A growing number of couples across the U.S.—especially in thriving tech cities —are choosing to delay parenthood until they reach major financial milestones. For many, that magic number is a combined income or net worth of $1 million.
Driven by the rising cost of housing, childcare, and the desire for lifestyle freedom, dual-income households are prioritizing career growth, travel, and financial security over starting a family. Even couples with high-paying roles in tech, education, and government say the current economy makes raising children feel like a luxury they’re not ready for.
According to Business Insider, Matthew, a 25-year-old broker, and his wife Brooke, 26, who married in August 2021 in Austin, are pressing pause on parenthood until they earn a combined income of $350,000—despite having stable, well-paying careers.
The shift signals a broader cultural trend: in today’s fast-paced, high-cost world, financial independence is becoming the new prerequisite for family life—and for many, that means wealth first, kids later.