Getting by with Just One Income

I have a neighbor who watches teachers kids. She doesn't have an offical day care license and she only takes in two or three kids from teachers that she is friends with at the local elementary school. I don't know if something like that would work for you. But it might be something to bring in a little extra each month. just a thought. Good luck!

You received a lot of great advice, and it seems like you have a very good support system, so I know you will do fine. A home-based business may be something to consider - I have one with Arbonne International. Basically, I shop and teach others to shop for healthier products, and I get paid for doing it. These are all products that I would be buying elsewhere (face wash, shampoo, baby wash), so I'm actually saving money by not having to go to Target, etc. Also, with a home-based business, you get certain tax write-offs that will help when filing taxes. If you would like to know more about my business, please feel free to contact me at ____@____.com or visit www.everydaycounts.myarbonne.com. Good luck!!

-K. (mother of three)

I had the same issue. I also worked in a child care center. I felt so guilty leaving my daughter (even though it was with her dad he worked nights)mainly because i was leaving her to watch someone elses kids. It was hard to go down to one income. But what i ended up doing was watching a baby. I charged them $40 a day so i brought in more income and gave my daughter a play buddy. Plus if you just watch one child or one family you dont need a licence

Great budgeting help: http://www.daveramsey.com/

If you can stick with a budget, it can change your life! I think that's the only way my husband and I can survive on one income. Good luck and God bless!

Simplify.....
Look at what you can reduce:

Cable - decrease the channel package you have.
Phone/internet - do you need a landline? do you need call waiting, voice mail, long distance?
cell phones - more difficult because of contracts, but when one is up, look at minimizing to the bare essentials for that too.
Storage - is all that "stuff" necessary? Probably not.
Yard sales are a great way to pick up extra cash. Resale shops for your child's used toys and clothes, you can get store credit or cash.
Also, watch the little expenses, coffees, eating out, and other impulse/convenience buys.
Every little bit adds up.

Look at it this way, if you HAD to leave your job (instead of choosing to), what would you change to make the finances work? And act accordingly.

Blessings!
:0)

You can always change the dependents on his paycheck to bring home a little bit more money.

I would take a good look at your budget & see where you can cut back. I tend to overspend at the grocery store when I don't plan ahead. Now I plan out our meals for the week using cookbooks or checking out new recipes on the foodnetwork website. I shop once a week for everything & that keeps my grocery bill down. You can try calling on your credit cards & seeing if they will lower your interest rate. Cut your cable and cell phones back. I use metro & have unlimited phone calls for $50 a month. Try used clothing for your baby. Second hand stores or swapping clothes with other parents are good. Instead of going out to the movies or renting at the video store, try the public library. They have free movies you can check out. Finding little ways to cut back can make a big difference each month. My sister works a few hours in her gyms daycare & in exchange she gets paid & a free gym membership. She also takes her kids with her. Maybe you could watch another child in your home during the day & make a little money that way. Good luck to you.

Lucky you! I've always wanted to be a SAHM - never got the chance. All I can say is it's going to be tough and you are going to have to try to cut down whereever possible. In my opinion, the first thing to cut is at least one of the cell phones. I am probably one of the last individuals in America (or possibly the world) who does not own a cell phone, don't know how to use one, and don't want one. I hate telephone interruptions at home - why do I want a phone ringing at me while I'm trying to shop or conduct business in public. Anyway, that's the first way I would cut costs. Also, keep in mind, especially with winter coming, that your electric/gas bill will be going up. After my daughter-in-law and granddaughter moved out of my house and I had to find daycare for my six year old, I discovered that with no one in the house all day, the PG&E went down significantly (about $20 per month) so if you're going to be home all day, especially in winter when its colder and darker, the PG&E costs are going to rise. I would also try to cut back on the amount spent on baby food. Those little jars are terribly expensive. I would suggest pureeing your own food for your baby thereby saving substantially on food costs for the baby. Also, if you have a washer and dryer, I would switch to cloth diapers. Those disposables are expensive not to mention horrible for the environment. Good luck! I envy you!

Dear L.,
Staying home with your kids is a wonderful experience. I also gave up a career with good income to stay home. I would recommend setting a budget and sticking to it. You will be surprised at the number of expenses you will save by NOT going to work. Also, If your husband is an hourly employee, he may be able to get some "overtime" work because you are home to parent. I recommend this site for budgeting info http://www.suzeorman.com/. You can make this work, follow your budget and your heart!

