Double Income, No Kids (DINKs), Single Income, No Kids (SINKs), and Double Income, No Kids, With a Dog (DINKWADs): Deciding What's Best for You

Headline

WEB: Discover how financial and other factors influence DINKs, SINKs, and DINKWADs

According to a new study, 43% of American households are now childless.

Introduction

In a new survey from Credit Karma of 2,027 adult women ages 18 and above, 19% of respondents said their goal is to be a DINK (double income, no kids) that. DINK videos, which have over 33 million views on TikTok, showcase the lifestyle of kid-free married couples—from traveling the globe to pursuing hobbies and passions.

So, what's behind the rise of DINKs, SINKs (single income, no kids), and DINKWADs (double income, no kids, with a dog)? Let's take a closer look at the financial and other factors that are influencing this trend.

Financial Factors

The cost of raising a child in the United States is staggering. According to a 2017 study by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the average cost of raising a child from birth to age 17 is $233,610. This includes expenses such as food, housing, clothing, transportation, healthcare, and education.

For many couples, the financial burden of raising a child is simply too great. They may choose to delay having children or to have no children at all in order to maintain their financial stability.

Other Factors

In addition to financial factors, there are a number of other factors that are influencing the rise of DINKs, SINKs, and DINKWADs.

These include:

• The desire to focus on careers
• The desire to travel and experience the world
• The desire to have more time for hobbies and interests
• The desire to live a more sustainable lifestyle
• The fear of climate change

Is the DINK, SINK, or DINKWAD Lifestyle Right for You?

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to have children is a personal one. There is no right or wrong answer.

However, it is important to carefully consider all of the factors involved before making a decision. If you are considering becoming a DINK, SINK, or DINKWAD, be sure to talk to your partner (if you have one), your family, and your friends.

You should also do some research on the financial and other implications of your decision. This will help you make an informed decision that is right for you.

Additional Resources

• Credit Karma: DINK vs. SINK vs. DINKWAD: What's the Best Choice for You?
• TikTok: #DINK
• U.S. Department of Agriculture: The Cost of Raising a Child