The Soaring Cost of Child Care - and How to Prepare for Your Child’s Future
Child care costs are straining family budgets. Plan ahead to ensure you can still save for their future.
By the UNest team · 2 min read
Child care is now one of the biggest expenses families face.
According to a recent CNBC report, the average annual cost of child care in the U.S. is over $11,500 - and in some states, it’s much higher. That’s more than the average cost of in-state public college tuition in many parts of the country.
In Massachusetts, for example, the annual cost of infant care is over $21,000, while states like California, New York, and Connecticut aren’t far behind. Even in lower-cost states, families often spend 10–15% of their income on care for just one child. It’s no wonder so many parents feel overwhelmed.
💡 Why this matters
As parents, we want to provide the best for our kids - but when child care eats up a huge portion of your paycheck, long-term planning often takes a backseat.
That’s where UNest comes in.
🛠️ How UNest helps
UNest makes it simple to start saving and investing for your child’s future - even when things feel financially tight. A UNest UTMA account is a custodial investment account that grows with your child and can be used for a wide range of expenses, not just college.
From preschool fees and extracurriculars to a first car or trade school after graduation, a UNest account offers the flexibility families need in a world where costs are rising fast.
You can start with as little as $25/month. The key is consistency - not perfection.
🌱 Start small. Think long-term.
The best time to start saving for your child was yesterday. The second-best time is today. Automating small, manageable contributions can help you build a cushion for the expenses you know are coming - and the ones you can’t predict.
✅ Take 5 minutes today:
- Open a UNest UTMA account
- Automate a monthly contribution
- Help build a brighter future for your child
Your child’s future deserves more than just hope. It deserves a plan.
