[quote=Panderso]Really? My understanding was that daycare/preschool is $10k to $15k a year, is that about right? I’m early on in the research process.[/quote]
That seems about right – for one child. If you have two – there’s no bulk discount. It’s like paying college tuition. FWIW – I have known many women (MDs, lawyers, etc.) who were sure they’d be ok with leaving their child at daycare or with a nanny, only to find that it was a completely different decision once the child(ren) came along. Some were OK, but some weren’t (in a big way). It’s a deep dark secret, especially among those who put a lot of time and $ into preparing for their careers. Babies mess with your brain – even if you’re sure they won’t.
When buying a house, if you and your husband can leave yourselves some room to work that issue out (i.e. have a budget that leaves the possibility for one of you take some time off) you will avoid the feeling of having your back against the wall and you will both be happier. If, when the time comes, you find that you have a child care solution that works well for you, you’ll be able to put some extra cash away for college – which comes at you much faster than you will ever imagine.
