Two Kids in Daycare - How Did/Do You Afford It???

[SharonZ]

No, don't cut RootSports!!!!!

 

[bigbabyblues]

We didn't. DH worked during the day, and I worked part time in the evenings at a hospital. He got home around 4:00, I went to work at 4:30 or 5:00 and worked until 10:00 or 11:00. It wasn't ideal, but we didn't want to pay for daycare. When he changed jobs (completely, he went from being an engineer to a paramedic), he worked 2 24 hour shifts a week and I took those days off.

 

[LoveBWVVBR]

Mine are out of the daycare age right now, but we went through about 5 years of paying for extended day preschool (not quite daycare, 8-2:30). It was around $650 a month for 1 kid, closer to a grand for 2 (the second one went to a less-expensive church program). I'm self-employed, but working with a toddler underfoot wasn't a possibility. In those years, I just didn't contribute to the 529 plans. We went on fewer vacations, none requiring air travel. We didn't eat out much (although we still don't)...no Starbucks either. Now in the summer when I pay for camps I feel the pain again. I have to suspend saving for everything for those 3 months to be honest.

My sister is out close to 5K a month for 2 in infant/toddler care at a full-time daycare. Honestly, I don't remember the last time she took a vacation, they drove older beater cars until last year, they don't eat out much, and I'm guessing she doesn't do a 529 although I could be wrong on that. Quality childcare is painfully expensive.