August 2009 Archives

 In another article, I addressed the cost of having a baby and raising your child from birth to age 2. 

I focused on absolute necessities that parents would have to buy including food, clothing, diapers,  and hospital costs.  Not included were things like a crib, the cost of a bigger home with an extra bedroom, and toys, because a savvy parent can probably do without those items or figure out how to get them for free.
 
As your child reaches age 2, your family will find it absolutely necessary to carve out personal space for the newest member of the family.  He or she will need a bedroom, a bed, a full wardrobe, and other necessities. 

Following are the types of expenses generally required to raising a toddler age 2-4...

Minimum wage in the United States was established by the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938. So, the minimum wage has been around for awhile.

Every state is different as to what their minimum wage is. Many states have established their own minimum wage -- which is usually higher than the federal minimum wage.

For example, the current federal minimum wage is $7.25. (It increased from $6.55 on July 24, 2009.) But in my home state of Washington, the minimum wage is $8.55.

The nice thing about this is the fact that in situations where the federal state laws have different minimum wages, the higher wage always prevails. This works to the benefit of minimum wage workers, so employers cannot choose to pay the lower minimum wage.

Here's a list of minimum wages by state. (Interesting!)

photo credit: will engelmann