As an outspoken proponent of financial independence, Mr. Money Mustache frequently runs into naysayers who claim that early retirement is impossible for those who have kids.

Mr. Money Mustache begs to differ. In today’s nugget, he shows that most of the things today’s parents spend lavish amounts of money on are largely superfluous. Conversely, most of the things your children need — play, learning, exercise — are actually free.

Read on to learn more, and don’t let your dream of achieving financial independence get in the way of having children! (If you truly want to have kids, that is. Be sure to revisit issue 192 of One Daily Nugget before making this decision.)