Original Post
since it is the year 2008, I was just wondering, How much does it cost to raise a child- from the time of her/his birth, until she/he reaches 18? This doesn't include stupid stuff like: toys,cars,lunch money...etc.. I'm talking about clothes,Food,Education, and the things that should be considered the BASIC/SIMPLE things which hold great importance and value. I am only 19, though I might not need the information, but I just would like to know, because a lot of my friends are getting into relationships and 1 of my friends girlfriend is pregnant and they are only in their 20's, thus he only makes 11-12 bucks an hour! the last time I wondered about this kinda issue on "how much it costs to raise a child", the total cost yearly was "$17,000-$20,000", but that was with me going to super wal-mart and other cheap places I could find! so if any of you would be so kind as to give me some ideas,links,advice, or anything that could and would me with this question, I'd really appreciate it. Thank you. ps: btw, my friend is/has been having a nervous breakdown for 2 weeks and he's against abortion(so is his girlfriend and so am I).