I'm almost 35 and pregnant with my 4th child. The first 3 were planned and this one was a surprise. Admittedly, we weren't "financially ready" for children. Don't get me wrong.. their needs are met and they have plenty of love and support. They do wear hand me downs, don't go to 10 different activities each week, they share a room, etc.. and there are some people that think that is awful! But our girls (and our soon to be son) are happy, healthy, and loved. That is what is important. Not all the material stuff..
I have no regrets with having my children. They are a blessing. Sure, it is stressful and exhausting and frustrating at times. But the good outweighs the bad 100 times over. They are a joy to us.
I understand having specific ways that you want to raise your kids. I know many wonderfully well adjusted homeschooled children who are very intelligent, have no issues with socializing, and some have gone on to graduate with honors from college. I also know public schooled children who are the same way.. it all starts at home.
I am a strict parent and my kids are still young, although issues have come up where our values are challenged by other kids, family, etc.. I deal with them as they come along and I've started early with teaching my kids the values I want them to have. I lay the foundation, do the best I can in each situation that comes up, and hope for the best.. that what I teach them will stick with them as they get older. However, I had all these ideas on parenting and many of those things changed once I actually became a parent. Each child is different, learn differently, respond to things different. Parenting is often a trial by fire experience and what you always thought was right isn't always right in every instance.
I guess I'm just saying that if you and your S/O are wanting children, then don't put it off. You will regret waiting too long. I have a friend who is my age and is getting married next month to a much younger guy. She put off having serious relationships, marriage, children until now. She wants children buy her fiancee wants to wait a few more years. But she'll be pushing 40 then and it could be too late, or at least more difficult. She has some regrets on waiting so long.