Data Analysis

Welcome, parents, to the annual Hunger Games of retail: Black Friday. It’s that magical time of year when we’re tempted to trample our neighbors for a half-price TV we don’t need. But for those of us with children, it’s a whole different arena. It’s a mad dash for the shiniest, most-hyped toys, fueled by a potent cocktail of love, obligation, and the fear that you might be the only parent on the block who didn’t snag that unicorn-that-poops-glitter. ...

If you’ve ever read a headline about the cost of raising a child, you’ve likely been met with a dizzying number. Figures often soar past $300,000, enough to make anyone reconsider starting a family. But what if this number is a myth, built on a flawed premise? The truth is, children are not inherently as expensive as we’re led to believe. The staggering totals often cited are not a reflection of a child’s basic needs, but of a specific, high-cost lifestyle—one that is largely optional. When we look at data from around the world and break down spending into “mandatory” versus “optional,” a much more affordable and optimistic picture emerges. ...