You thought overtime was the answer to everything… and then your toddler needed a birthday party, soccer cleats, and three pairs of shoes in one week. Welcome to parenthood on a first responder salary.

In this episode of Budgets for Badges, we break down the real costs of raising kids and how they can make even the most heroic overtime paychecks feel like pocket change. From daycare and extracurriculars to those surprise “oh, we need this today” moments, we’ll help you plan, budget, and survive the chaos without losing your sanity—or your marriage.

Tune in for practical tips, first responder–specific hacks, and a few laughs at the absurdity of it all. Because nothing says adventure like balancing a house, a career, and little humans who don’t come with an instruction manual… or a price tag you can actually afford.

🚨 Warning: This episode may cause sudden urges to hide the credit cards and start a “kid fund” immediately.

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