Tab for raising a child: $241,000

Kids these days: more expensive than ever.

That’s the word from a new federal study that pins a $241,080 price tag to raising a child born in 2012.

American families may remain mired in financial recovery mode, but they will dole out more money than ever to rear a child to age 18. The figure doesn’t even factor in the soaring price of college — or of supporting offspring as they live at home raiding the refrigerator and playing video games into their 20s. Full story. John Stucke, SR

Ouch! Parents: What has been your biggest child-rearing expense— not counting college?