'I'd Rather Regret Not Having Kids Than Regret Having Them': Single, Child-Free Women Are Getting Richer Forgoing marriage and kids comes with some additional benefits as well, according to a new report.

By Amanda Breen

The cost of raising children in the U.S. has reached staggering heights — leading more people to reconsider that life-altering step.

But the financial payoff is even greater for single, child-free women than it is for their male counterparts, according to new research reported by Bloomberg, and it comes with additional benefits as well.

Related: Is Your Marriage to an Entrepreneur Doomed?

Per the research from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, single women without kids had an average of $65,000 in wealth in 2019 while single, child-free men had an average of $57,000. Single mothers had just $7,000 in reserve.

The general fertility rate in the U.S. was already at a record low before the pandemic began, according to the Pew Research Center, and many speculated that Covid-19-induced quarantines would result in a baby boom — but, in fact, it's been more of a baby bust.

Not only does being child-free leave single women with significantly more in their bank accounts, but it also gives them the freedom to live a life of their own design. For some, like 43-year-old Ashley Marrero of New York, that means investing in beachfront properties or traveling the world.

"[Not having children] should have nothing to do with your happiness," Marrero told Bloomberg. "You can be so happy going this route, too."

Related: Give Working Parents What They Really Want: More Time

Anna Dickenson, 41, who is also child-free and travels with many of the same mutual friends that Marrero does, agrees wholeheartedly.

"I'd rather regret not having kids than regret having them," she told the outlet.

Amanda Breen

Entrepreneur Staff

Senior Features Writer

Amanda Breen is a senior features writer at Entrepreneur.com. She is a graduate of Barnard College and received an MFA in writing at Columbia University, where she was a news fellow for the School of the Arts.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Business News

Zillow Predicts These 10 Places Will Have the Hottest Housing Markets in 2025

Zillow predicted that the hottest housing market of 2025 will be Buffalo, New York. Here's why.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Business Solutions

Say Hello to the PDF Multi-Tool You Didn't Know You Needed

Get lifetime access to UPDF for just $47.99—the best price online right now.

Growing a Business

Entrepreneurs Should Invest in Service, Not Just Sales — Here's How to Build a Customer-First Business

A customer-first business strategy that prioritizes exceptional service, empowers employees and leverages feedback can transform satisfied customers into loyal advocates, driving sustainable, long-term growth.

Business Culture

It's Time to Rewrite Your Company's Values — Here's How

Most companies' values are forgotten or disconnected from daily operations. By rethinking and co-creating values with your team, you can transform them into actionable tools that align behavior, build trust and drive performance.

Business News

Macy's Just Released the List of 66 Stores Closing This Year — Here's Where

Around 150 underproductive stores are set to close over the next three years.