The Path to Parenthood: Planning for One of Life’s Most Meaningful Journeys

By Stacey Chin, CFP®, ChFC®

At Treehouse Wealth, we know there’s nothing quite like the dream of becoming a parent. It’s emotional, it’s life-changing—and yes, it’s often one of the biggest financial journeys you’ll ever take. Whether you’re preparing for pregnancy, thinking about adoption, or exploring surrogacy or fostering, we’re here to remind you: you don’t have to walk this path alone.

We believe preparing for parenthood is about so much more than picking out the perfect crib or reading up on baby sleep schedules (though those things are important too!). It’s about building a plan that gives you the confidence to say “yes” to your future family—on your terms, in your time.

Redefining Parenthood

Parenthood today doesn’t come in one shape or size—it comes in beautiful, diverse forms. Some women become moms through pregnancy, while others become parents through surrogacy, adoption, or fostering. Some co-parent, some fly solo, and others embrace a blended family or step into the role of caregiver for a loved one’s child. However your story unfolds, it’s deeply personal—and we honor that.

With so many paths available, it’s no wonder the emotional, physical, and financial considerations can feel overwhelming. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to figure it out alone. With the right planning partner by your side, you can build a future that supports your unique version of family, with both love and financial security.

Starting Families Later—and Smarter

More and more women are choosing to start families later in life—and that’s something worth celebrating. The average age of first-time moms in the U.S. reached 30 in 2022, the highest it’s ever been. Whether it’s about building a career, finding the right partner, or simply feeling more emotionally and financially ready, waiting can be the right choice.

But with that decision often comes added complexity. Fertility treatments may become part of the journey. You might find yourself planning for daycare and college at the same time you’re thinking about retirement. That’s why thoughtful, proactive financial planning is so important—it allows you to embrace this next chapter with joy and confidence.

The Cost of Raising a Child

Each path to parenthood brings its own joys—and its own costs. Let’s zoom out for a moment. As of 2024, the average cost of raising a child from birth through age 18 in the U.S. has risen to more than $310,000¹, which doesn’t even include college! From everyday needs like food and clothing to childcare, education, and medical care, it adds up quickly.

But here’s what we don’t always talk about: the cost of becoming a parent starts long before your little one arrives. That path looks different for everyone, which makes financial planning so essential, especially as you think about how to make this dream a reality in a way that reflects your life, values, and family vision.

Natural conception might start with standard prenatal and delivery expenses, which, depending on where you live and what your insurance covers, can range from $10,000 to $20,000 or more. For others, fertility treatments like IUI or IVF become part of the story, and a single round of IVF can cost $15,000 to $30,000.² If you’re considering egg or embryo freezing, you may spend $7,000 to $15,000 upfront, plus annual storage fees.

Adoption brings legal, travel, and agency fees that typically range from $20,000 to $75,000³, depending on whether the adoption is domestic or international. Fostering may be more affordable upfront, but it still comes with emotional and legal preparation. And surrogacy, one of the most involved options, often exceeds $100,000⁴ once you account for medical care, legal contracts, and compensation.

And those costs are just the beginning. Delivery and postnatal care bring additional layers of expense. The average total cost of prenatal care, delivery, and postpartum care in the United States is around $18,865.⁵ Depending on complications, hospital preferences, or delivery type, that number can climb quickly. It’s why understanding your health insurance—and building a financial cushion—is so important from the start.

The Realities of Parenthood

But it doesn’t end there. Parenthood affects everything—from your job and housing to your insurance coverage and emotional well-being. Will you or your partner take time off work? Is there paid family leave? Are you already on a daycare waitlist? In some cities, full-time childcare costs rival a college tuition bill. Maybe you’re thinking about moving closer to family or upgrading your home to make space. These choices have financial implications and are all part of the bigger picture.

And then there’s the emotional side. Parenthood is beautiful and messy, thrilling and exhausting. It challenges your identity, your relationships, and your routines. We’ve seen how financial stress can add to that emotional weight, and a clear plan, grounded in your personal values, can lift some of that burden and help you feel more grounded in your choices.

How Financial Planning Supports Your Parenthood Journey

At Treehouse Wealth, we know that growing your family is about more than diapers and daycare—it’s about building a stable, supportive foundation for the life you’re creating. Financial planning gives you the tools to navigate this journey with intention, helping you protect what matters most and prepare for the future with clarity. Here are three key areas where planning shines:

Insurance Planning

As your family grows, your coverage should grow with it. Life, health, and disability insurance all play a role in protecting the people you love. Life insurance ensures that your loved ones are financially protected in the event of an unexpected loss, while disability insurance helps cover income gaps if you cannot work due to illness or injury. We’ll help you assess what you have, what you may need, and how to align your coverage with your long-term goals.

Legal Considerations

Welcoming a child, through any path, makes estate planning more important than ever. A will and trust can ensure that your wishes are honored and your assets are distributed in a way that reflects your values. Equally important is naming a guardian for your child, along with healthcare and financial powers of attorney to protect you and your family if something unexpected happens. These are not easy decisions, but they are essential ones—and we’ll walk through them with you, step by step.

Education Planning

It may seem early to think about college, but the earlier you start, the better positioned you’ll be. From 529 plans to custodial accounts to flexible savings strategies, we help parents explore options and design an education savings plan that fits their family’s needs. Whether your goal is to fully fund tuition or provide a head start, a solid plan can make that goal a reality.

Your Vision. Your Family. Your Plan.

Every path to parenthood is personal, and your financial plan should be, too. At Treehouse Wealth, we’re honored to support you through life’s most meaningful transitions. Whether you’re just beginning to dream about starting a family or already on the journey, we’re here to guide you with care, clarity, and enthusiasm—every step of the way.