How much does it actually cost to have a baby? On today's episode Rachel Maksimovic, solo mum and co-host of her own podcast Mothering on my Own shares how much it has cost her. As we enter our late 20s, we have started to feel a societal pressure to consider whether or not we want to have kids. With more people getting married and moving onto the "next step" of starting a family, we always thought that having a baby was the norm. But the more conversations we have, the more we realise that having a baby is a financial luxury (in fact, more than 50% of Australians have reported this). Five years on from having her son Lenny, Rach shares with us how she's navigated the financial challenges that have arisen with solo parenting, and how she's been able to lean on her community to save money and support others, all by having more open and honest conversations. But the conversation doesn't end here... Parents, we want your thoughts! How much has it cost you to have a baby?What have been the most unexpected expense?Have you experienced raising a child on your own? Do you have any 'singles' tax stories? Send your thoughts to these questions, or anything else from our chat to [email protected] for our brand new newsletter. And don't forget to subscribe whilst you're at it! Landing in your inbox each Monday. Keep track of Sophie and Maddy between the episodes on Instagram, or on TikTok, and come and be part of the conversation on Facebook with our You’re In Good Company Discussion Group. This episode is brought to you by Up, the digital bank for our generation. Download and sign up to Up and use the code YIGC and they’ll deposit $10 into your bank accounts. That’s Up, easy money. T&Cs @ up.com.au/terms. ***** In the spirit of reconciliation, Equity Mates Media and the hosts of You’re In Good Company acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people today.  ***** You’re In Good Company is a product of Equity Mates Media.  This podcast is intended for education and entertainment purposes. Any advice is general advice only, and has not taken into account your personal financial circumstances, needs or objectives.  Before acting on general advice, you should consider if it is relevant to your needs and read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement. And if you are unsure, please speak to a financial professional.  Equity Mates Media operates under Australian Financial Services Licence 540697. You’re In Good Company is part of the Acast Creator Network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.