L., I am a mother of 3, and work full time as a financial adviser. I have also taken time off to be a full time mother when my twins were young, and understand the hard decision you are facing. I don't know if I can come up with all of your answers, but will be happy to help you budget, and come up with a probability of your success.
Happy to help-

L.,
Maybe with one income you will qulaify for WIC? This can help with your daughter's formula.

A.

Well.. eliminate all the non-necessities. No cable, internet, storage (sell whatever is in it) focus on paying off your credit card while you're working. The rest is all have to have's. Walk to places that are within one mile of your house... that's why you have a stroller (make good use of it!) to save gas. You may have to choose between just using your cell phones and eliminating your house line or eliminating your cell phones and just having a basic houseline.
Clip coupons like crazy and shop the adds. Don't buy foods from the inside aisle of the grocery stores. Forget about going out to eat or having "date" nights. I agree with the teacher who does the subbing a few days... keep your options open because it doesn't sound like you'll be leaving yourself much room for an emergency. And with children they are always around the corner!

Hi Lyn,
now a days it seems very difficult to make it on just one income, especially when you are used to having two! You can do it with a bit of sacrifice, you just need to down size things that are not necessities as mentioned in other comments.
Purchasing products that are not name brand can save you money, you just have to know what items you do not mind skimping on. Also, you need to think about meal planning when you are going to the grocery store, for example, purchase items that you can make at least one or two meals with for the week. Let's say you make a roasted chicken, use the left over meat to make chicken tacos etc.. the next day. I have found a little extra effort can stretch your budget. Many stores will price match, you just have to ask for it, so you don't have to go to 5 different stores to get the same value. Time is money. Also if you do go out as a treat, stick to lower priced items on the menu such as the under a dollar items, the kids do not need the toys in the kids meals.
As a stay at home mom I have found a way to earn supplemental income without having to work 9-5. It's perfect since it enables me to be at home with my 2 boys and earn money /o the stress.
I'd love to share it with you if you wanted to know more.
Wishing you success!
C.

Make a list of all your expenses and compare with your income. See what expenses can be cut out, you'd be suprised. Remember you won't be spending money on commuting so that will help too. You may be able to work from home also. I have my Real Estate license which I can do from home mostly but since that is currently slow I watch a couple of kids in my home. I make $295 a week (2 kids, 1 is part time)...it definately helps. Some people also continue working but put the paycheck they will be losing in saving and don't touch it and see how they do. That way you get a little cushion too.

Hi L., I am about in the same boat as you.... I had a boy last Dec, and thought I would go back to work after my leave. I ended up going back part time, and then ended up wanting to be home more. So now I work about 1x a week (nurse) and sometimes I wonder if I should just stop. My income was greater than my husbands, so it has been an adjustment. We have always been good at being frugal, but when you write down all that you spend money on, it can get easier to see what you really need and don't need.

We've cut down on our bills through switching our cable/internet/phone and cutting down our cell bill. I started clipping coupons and buying things mostly on sale. We don't do credit card exept for food and gas b/c they pay you back (if you get the right card, they can pay you back for food/gas up to 5%). Sometimes I get frustrated by all we spend on our pets (dog and 2 cats) but we mainly get handmedowns for our boy and we don't have car payments. I've saved a lot through breastfeeding and making our own babyfood. Now I am trying to save more through comparing prices b/t different stores; which can be tiresome with a baby in tow!
I understand completely and esp during these times it seems hard and might get harder.... I just keep praying that my husband's job is secure and that we can continue doing this b/c I love being home with my little boy! (and we don't have family here to help, so you are lucky in that!)

Can you work part time or from home?

L.,
There are many options for cutting back and you have received some great advice from the mamas on this board. I would also look into selling some of the things you have in storage on ebay or consignment store. I work from home and am glad to be available to my two kids, to volunteer in their classrooms and take them to after school activities. If you are interested in working from home, google it or visit www.HealthyFamilyBiz.com and see if it appeals to you. You may not make a full-time salary immediately, but every little bit helps, and you can work up to a substantial income. Good luck.

