Not as bad as you would think. I am lucky to live in a very progressive state that is investing heavily in green technology. The state gave us a .99 percent loan we have sitting in a high percent saving account to withdraw payments from. The state also gave us like 6k is rebates just to get rid of our old Freon unit. We are hoping to cut our energy bills in half. So depending on where you live you should look into it.
Im a DINK! Just this year we bought a house, vacationed in Europe and are installing a new heat pump system. I interact with my friends kids and have nieces and nephews. I get to be the fun one and if someone poops or gets sick I can return them. It’s like skipping right to the grandparent stage. I don’t hate kids or look down on parents like some child free communities but I don’t envy them at all. I totally get why DINKness is on the rise. Hopefully the stigma reduces as it become more common.
The lesson learned here is " the only way to win is not to play". The rise in DINKS has already begun and I’m sure will accelerate in response to this nonsense. Soon the ratio of wanted children to unwanted will tip and violent crime will rise. There is a great section in freakonomics about this. I’m putting my money where my mouth is and partner is getting fixed tomorrow!