I would not have nor would I recommend having kids if you are or think you will be poor. I know many who are in that boat and they are miserable 80% of the time and happy in love the other 20% of the time. That's not a ratio I would volunteer for. Get you financial life in order first and then have kids. Work you ass off to get there and then keep working hard to maintain it. If I can do it, anybody can.