Hello L.,

It is a HUGE step to take, but one that will be rewarding beyond your wildest dreams. There is nothing better than to know that YOU are able to be with your child every day...knowing what she is doing always! You are the best caregiver to YOUR child. (Don't get me wrong, I'm not discounting anyone who works and has their child in daycare...it's a personal thing...and a lot of parents HAVE TO work.) I have four children myself ranging in ages almost 16, 12, 9 and almost 2. I have done this numerous times off and on. I have taken my child to work when I worked at a childcare...I currently work at a church in the childcare dept...and I have also had my own in-home childcare. Just to take on 2 or 3 children could help you out a LOT. It would help with finances, but also by socializing your daughter with other children. I used to charge $125 a week per child. I'm sure you could check the local childcares in your area...in home and public to decide what fee is fair. Good luck and I hope these ideas help.
God bless you and yours!
M....

We live on one income as well. Some things you can do is to check with the phone company and PG&E to see if you will qualify for the Universal Lifeline (phone) or CARE's program (PG&E). I've started to try and shop the sales, and clip coupons. See if you husband can carpool to work to save on gas. I would also consider going through the storage and selling off anything you really don't need so that you can get rid of the storage building. You also may have to consider finding a house that has cheaper rent. Also, if you have a BA/BS you can take the CBEST and get a substitute credential. I substitute teach when we need a little extra money, on average schools pay about $100 per day.

Hope this helps!

Hi L.,

I can’t help but respond to your request. Check out www.DrinkSupplements.com this company has an incredible product and is very reputable. The earning potential is fabulous and you are only dealing with one product distributed as a liquid supplement or energy drink which is good for the whole family. There are double blind studies to back it up. If you are familiar with Dr. Oz, he too drinks it and recommends it to his patients. You do not need to stock product, all transactions are done thru your website and the company handles all shipments direct. It is the easiest compensation plan to understand and everybody benefits. It is not your typical MLM complicated compensation plan. FYI, the person who introduced it to me is now earning $9,000 a week; you too have the potential to earn as much as $25,000 per week or $1,300,000 per year and you can do this right from your own home. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at 1-800-523-9250. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,
E.

I think you are doing the right thing. We decided to live on one income ever since we had our son and now he is 6 and we have a 2 yr old little girl also. I stay home with both kids and would never have it any other way. If you can do it ...than do it, because money saved up now can't buy back the precious time we have with our kids! By staying home you will save on gas, food and caretaking services. We gave up our cable bill, use only cell phones and no land line at home. By staying home I have time to make more family dinners which always results in left overs for my husband to take to work saving money on lunches day after day! Or he comes home for lunch knowing we are all home & happy to see him. Because I stay home we never pay somebody else to watch our kids and occasionally we will carpool if it makes sense. We have two cars but I imagine you could carpool to work with him and pick him up aftewards so that you could run errands and save while carpooling. There are so many ways to save money when you think about what is really valuable to you. I love having my husband home with me every night and not making tons of money while traveling away from us on business trips. That's just me...and it sounds like you have that idea too! We are H.S. Sweethearts also 18 years together this Nov. Whatever you decide...think about what money can't buy!

First of all let me congratulate you on your decision to be a full time mother. You and your children will only benefit in the long run. My husband is our only income. I will won't lie it can get pretty tough at times but we always see a way through. If you have a good family (extended) don't ever be ashamed of asking or receiving help from them. You might have to cut some cost in some areas like not 2 cell phones but 1 or downgrading certain things like cable etc. It's a challenge but you can do it. clip coupons, pay attention to sales. There is a government program called WIC that is VERY helpful for formula/cereal/milk/juice etc. They are very friendly and extremely helpful. It got me through the last 5 months with my second son. May blessings come your way and again you are making the right decision.

You will be surprised at how much you'll save just by not going to work... in gas, clothing, fast food or restaurant(because you are too tired or rushed to do the home cooking). And I'm sure you're having to pay something for childcare. It won't totally replace the salary you make, but at least it isn't like you're losing the whole salary.
Since you have been working in childcare, have you thought of the possibility of getting a home childcare license and doing that? It would give you the opportunity to be home with your daughter, even though you would also be taking care of other children too. That would give you some income, and you might even find it a really rewarding way to replace the lost income.

Hi L.!

There are no words to express being a "full-time mother". It is lovely and very rewarding :o)

Having one F/T income will be a HUGE adjustment for you and your husand, but I think it's do-able. You might want to start putting 75% of your salary into your savings account, and leaving the rest towards a payment on your credit card or car. This will allow you to see if your expenses NOW will be able to live off of one income (while you stilll have a savings). Before you quit work, you may have to move, etc... to be able to afford your life.

