No one ever said raising children would be easy— or cheap. In fact, parenting is one of the most expensive ventures you'll undertake. This invaluable new resource shows you how to plan for— and meet— the financial challenges of parenting. Included are helpful tips and advice, as well as useful worksheets and practical strategies.

"How Can I Ever Afford Children? is a must read for every parent. This is the most comprehensive guide to financ planning for raising children I have seen. Barbara Hetzer has created an invaluable, practical guide to planning for children from conception through college graduation." — Ellen Rogin, CPA, CFP President, Strategic Financial Designs Inc.

"Barbara has put together an excellent summary of the financial costs a parent needs to know (and are probably too afraid to ask about). I hope to make it required reading for all of my clients with children." — Douglas Mollin, CFP President, ProPlan Financial Services.

"This book is a great guide for the perplexed parent who wants to know the bottom line on everything from pre-conception to graduate school. Here are the ABCs of what it actually costs to have a child. At last, the financial facts are spelled out in detail to help parents every step of the way." — Linda Barbanel, CSW author, Piggy Bank to Credit Card: Teach Your Child the Financial Facts of Life.

"A wonderful guidebook to help parents anticipate the strategies they need to make the child-rearing years more joyful and less stressful financially. Beyond the financial strategies, How Can I Ever Afford Children? provides sound recommendations for the issues whichneed to be addressed by parents to protect their family's security." — Lydia Sheckels Chief Investment Officer, Vice President Financial Planning Services, Wescott Financial Planning Group, Inc.