Originally Posted by dolebludger,Jan 10 2007, 10:21 PM

Well, I had three kids who are now grown and gone. It cost me about $1/2 million each to raise each of them through college, all costs counted. Not that I wouldn't do it again, but for that money, I could have a new Buggatti in my garage with change left over. Or an airplane or something.

My wife has been "revenue positive" as she has brought in more money than she has spent. The way to do it is to be a "DINK." This means "Dual Income No Kids." These are the people with the money these days.

This does not mean "don't have kids", as mine have been a real joy, and are now professional adults with six figure salaries. And, yes, I proudly take some credit for putting them in that position. But it does mean that all should know that the decission to have kids is a VERY expensive one. Not saying that it is not worth it, but it is a VERY expensive proposition nonetheless. Prospective parents should simply know that there are HUGE responsibilities.

But now that my kids are grown and gone, I must admit that it is nice to enjoy sports cars like my S 2000, True luxury travel, an upgraded home, leisure, and the like. And I can understand the choice of those who wish to just skip the "kid responsibilities" and go right to these things. It's a choice you can only make for yourself.

And yes, an S 2000 is a whole lot less problems than a kid. My S has never gotten me up in the night crying. I don't have to change its messy diaper. It never gets into a fight at school. It never comes home after a party drunk (though its owner sometimes does.) It never wrecks itself, and does not require higher education. Indeed, mine never "gets sick" and requires "medical attention." Cost wise, it's pretty well been the intitial cost plus ordinary maintanence, and that's it.

But on the other hand, My S has never caled me over to a housewarming party for the 4000 sq. ft. house it just bought, and introduced me to all its friends while telling them that I made it all possible. My S has never presented me with a "baby S" for me to play with that called me "grandpa" or "po po" or the like. My S has never told me about the condo in Durango it just bought, and told me that I can use it any time I want.

As you can tell, it has been a number of years since I raised my three kids for "only" $1/2 million each, and the cost is much higher now. Damn, I don't know if I could do it at todays's costs. It's a damn shame that so many of us can't really afford kids and raise them right today. So, I'm happy that there are S 2000s and other things to hold our interests instead, that are much more affordable. Perhaps those idiots who preach "family values" will wake up and realize that truly promoting family values is going to cost the government some real money -- or perhaps they will be voted out of office (thank God!)

Until then, enjoy your S 2000.

Originally Posted by dyhppy,Jan 11 2007, 03:01 AM

i'd rather save my pet