My husband is the "bread winner" and I have always worked P/T from home. This has saved us a MOUNTAIN of $$$ in daycare, and allowed me to be a SAHM for the most part. A few months ago, I took on another little P/T job for a few extra dollars a week. My husband was stressing about $$$ all the time, so I am trying to help until we're back on track. Once you've been the MOM, it's hard to go back to anything else!

You need to remember that once your daughter is ready for preschool, school, dance classes, etc....You will be looking to add another $300+ to your monthly expenses in some cases. Plus, the gas it takes to get everywhere. These days seem so far for away right now, but they are just right around the corner :o)

I do not want to dicourage you from becoming a F/T mother to your beautiful daughter, but I don't want you to be "shocked" with such a change either :o)

As long as your husband supports you, and would like you to be F/T mommy to his daughter, then you guys will find a way to make all this happen :o) There are families that "do without" all the time to make this happen for themselves. my family is one of them :o)

Good Luck!

:o) N.

Hey L....I don't have any wonderful suggestions for you. I just wanted you to know that you're not alone. To me being home with my son is more important than anything else. The truth of the matter is with one income you just have to do without some things. There is not much way around that. But in some ways its more fun. You have to be more creative with family activities and dates with your husband. Eventually once you're used to the switch from two incomes to one it will get easier to handle. If you're finding the ends just aren't meeting and you're really struggling you could always bring a child into your home during the week. That way you're making money while still being with your daughter.
Good luck!

First of all, I applaud you for doing what you feel you need to do. It certainly is a sacrifice to live on one income, but SO worth it to be home for your child.
My husband and I lived on my income last year (he was a full-time grad student and substitute taught for supplemental income) while I was pregnant, so it wasn't a HUGE leap to switch to living on his income now that he has a full-time job and is a part-time student. I stay home with our son who is now 6 months.
It sounds like we have comparable expenses, except we have to pay all utilities, we don't have cable or storage, we don't have a pet, my son breast-feeds exclusively, and all our loans/credit cards/car are paid off. But, our car is an SUV and guzzles gas like you wouldn't believe. I want to get a different car, but this one is paid off and a newer car would cost more in insurance. We also pay life & renter's ins. It's tough, but we're learning how to make it work. It's hard to save much, though, and we have dipped into savings for Christmas flight tickets.

If you haven't already, I would set up a budget listing all fixed expenses. Try to check those weekly so as to not overspend. I recently just switched from doing our budget on paper w/pencil to Quicken on the computer. I download from our bank account and import it into the budgeting tool.

Groceries can be a HUGE expense these days, and one of the areas you can work hard at cutting costs. Buy fresh fruits and veggies that are in season. Frozen veggies are cheaper and sometimes have more nutrition anyway because they are picked and frozen promptly, as opposed to sitting out in the grocery store for a long time. Making your own baby food in large batches and freezing saves money. Buying meats when they are on sale helps with the cost of meals. Buy large packs of chicken and freeze in individual bags when you get home - SO much cheaper than buying in the smaller packages. Having fruits and veggies as snacks instead of buying pre-packaged snack food items also helps. I haven't had too much luck with coupons because they are mainly for packaged, processed foods that I don't really want to be eating. Make double of a meal that you are making and freeze half so on a night when you are tempted to get take-out, fast-food, or order-in, you can just pop it in the oven or microwave.
We also buy necessities like toilet paper, shampoo, razor blades, etc. at Costco to save in the long run.

There are great "yard sales" hosted by moms of multiples in the Bay Area. Only buy baby clothes used or on-sale. Let the new clothes be given as gifts for birthdays and holidays by family members.

As for entertainment, you've gotta get creative. My husband and I do not babysitting costs in the budget, so if we go out, we have a friend watch our son. (This hasn't happened very often yet). When we rent a movie, we get it from Redbox, which only costs a dollar + tax. There are some great parks in the bay area. Museums in San Fran are free (in the daytime) every first Wednesday of the month. Check the paper for local free concerts or family events.

One of the biggest sacrifices we have had to make while living on one income is our apartment. Rent is so expensive these days. We live in the CHEAPEST 2 bedroom available in the area where we live. This comes with it's headaches when the building and management aren't the most quality you might be able to find. I definitely have some concerns while raising a child here. We are thinking about moving when our lease is up, but it is also still about necessity and what we can afford with all our other costs in mind. Our children begin to cost more and more the older they get.
I will stop rambling now.
I hope I offered a few tips that could be of assistance.

