The cost of having or raising a child is often the most considered issue among couples planning to start or grow their family. 

It's not just the shopping trips for prams and cots and nappies - it's the income loss over the months of parental leave and the endless sick days once daycare starts up. 

Plunket estimates a medium-budget cost for raising a child for the first year comes to just under $16,000. That works out to a whole lot of sacrifice. 

LISTEN ABOVE

The cost of having or raising a child is often the most considered issue among couples planning to start or grow their family.&nbsp;
It's not just the shopping trips for prams and cots and nappies - it's the income loss over the months of parental leave and the endless sick days once daycare starts up.&nbsp;
Plunket estimates a medium-budget cost for raising a child for the first year comes to just under $16,000. That works out to a whole lot of sacrifice.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE

The Weekend Collective on Newstalk ZB is an intelligent and fun take on the life you live and what you love. From Barrister to singer to recording artist and concert producer, including performing the national anthem for the All Blacks, you name it, Tim Beveridge has done it. Joined by a range of special expert guests throughout the afternoon, The Weekend Collective will cover off the issues of the week, politics, parenting, finance, wellness and property.

The Weekend Collective on Newstalk ZB is an intelligent and fun take on the life you live and what you love. From Barrister to singer to recording artist and concert producer, including performing the national anthem for the All Blacks, you name it, Tim Beveridge has done it. Joined by a range of special expert guests throughout the afternoon, The Weekend Collective will cover off the issues of the week, politics, parenting, finance, wellness and property.

The Weekend Collective

Stephanie Pow: The real cost of parental leave

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/7b7f2c5c-8ad9-4a6a-8ef5-b4450064187b/transcript