Introduction

    Preparing to become a parent can be a stressful time of your life.  One of the big considerations in having a child is dealing with finances.  How much does it really cost to have a child?

Task
    Go to the website listed in the resources and read the information on the financial issues listed.  On paper, respond to the questions listed in the procedure.  When you are completed, you should know a little bit more about what it takes to be financially prepared to bring an infant into your home.

Procedure
    Questions you should be able to answer on the following issues:
        Life Insurance
            How much do I need?
            What is the difference between term life insurance and whole life insurance
        Wills
            Do I need a will?
            What should my will include?
            How do I go about writing a will?
        Taxes
            How will a child affect my income tax?
        Daycare
            What should I look for in a daycare?
            How much do I need to earn for it to be cost effective to place my child in daycare?
        Totals
            So how much does it really cost to have a child?
            How much do most people spend the first year?

Resources

Baby Finances
http://www.babycenter.com/refcap/baby/babyfinance/486.html

Evaluation
    You will be graded on how completely you answer the questions listed in the task.  You will also need to be prepared to address any of these issues on a test.

Conclusion
    So-- After reading the information, how soon do you think you will be ready to financially support a child.  Just being more knowledgeable about the needs of a child and the changes they make in your life will help you prepare.  Regardless of the cost, it is the American dream for many people to have a child and that child will likely give meaning to their life that they would not otherwise have.