10% of younger adults delay starting families over financial uncertainty

Financial uncertainty is influencing family planning decisions for a growing share of younger Americans.

According to new research from Northwestern Mutual, roughly 10% of Generation Z and Millennial adults state they are postponing parenthood because they are unsure how to afford it or what starting a family means for their long-term finances. Kate Michaels, a managing partner at Northwestern Mutual, noted that money is pushing these plans back while biological fertility clocks continue to tick in the background.

When couples face infertility, in vitro fertilization often becomes the primary treatment path. Michaels described the process as both emotionally and financially overwhelming. She emphasized that planning for IVF requires more than budgeting for a single procedure. The total cost often includes monitoring appointments and medical exams that occur before the main treatment. Michaels advised that couples should consider the potential need for fertility treatments when entering a relationship, rather than waiting for a diagnosis.

Experts suggest that couples do not need a confirmed diagnosis to begin financial conversations. Early discussions with a financial advisor can help individuals prepare for a wide range of potential costs. For Michaels, the primary benefit of this early planning is psychological stability. She explained that partnering with an advisor provides peace of mind during a process that is already emotionally and physically taxing. The goal is to prevent financial anxiety from compounding the stress of treatment.

Michaels recommends that individuals review their insurance coverage as early as possible. This step clarifies what the plan will and will not pay for. Understanding these limits helps couples identify where out-of-pocket expenses may arise. These expenses can include travel costs or additional procedures that are not covered by standard policies.

With a clear picture of coverage, couples can estimate how much money to set aside for potential fertility care. This preparation allows them to manage the financial burden without disrupting other long-term goals. The data indicates that for one in ten younger adults, the cost of starting a family is a primary factor in their decision to wait.