I love having children and dont care that we dont get a holiday or posh clothes. I want a 3rd and dont worry that it will be more of a stretch as you do adapt to it very quickly.

Yes it would be possible IMO if you still have all the baby things you have the major out lay.
The big considerations are childcare the more you have the more difficult logistics will but also massive costs if you have more than two in full time childcare you would be better staying at home.
Car will there be space will you need to get a new one and can you afford this extra cost?

Housing well if you don't mind children sharing that doesn't have to an extra cost.

It's really all down to what type of changing your willing to make in your life.

I have no one to look after dc so I am a SAHM. Dp is on a graduate training course but atm is only earning 15,000 that will more than double but right now it can be a bit of a struggle.

However we manage perfectly fine we have bought a average 3 bed house for my area, I have two dc and we hope to have a third. We just made sure all loans, cc, od were clear and watch the pennies.

I am going to go back and finish my university course when the dc are in school so we had them quite close, Which means when the dc are older we will have Quite a lot of money because dp's wage will be more than doubled and I will start earning. But atm when dc are young money is not so important to them and my dc have the same as most other families.

But it does mean me and dp sacrifice a lot we don't go out, no holidays abroad, we don't get new clothes for ourselves much. So it does need to be a joint decision and takes a lot of thinking.

Thanks everyone for the replies.

Am actually a single mum atm just thinking about the future! As I have two dc, and would love another two. Was wondering how realistic this is, obviously as it's a factor to consider when meeting a new partner.

Wouldn't have any debts (hopefully), don't drive, and I'll be in my third year of university September so would have finished if it ever happened anyways. I'm also a registered childminder so can work from home, and the qualification uni will give me can give family friendly hours too.

I figured no holidays abroad would be a big thing, sharing bedrooms, etc. Just was wondering how other people saw it!

If you are a childminder I don't think you will have to many problems as you will be able to continue working while the baby is young. Hope it all works out for you.

It depends where you are living. We are living on the outskirts of london. Unfortunately we simply cannot afford a second child.

I cannot afford to stay at home financially and childcare costs for one child is around 1000 per month. With one child in childcare I take home about 200 pounds a month.

So there is NO WAY we can afford two children. (( I am very sad about it as I always wanted a bigger family.

We bought our house (very small terraced house with a reasonable mortgage). We have one car which we use only weekends. No holidays, clothes from Primark/Tesco, No dinners, no cinemas etc.

But at least we have one helathy child. I am 40 years old and very grateful for that.

We bought a house in '97, which is the key I think. We have 4 children and a joint income, which doesn't qualify for tax credits.

We are needing a bigger house though, but the cost of moving will serious impact on our disposable income.
Tbh I have no idea how anyone affords to move anywhere at the minute.