Latest news with #MeenalGoel
India Today
8 hours ago
- Business
- India Today
Rs 45 lakh for raising a child? Why parenting feels like a luxury now
Starting a family is a dream for many young couples in India. But these days, money worries are making that dream feel out of reach for some. Raising a child in urban India now costs almost Rs 45 lakh, making it an expense many young couples simply can't justify. Bengaluru-based startup founder Meenal Goel, broke down the numbers in a LinkedIn post, showing how middle-class parenting is turning into an unaffordable wrote, "Cost of raising a child in India is ~ Rs 45 lakhs! We are scared to have a kid, because we cannot afford it. I recently met a couple who said this, and honestly, they're not wrong." The financial demands during this phase are substantial, requiring careful budgeting and planning. Moreover, these early years set the foundation for future expenses, making it essential to plan further wrote, "So I sat down and did the math. What does it actually cost to raise a child in India in 2025?" She broke it down stage by stage. From birth to preschool, expenses quickly accumulate. Hospital delivery costs range between Rs 1.5 and Rs 2.5 lakhs, while vaccinations can add another Rs 30,000 to Rs 50, items such as baby gear, food, and diapers account for approximately Rs 3 lakhs. Additionally, the cost of playschool and daycare can be around Rs 2.5 lakhs, bringing the total to Rs 7–8 lakhs by the time the child reaches school further wrote that the school years, from ages 6 to 17, represent a significant portion of the financial commitment. School fees alone can amount to Rs 12 lakhs. Extra tuition and coaching could add Rs 3 lakh. Gadgets, uniforms, books, and activities take up another Rs 2 lakh, bringing this phase to about Rs 17 doesn't end there. Higher education costs are rising too. College can take another Rs 13 lakh if you add up private college fees, hostel stay, food and other living all this up and the price of raising just one child lands between Rs 38–45 lakh, writes Goel. "Finance is a real fear when it comes to family planning. Are you also planning to have a kid in 2025 and feeling the money pressure?" Goel pointed simply, the rising cost of living, expensive schooling and high healthcare expenses are making young couples think twice. Some are postponing or rethinking parenthood starting a family is a personal choice, money has become a big deciding factor. With expenses only set to rise, smart saving and planning ahead could ease the strain for future parents.- Ends
India.com
9 hours ago
- Business
- India.com
Rs 45 lakh Just To Raise A Child? Why Young Couples Are Rethinking Parenthood
New Delhi: Having kids isn't just an emotional decision anymore, it's a financial one too. The cost of raising a child in India has now touched Rs 45 lakh and many parents are starting to feel the pressure. From school fees and healthcare to daily expenses, parenting today is beginning to feel more like a luxury than a given. Bengaluru-based startup founder Meenal Goel shared a post on LinkedIn, breaking down the costs of raising a child and it's eye-opening. Her breakdown shows how even middle-class families are finding parenting harder to afford these days. She wrote, 'The cost of raising a child in India is around Rs 45 lakh! We're scared to have a kid because we just can't afford it.' She recalled meeting a couple who said this and honestly, she agrees. The expenses start piling up right from day one and without proper planning, it can feel overwhelming. That's why budgeting early is more important than ever. Goel further wrote, "So I sat down and did the math. What does it actually cost to raise a child in India in 2025?" She broke it down step by step—starting right from birth. Just the hospital delivery can cost anywhere between Rs 1.5 to Rs 2.5 lakh and vaccinations alone can add another Rs 30,000 to Rs 50,000. Even before preschool begins, the bills start stacking up. Must-have baby items like diapers, food, and gear can easily cost around Rs 3 lakh. Add playschool and daycare expenses roughly another Rs 2.5 lakh and you're already looking at a total of Rs 7–8 lakh by the time your child is ready for school. She also pointed out that the school years from age 6 to 17 are one of the costliest phases. Just the school fees can add up to Rs 12 lakh. Throw in extra tuition, coaching classes, gadgets, uniforms, books, and activities, and the total reaches around Rs 17 lakh. And that's still not the end. Higher education is another big expense. With private college fees, hostel charges, food, and daily living costs, college alone can set parents back by another Rs 13 lakh. When you add it all up, the cost of raising just one child comes to around Rs 38–45 lakh, Goel writes. 'Finance is a real fear when it comes to family planning. Are you also planning to have a kid in 2025 and feeling the money pressure?' she asked. With the rising cost of living, pricey schools and soaring healthcare bills, many young couples are starting to rethink parenthood. Some are even putting their plans on hold entirely. Starting a family is a deeply personal decision but these days money plays a big role in that choice. With costs only expected to go up, planning ahead and saving smartly can help take some of the pressure off for future parents.
