[dzeanah]

I think it's worth pointing out that the author recommends waiting to have kids, and she herself apparently had her first at 38.

This makes a ton of sense, but biology doesn't always care about rational choices like this. From painful personal experience: if you want kids, seriously consider having them by your early 30's, even if you're not completely ready. Otherwise you may find that no amount of money invested in IVF can help.

[nissimk]

It may make sense for some, and if your accounting of life only measures money/assets than it may universally make sense, but there are a lot of benefits to having kids earlier. I've met people in their early forties with kids who were fully grown and out of their house. They are able to live as a couple without small children while they are still young and healthy. Also, they can more easily contribute to their grandchildren's childcare because they will be younger and healthier. There's definitely something to be said for that. I had kids at 31 and 33 and I find it really hard and tiring to care for them now at 37. I can't even imagine what it would feel like if I was over 50.

Personally I think younger is better, but it's different for everyone.

[notdonspaulding]

My wife and I started having kids at a young age with exactly this in mind. We weren't trying to live it up in our twenties, and we figured we'd enjoy our time together just as much in our 40's and 50's as our kids left the house.

Having more energy because we're younger is also nice. ;-)

[positr0n]

I had my first kid when I was 22! We were not prepared for him (it was unplanned) but it has turned out great :-)

Like others mentioned it is definitely sub-optimal if your goal is asset-accumulation, but that's not what life is about in my opinion.