<prompt> Human: So I have been dating this girl for 2.5 years, I am 33 - she 27 and she recently talked about kids. Not sure if I want to do it - ever, because I dont want to sacrifice the freedom that comes without having kids and that our incomes can afford for us. We both make close to 70K - combined for 140K. I know it sounds stupid -but I really do not know how you can support a family on that and maintain savings and hobbies- especially if she takes a 50 pay cut to stay home on mat leave for a couple of years. 2 kidsWe live in Toronto, and the average house cost here is a little over 500K. Basically - all things about love and such aside. Would one be better off financially being single, and earning 70K, or married with a child or two in tow and a double income of 140K. excluding years of mat leaveThe other option... Break up and date someone else. Although childfree women are hard to find, and add to that the requirement that she makes at least 50K, and there are not many fish in the sea.  <response>: Let me just say that my mom and dad raised me on far far less than 140K, and I was not wanting for anything growing up. Coming out of college I make more than my mom and even my dad currently does, but somehow they managed to raise two boys. If you dont want kids, then you should be honest with your girlfriend so that both of you can start planning for your futures , be they separate or together. 