The financial sums of a family can be bigger than anticipated. This is my conclusion after a recent discussion with my wife.  We had agreed to top up $10,000 each to our children's Child Development Accounts (CDA).  This is to take advantage of the two per cent interest per annum.  The money will be used to pay for the childcare fees.  In addition to the $6,000 top up we had done at birth and the equivalent $6,000 government grant, the amount should suffice for three years of childcare expense. It is not that I am unaware of this liability previously.  I had simply turned a blind eye to it.  It is mildly depressing when you have to fork out cash upfront for a future expense. Unlike the fortunate few who have their in-laws or parents to watch over the kiddos, we have to send our elder ... ...