So much it costs to become a parent
Even the time before the child has come to the world is associated with some large costs. Larger purchases such as stroller and car protection can be good to have done before birth. Even bed, clothing, hygiene items and much more want most people in place before the child arrives.
When the Consumer Agency counts on the cost of the « Equipment » category – which includes everything from pacifiers, blankets and sheets to carriage and changing tables – the bill lands at just over SEK 22,000.
A trolley costs SEK 7,864 in the example and a baby cover for the car SEK 2,624, but a quick googling shows that it can easily be significantly more expensive than that for someone who wants the latest models.
– We have assumed that everything is purchased new in stores, and that it is neither the most expensive nor the cheapest in each category, says the Consumer Agency’s investigator Kristina Difs, who has worked with the compilation.
But everything does not need to be bought new. A review of the second -hand market for strollers that Blocket has made shows that several of the most popular models can be purchased for 50-60 percent of the new price. The same goes for baby shelters and car seats.
– But be sure to check the condition. Just for car seats, it is very important that it should not have been involved in any accident or similar, so read in advance so that you can ensure that it is in good condition, says Kitty Ehn, communications manager at Blocket.
For those who drive a car rarely, it can feel unnecessary to spend thousands of dollars on car protection. An alternative may then be to rent. There are also many municipalities that lend car child protection for free or for a smaller fee for those who only need protection temporarily.
Stefan Westberg, private economist At Länsförsäkringar, notes that it is expensive with children. Especially the first time.
– I think most people who know that they will soon have a small knee in their lap thinks about things other than that it will cost money, but the costs are still a reality and it can be quite large sums, he says.
According to the Consumer Agency’s calculations, the first year is most expensive. The first major expenses together with all running costs will be just over SEK 32,000, or about SEK 2,700 if you knock it out per month, according to the authority.
If you count the reduced income that comes with parental leave in the first year as a cost, it will be a much more juicy note. Parental insurance gives approximately 80 percent of the salary for those who have a salary under the Social Insurance Office’s ceiling of SEK 49,000 a month.
– A good idea is to start putting money away in advance when you know that you should have children, says Madelén Falkenhäll, economist focused on financial health at Swedbank.
Another tip she gives is to test living at the parental benefit level for a month. On the one hand, it provides an understanding of what the budget will look like during parental leave, and on the other, it gives room to save a little extra.
Once parental leave Is over comes the next bang against the economy: the VAB days. The remuneration at VAB is just under 80 percent of the salary up to a ceiling of 7.5 price base amounts, or 36,750. If you earn more you will not receive compensation for the part of the salary that is above the roof.
For two parents with large income differences, it may attract it with lower salary to take care of the vabing to reduce the loss of income, but Stefan Westberg at Länsförsäkringar thinks it is important to try to share equally.
– This applies to both VAB and parental leave. Both parts come with quite large costs in the form of missing pensions and that you have less opportunity for your own savings, he says.
Read more:
So you get extra money when you’re parental
Different income? So parents should think about VAB and leave
