When do you think is a good time to start a family?

When you are financially and mentally ready. Don't be in a rush to have a kid because "you're at that age" or be pushed to have one. You and your spouse must be prepared to give up the lifestyle you currently have and have a healthy amount of cashflow in the event of an emergency.

In terms of finance, you can start a family at any time. It is possible to start and raise a family on a low to medium income. There are many subsidies and cheaper options out there. What I feel is more important is your spouse and your mental readiness, and the stage that your family is in.

Some considerations that you may have, which are financial in nature and beyond such as childcare - will one parent stop working to care for the child? are the grandparents available to care for the child? will 1 income be sufficient? If the answer to these questions are no, then you may need to send the child to infant care. There will be different subsidies depending on your family income, but ultimately there's a fixed cost there.

I used to think maybe after you settle down at work, or in your 30s.

But I am starting to find that the earlier could be better, even in 20s.

True that at this stage you may not have alot of cash on hand and that wedding, house will be 2 big ticket items before starting a family. But then if the priority becomes going for a family unit - these 2 items becomes less important and naturally you save money on them.

Take faith that hardwork will allow you to support the family. You have a lot more energy (younger) to work, and you mature quickly. Let the family support itself through hardships, and I am sure your wider family and network will be there to support as well.

In the long run, you can retire early as your children grows up, and I think a stronger family unit gets built in the process.​​​

Honest opinion, starting a family is not based on hitting financial indicators. Rather, it has more to do with, are you ready?

Once you are ready to commit to your partner, you will then set out to plan for your finances. If you are still unsure whether your partner is the right one, sorting out your feelings is more important than sorting out your finances.

Once you have a sense of committment and responsibility to your partner, naturally you will think of your finance. This is the time to sit down with your partner and work together. Raising a family is a "together" thing. With communication, a lot of things will work, even finances. I have seen so many of my friends who get by every month but they are so happy with their partner and kids.

Having said that. one indicator you should have is a stable stream of income, be it from full time employment or stable freelance work. Unsteady stream of income really affect future planning.

Cheers!