5 Signs You Are Ready To Start A Family!
Ok Millennials, the days of self is coming to end, and it is time to start thinking about the future. When I say future, I am talking about putting together a plan to make sure your legacy lives on. I am talking about Family! Yes, that means husband, or wife, and kids. Are you ready? Read my signs and find out if you are ready to start a family.
1. You are a financially stable
Ok, whether your position in life will be the man of the house, or the women of the house, you need to have money, and I mean a stable income. No, money is not the root of happiness, but you have to be in a position, that will allow you to cover basic expenses for yourself, the kids, and meet your spouse halfway.
On average groceries are going to cost $300 a month. It could cost more, depending on your family size, but for the most part families usually begin with 3 people. A mortgage will cost about $1500 a month, unless you live in a small rural area. Monthly expenses such as health insurance, utility bills, and gas, will total about $500 a month.
Wait a minute, that is not all. What about daycare expenses, which can cost you $900 a month for an infant. Diapers, and wipes is another $125 a month. Lets not forget the things that keep Millennials looking good and happy, such as visiting hair salons, movies, and date nights, which means add another $200 to your monthly expenses. Also, it will be smart to have extra money, to save for unplanned incidents.
What I’ve mention is just the basics, but if your income is less than the monthly total you are not ready, if you are just meeting the budget, get ready for a struggle, and unhappy life. Your income should exceed this, and most experts say, your mortgage should only take out 25% of your income, so go figure.
2. Your Credit is good.
If you are a Millennial who has no idea about credit, you are not in a position to start a family. Your credit is one of the things that will get you approved for a mortgage, or to rent out someone else property. Moreover, good credit can help you with the purchase of furniture, department store credit cards, and more. I am not saying run out and get 10 different credit cards, but being able to get approve for 1 good card can help you out a lot.
Also, this day in age, some jobs are running credit checks too. So you need to make sure you have a credit score of 625 or better!
3. You are finished with undergrad.
Managing a family as an undergrad could be done, but it is the most hardest thing. Sometimes studying may take more time, which means less attention given to your family. As result, stress level increase, which can begin to effect your grades. In addition, if you have decided to start a family, you are probably working. Now imagine work, family, and school work, can you really balance it all?
4. You are married, or been with your spouse longer than 3 years.
This day in age people are rushing to the altar, but to lower your chances of divorce, I would suggest starting a family with someone you are married to, or have been with each other longer than 3 years. Most of us Millennials don’t think traditional marriage is necessary.
I couldn’t agree more. It is more about true love, then a piece a paper. Yes, the legal stuff is the right way to protect yourself, but if you are in a long term relationship, and know your significant other bad side and good side, you are more than likely ready to commit and start a family. Sometimes putting time in a relationship is more valuable then signing on the dotted line.
5. Ready to put others first.
Once you start a family, it is not about you anymore. You have to think about your spouse and kids before making any final decisions. Many sacrifices are made, such as, missing a football game, or cancelling a spa appointment because of a child’s ballet appointment, or soccer practice. It is not just about you anymore, so if you are not ready to give up your selfishness, you are not ready to start a family.
As Millennials, we tend to do things very spontaneously, and not think about the long-term effect. We face many challenges, with the state of the economy that was given to us, making it difficult for Millennials to start a family, and do it all the traditional way.
As a way to prevent hardship, hopefully you will read this and understand your options. Starting a family is a lifetime decision, so think about it, and figure out if you are really ready to start a family.
