"The baby stage is like taking care of a retarded puppy that can't be potty trained for several years, and barks incessantly at all hours of the day and night . . . and can't ever be left alone. "
I have two kids, so I'm a bit biased here, BUT this is a really really negative view of raising a baby. There are tremendous amounts of daily joy involved with a newborn and baby and then toddler and then school aged child, regardless. Babies around the world are potty trained as infants.
So I'm not sure if this post is meant to convince you otherwise, but I agree with another poster that mentions that you never know what kind of love you are truly capable of until you have a child, 100%. A lot of deciders focus on the negatives of raising a child, when it is one of the most rewarding things my husband and I, and friends with kids, have done. Hard? Sure. But that does not at all outweigh the positives.
As for money, while you should have enough resources to take care of yourself and kids, it's definitely not a decision to be made on that. Have a kid because you want one, not because of your bank account (many many poor families have children around the world). Also, try to curb the thoughts that you would do everything your parents didn't. That's also bad for the kid. All in all, it's one of those amazing life experiences that, if I sat around a mulled the decision (with all the negativity out there) I probably wouldn't have jumped in. Jumping in was the best decision, because I faced my fears.
Best of luck with your decision.