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[quote=Anonymous]
Why would that change anything? The conventional wisdom in fact is that if you want to save money, [i]get married young[/i]. But sure, let's dissect this real quick.

[u]Things that wouldn't change if I got married and had kids:[/u]
- Would still eat 99% home-cooked food and generic brands.
- Would still not buy alcohol.
[b]- If my old car doesn't last then I'll buy a used car and use it the same way [/b]  With what savings will you be buying this used "new to you" vehicle?  You have hospital expenses, daycare expenses, and others to plan for. 
- Same cheap $20/month phone plan
- Would still not pay for TV/cable.
[b]- Would still hopefully have a job that pays all health and dental insurance for family.[/b]  No, most employers will cover the individual only at 100% (if you are lucky) and the family or additional dependents are an added monthly out of pocket expense.  This can cost as much as daycare alone- it does at my firm.

[u]Things that would improve if I got married:[/u]
[b]- Giant standard deduction from taxable income[/b]  It is not as "Giant" as you think - especially not in relation to the amount of expenses you have going out for children.
[b]- Tax credit for each kid I have[/b] See prior response.
- Tax-deductible contributions to a joint retirement savings account. [b]
- If we buy and sell a home together, we don't have to pay taxes on the profit as long as it's not more than $500,000[/b]  True but this is a HUGE assertion.  Again, when you DO buy a house, if you can afford it, exactly what amount of mortgage do you think you will qualify for on your income??  Let alone one that will appreciate and leave you with a profit.  
[b]- Could probably combine car insurance policies and get a discount.[/b]  Bahahaha... yeah... I get a discount for going to grad school, having a great record, and being married.  My total savings is so miniscule it's not even funny.

[u]Things that would suck if I got married and had kids[/u]
- Having to pay more on living expenses, such as rent or mortgage, because I only have the DH's income to split it with as opposed to 4 roommates and plus I'd have to choose a slightly nicer apartment to make room for kid(s).
[b]- Costs having a child. This is really the only major expense problem. So you start paying right from prenatal care to the actual birth in the hospital, then you lose income even on maternity leave, the clothes and car seat and baby food, etc. Plus I may need to start putting down at least $800 a month for the college fund.[/b]  With your additional expenses including healthcare, childcare (have you even looked into this??), etc, you will be lucky to make monthly contributions to a college fund.

In any case that baby had better get good grades and wrangle some scholarship money! Public school and public university or I'm not paying. I went to public schools and it turned out great for me.

With my lifestyle habits and two incomes, why the hell can't I raise a child and still live well with my class/income level?

Good night for now!
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