I pay $2,900 a month in childcare. Here’s why I think it’s worth it.

I pay $2,900 a month in childcare. Here’s why I think it’s worth it.

$2,900.

That's roughly what I pay every month in childcare.

Every time it comes out of my account, I think the same thing:

F*ck, that's a LOT of money.

It's more than some people's rent.

It's $34,800 a year.

And yes, I've absolutely thought about what else I could do with $34,800.

Invest it. Put it towards the mortgage. Save it. Go on a very nice holiday.

But I still think childcare is worth every cent.

Not just because it means I can work.

Although that's a pretty big part of it.

Childcare gives me the ability to build something

I love being a mum.

I also love working.

I spent years building a career, and now I'm building my own business.

Those things didn't suddenly stop mattering to me when I had my son.

Childcare gives me uninterrupted time to work with clients, grow April Six, write, create, meet people and build something that I genuinely love.

And yes, right now there are months where it feels slightly ridiculous to pay $2,900 for childcare while I'm still building the business.

But I don't look at that $2,900 purely as an expense.

Part of it is buying me time.

Time to build a business that I hope will create far more than $2,900 a month in value over the years ahead.

And it's not just about me working

My son isn't sitting somewhere waiting for me to finish work.

He's having his own little life.

He's playing with other children.

Learning how to share, communicate and navigate friendships.

He's doing activities and having learning experiences I probably wouldn't think to create for him at home every day.

He has educators who know him.

He has a routine.

He comes home excited to talk about things he's done, people he's played with and things he's learned.

There is value in that too.

Could I keep him home and save the money?

Of course.

And financially, $34,800 a year is significant.

But I honestly believe money decisions aren't always about choosing the option that costs the least.

They're about deciding what the money gives you in return.

For our family, childcare gives my son experiences I value.

It gives me the space to work.

It allows me to build my business.

And, if I'm being completely selfish for a second, it gives me something that is mine outside of motherhood.

I think that matters too.

I don't think wanting both makes me less of anything, although I know some people would disagree.

There's a weird expectation around motherhood that you're supposed to feel guilty about wanting to work.

I don't.

I miss my son when I'm working.

But I also genuinely love what I do.

I like using my brain.

I like building something.

I like having goals and ambitions.

And I think I'm a better version of myself when I have both.

So yes, I pay $2,900 a month in childcare - with no regrets.

Do I enjoy seeing the direct debit?

Absolutely not 😂

Do I occasionally calculate what it costs annually and immediately regret doing the maths?

Yes.

But would I stop sending him so I could keep the $2,900?

No.

Because when I look at what that money gives him, what it gives me, and what it gives our family longer term...

For me, it's worth it.

Sometimes the best financial decision isn't the one where you spend the least money.

It's the one that helps you build the life you want.

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April Six Pty Ltd is a Credit Representative of Astute Financial Management Pty Ltd | Australian Credit Licence 364253

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Eshanee Collins is the founder of April Six, a Sydney-based mortgage broker for first home buyers and first-time property investors across Australia.

📱 0488 471 888 | @eshanee_thebroker | aprilsix.com.au