re: At what income is it irresponsible to have kids?

I think more than income (although you do need to count every dollar in and out) - its ultimately the way you parent

- Making safe and secure life choices
- Understanding that every thing you do is as a role model - your child is a sponge who will inherent your behavior
- Understanding the role as a parent - balancing friendship with discipline
- The "chauffeur" commitment
- Devoting evenings to helping with homework
- Devoting weekends to family social activities (baseball, church)
- Asking if what is on the TV is appropriate for the age of my child
- Financial decisions which include providing for immediate needs and future planning - willingness to make sacrifices in your own comfort to provide those things.
- Moving to a good school district
- Moving to a safe place - even if that is a log cabin in the woods
- Maintaining practical home and vehicles
- Disney over Sandals vacations
- Parenting a hormonal teenager the right way
- Choosing a career path which best provides all of these things - over the career path which is most self fulfilling or comfortable.

I absolutely believe that instilling values of security and stability during early childhood are the building blocks to success. Its easier to buy those qualities with money - but with dedication and using community resources you don't need much money.

Its important to point out that not all rich people are committed to their children, either. I've seen many wealthy families neglect their children and they end up with anger, depression, or chemical dependency struggles.