Yes. Anyone who makes the claim that kids are a poor investment, have never had kids. You really can't understand what love is, until you have kids, IMO. Wives, gf's, siblings, parents, friends are all great, but aren't even in the same arena as your own children.
If we are talking about kids as an investment, then I'd say having kids who love you is an essential part of your retirement strategy, and not having loving children is one of the most financially stupid mistakes you can make in the long run. If you live long enough, you'll eventually become feeble enough that you will be at the mercy of your care-givers. In that case it is essential to have children who love you, advocating for your best interests. You can have 100's of millions of dollars and be able to afford the best care in your old-age available, but if you don't have children who check in to see how your doing every now and then, who will make sure that you get that care? What's to stop your nurse from chaining you to your bed, and letting you fester in your own bed sores and feces with nothing to eat but cat food for the last decade of your life?
I agree! I also have three Sons in High School, and after reading that posted article, I've gotta say, we didn't have kids so we could put them on a plow in the farm, or some other type of "investment." (Although there are times when I wish we had that kind of lifestyle like people did in the early 1900's.) Economists... Lol! And $197k to raise one up to age 18?!? I'd love to know how they calculate that! I have three in Football. Shoes are now way over $100, a helmet that actually protects their "noggans" are $400, money for this booster, money for the after game party/meals, etc., And food... Don't even get me started! We spend $250/week and the kids aren't fat. Help!!!! Lol
I second this opinion. Who the fuck treats their children as investment? Of course, there are many who shouldn't have children but that's another story.
You are correct sir. For the most part the E.O.L. and managed care systems are designed to extract as much wealth out of peoples estates., if the person's family does not wish to bear the reasponsibilty of home care. Due to the current mentality that most Baby boomers have people from the "Lost generation" are left to fend for themselves or goto a nursing home. With the current job market and global economic conditions, people spend the vast majority of their time pursuing enough money to make ends meat. The most cost effective way to game the system, I have seen, is to have an elderly person relinquish their wealth to a younger generation inorder to preserve the families capital. So the children that someone raised are in a position to either give up thier career or send their elders to the nursing home. 24 hour care is needed for most people during their twilight years to ensure a safe enviroment and proper nutrition. Akuma