Dear Chuck,

My husband and I are 28. We would love to start a family, but I don’t know how we can afford it, even with both of us working. Do you have a financial plan for starting a family? 

Yearning for Children

Dear Yearning for Children, 

Thank you for your question and desire to begin a family. In short, yes, you and your husband can and should make plans to start a family! 

We are in a trend of what I call “delayed marriages/delayed families.” The formation of a traditional nuclear family is at an all-time low in American history. I read a few years ago that the American family of the future will likely be “1.8 children and 2 pets.” I hope you will help reverse that trend. Let’s address the common reasons why fewer young people are having large families. 

Population Fears 

Just this week, Dr. Paul R. Ehrlich, author of the book The Population Bomb, passed away at age 93. His bestselling book of the ‘70s was filled with doom-and-gloom predictions of mass starvation due to overpopulation. I found his work nothing more than disgusting, unsubstantiated fear-mongering. The world is not overpopulated—not even close. That is a lie against God and a distortion of the scientific facts. One tongue-in-cheek but appropriate comment to his obituary read: 

“Dr. Paul R. Ehrlich is survived by 8,300,678,394 people (134% increase from 1968), with a daily worldwide average calorie intake of 2,800 kcal (a 22% increase).”

Financial Fears 

Born on an Indian reservation, my grandmother’s crib was a vacant dresser drawer. They had very little money, but God provided. My wife’s parents had five children in a two-bedroom, one-bath house. This was normal in our generation. But not today. 

Many fear the expense of raising children. The truth is, Satan hates families and will do everything in his power to prevent or destroy them. Today’s “needs” were yesterday’s luxuries that many cannot imagine doing without. Yet they come with a cost that is shrinking families and decreasing fertility.

Thankfully, there are still couples who are committed to raising children to impact the world for Christ. Two of my nieces have five and six children each. They are stay-at-home moms who refuse to get caught up in the materialism of today’s society. They have chosen a simple, wholesome lifestyle with Christ at the center and are raising a happy crew of kiddos. 

Biblical Perspective 

In Luke 2:24, we read that Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple to honor the Jewish law for newborn boys. They could not afford a lamb to sacrifice, but “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons” was an acceptable offering to fulfill the law. They recognized their financial position and humbly obeyed God’s Word. So should we.

Make a Plan

Accept where you are without comparing yourself to others. Understanding who you are in Christ will give you the confidence to live “contra mundum.” The world will tell you everything you “need” to outfit a nursery, how to dress fashionably during pregnancy, where to take a “babymoon,” the best childcare available, and so on—basically telling you how to spend your money (or max out your credit cards). Many projected costs are higher than necessary for those who are consciously dedicated to living on a conservative budget. 

Financial preparation is important to prevent stress during and after pregnancy. It is achievable by sacrificing for the greater good of a family. Choosing to live modestly does not mean you have to suffer. It simply means setting boundaries and prioritizing spending. Refuse to get too comfortable in this world by focusing on eternity, not on earthly desires. Be creative in finding ways to enjoy living free of financial worry and “keeping up with the Joneses.” The “Joneses”  are probably in debt anyway. 

Things to consider:

• Will both parents work outside the home after children arrive? 
• Can you live on one income now?
• If working, will you have maternity benefits? Can your job become remote?
• Will you need childcare? If so, in or outside the home? 
• Is your family willing to help?

Begin living on one income while using the other to build emergency savings. Pay down high-interest debt, like credit card balances. Create a budget that will enable you to save while simultaneously paying off debt. Be willing to adjust your lifestyle dramatically. This will create margin, especially if housing and vehicle expenses can be reduced. Bump up contributions to your Health Savings Account (HSA) so tax-free dollars can be used for medical expenses. Don’t forget to give first. 

Start buying groceries regularly and cooking at home. Learn to make freezer meals. These will help once a baby actually arrives. Family, friends, and YouTube can provide recipes and cooking lessons. 

Look for free entertainment without the cost of subscriptions and streaming, which add up over time. 

Resist the temptation to hire professional photographers, have elaborate celebrations, or decorate a magazine-worthy nursery. Learn to be content with simplicity and a life free of financial stress. Find like-minded friends with whom you can do life. 

Sell what you don’t need. Limit time on social media to avoid impulse spending or the desire for perceived needs. Save, get good health insurance, and write a will.

If you believe people will offer to have a baby shower for you, begin making a list of true essentials. Don’t spend any money until absolutely necessary. Instead, ask God to provide. If and when things are needed, you can borrow from family or friends or shop Facebook Marketplace and thrift stores. Don’t rob yourself of the joy of having your prayers answered by impatiently getting ahead of God. 

Reject the nonsense found in The Population Bomb, and renew your mind on God’s truth: 

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.
 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. 

Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them!
He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.

Psalm 127:3–5 ESV

Further Reading 

Can You Afford Your Kids?

Children Are a Blessing… And an Investment

Crown has many biblically based, practical, and empowering courses and studies that can help you find freedom in your finances and career. Learn how to be a faithful financial steward of the resources God provides.

This article was originally published on The Christian Post on March 20, 2026.