[JCM9]

This is the fallacy with this approach IMHO. Yes you can save a ton my living on minimal spend with no kids. That’s also not a life many/most people desire to live.

I’ll all for saving and do broadly follow a similar approach. With kids I won’t be retiring in my 30s or 40s but I’m investing in life now so that when I do retire it’s a much more well rounded and wholesome experience.

To each their own, but most of the “I’m not gonna have kids and just save all my money” types I know say later they made a poor life choice that’s hard to fix once that realization is made.

The main advice I do agree with is just because you start earning more doesn’t mean you should start spending more. Living comfortably below one’s means is a good way to build wealth over time. I just don’t recommend the “extreme” version of this.

[andreilys]

To each their own, but most of the “I’m not gonna have kids and just save all my money” types I know say later they made a poor life choice that’s hard to fix once that realization is made.

You can make the same sweeping generalization with parents who raise kids that are ungrateful and/or complete disappointments.

I know plenty of parents that feel abandoned by their children, who only get a courtesy call once or twice a year. Or worst, children who are continuing to be a financial burden in their 20s/30s/etc.

Very few parents will admit to the fact they regret having children. But the regret is there.

[bradlys]

The difference is that those parents are usually assholes and deserve everything they got (or don’t get). People who chose to not have kids and just Scrooge their way to FIRE aren’t necessarily going to be the same people.

By all accounts - if you are certain that you don’t want kids, you’re not going to be a decent parent, or you have some severe issues then yeah maybe don’t do kids. But often what I see is a deeper issue of cheapness/scarcity/whatever that could be addressed with therapy and then happy children with happy parents could emerge from that.

Truth is - if you’re in SV and under 35 - you’ve likely had incredible parents. The overwhelming majority of my younger colleagues in SV love their family and were raised somewhat decently. They’re not the meth heads you’ll find scattered throughout rural America.

[skybrian]

I think you are right except for calling it a fallacy. It's a choice that most people don't take.