It’s kind of inescapable to spend SOME extra money on kids even if the government is really generous. Paying for babysitters, nice clothes/toys for them they don’t need, etc. Some people may decide they don’t want to spend their extra money that way, that’s their prerogative.

It could also be interpreted as being a sad statement about them as a person. That they are chasing dollars over something fulfilling in life. "I really want to have kids, but then I won't reach my F.I.R.E. financial goals as quickly!" would be sad, imho.

Saw an interview of one unmarried, childless dude who wants to have a loving family with 8 kids. I think he was nearing 60 years-old. His explanation was that he "never really felt financially ready", yet he was an IT consultant for over 30 years and didn't discuss any lengths of unemployment or other real financial struggles. And he grew up in a modest income family.

It's a sad reality that he's likely missed his chance, all because he prioritized his financial goals (or whatever the heck he was spending his excess money on) over aiming for what he actually wanted out of life.

For me, I don't want a life with children. So prioritizing other goals is not sad for me. But if I wanted children, it'd be sad if I kept allocating my money and time to things that don't help me achieve my goal.

Anyone can choose to not have children for any reason whatsoever, "because theyre expensive" is a valid and just reason. You dont get to sit atop a moral pedestal because you think the reason is dumb.