The cost of... vacations? :D
The idea came from a comment to a post in another comm on another site.
If you're starting to feel a bit left out and left behind as your peers around you do the married-with-kids thing, and you don't want to have kids but the sense of isolation increases, a trick for dealing with that was brought up.
Find out how much money on average you would spend on a weekly or bi-monthly or monthly basis (depending on your paychecks) and try to put that amount aside into a savings account.
All prices quoted are in USD.
List taken from here. Lowest prices were kept, some things I considered extras removed.
Crib with mattress- $160 Crib bedding set- $35 Crib blankets (4-6)- $8 each ($48) Fitted crib sheets (2)- $8 each ($16) Water-proof mattress cover- $10 Bassinet or cradle- $35 Changing table- $70 Changing pad & cover- $25 Dresser- $90 Rocker or glider- $90 Car seat- $35 Stroller or travel system- $30 Playpen or porta-crib- $60 Swing- $45 Play center or walker- $50 Mobile- $25 Baby carrier or sling- $20 Monitor- $20 Baby gate- $35 Toy box- $25 High chair- $45 Diaper bag- $10 Diaper pail- $20 Thermometer- $10 Bottles 8 oz & 4 oz (8-10)- $10 (3 pack) or $20 (starter set) Bottle warmer- $18 Sterilizer- $30 Breast pump & accessories- $45 Bath tub or seat- $15 Wipes (a lot)- $4-$5 (pack) Clothes for first year- $500 Diapers for one month- $100
That's not even including formula and food. Figure in the food and the wipes and diapers for a regular fee, and add in other extras from the list as you go.
Take that money out of your paycheck and put it into savings.
When you have enough, treat yourself to a vacation or a new shiny thing or some home repairs you want to do or anything else.