Hi L.,

I know how you feel, it is really hard and you feel torn. You want to be with your baby, yet you need the money coming in and if you don't have the money coming in then you are strapped. When I had my first daughter we were surrounded by family and friends, for all of six weeks, then my husband's company promoted him to Henderson, NV. We moved away from everyone, I begged my mom to come and stay with us until I could find someone I trusted to watch her while I went back to work, (I was able to transfer with my company as well.) Finally we found someone and all she ever did was cry when I left her, I felt like a horrible mom, but what could I do?

Flash forward to a year later and I am now pregnant with our second daughter and I now get laid off of my job of 15 years! All I could think about was how are we suppose to pay for daycare for 2 kids now? All I would be doing is working to hand over my check to someone else who got to spend the day with my kids and wouldn't it be great if I could be at home with them all day long. So I started looking for anything I could do from home with my kids by my side. My husband even agreed that if I could even just make a $200 or $300 a month it would be worth it for me to stay at home and not look for a new job. Well this became my passion; I finally saw the light at the end of the tunnel, a way to stay at home with my kids. The problem was nothing seemed to work for me. Then my cousin said her next door neighbor worked from home with a bunch of moms and was I interested in hearing all the details. Of course I was, I heard the details and everything just made sense to me.

Flash forward again 6 years later and I am still at home with my girls! I have seen every milestone, can volunteer at school and I am a co-leader of my youngest daughters brownie troop. It has been wonderful and I am so glad I took a chance. Ohh, and the fact that I make money working from home is just an added blessing.

I'm not sure if you are interested and I don't know if it would work for you, but if you want to check it out, go to my website http://www.WorkAtHomeUnitedBiz.com and click on the get more info link and we can set up a time to go over the details. Just remember, it can't hurt to check it out and if it could work for you, it just might be the answer to what you have been looking for.

Whatever you do, spend as much time with your baby, they grow up soooo fast!!! I already wish I could rewind time with mine, lol!

Best of Luck,
M.

I made the switch to generics. Especially Dog food, but also baby food, people food, gas, etc. Every bit helps. Also, my hubby has an Am Ex card that gives rewards. He changed to cash rewards and uses it for EVERYTHING. All our bills, and every trip to McDonalds no matter how small. He gets a few hundred back each year.

I never thought I would do this, but I now buy all my baby clothes at thrift stores, and even sell the old ones back. Yard sales for the things in storage in an attempt to get rid of storage, and I have gone months without cable before. Call your internet/phone provider and tell them you are having financial issues, and they may offer you a reduced rate for 6 months in order to keep you as a customer. I got internet for $9.99 a month this way.

we have been on one income for about 9 years now and I too was making more than him. It was really hard for the first 5-6 years. We have now got control of things. It was wierd though, because we seemed to have been doing better on a lower income I guess because we knew we had to cut back and bought ONLY what we really needed. We don't have cable. We only get it when there is a promotion and shut it back off when it is over. Then back on when there was another. So we watch a lot of movies and netflix has been great. A lot less than cable. We don't have any cell phones. There has been times when we may have needed a cell, but not too much because one of us is always at home. I see too many people on the cell just to chat. We stuck with land lines because in case there are any emergencies, it's faster to trace our landline rather than a cell. Maybe one cell phone would work better and shared. The one who leaves the home would take it with them. We do have the internet because we are all in school, so I had to ask them, do you want cable or internet? They opt for the internet. There has been times however when we needed to go to the library to use the computer. Car insurance milage per yr is the minimum per yr. on my car. you will figure out where cut backs need to come in. Like I said it will be hard at first. Good luck,

Hi L., We were down to one income for two years before I went back to work part time while my son was in school. It's not easy but can be done. The most important thing to remember is there is a difference between the 'wants' amd the 'needs'. Some of the smaller things I did which I still continue to do are: rinse out and reuse baggies, add water to my dishwashing soap (I dont have a dishwasher) and even shampoo, all printer paper that would normally go into recycling bin I cut in half and staple sheets together and use for note pads, buy books for you and/or kids at goodwill where they are $1.00 each, buy store brand foods/medications instead of name brands, be sure to take advantage of buy 1 get one free at Safeway. Stop buying cases of bottled water & instead buy in 2 1/2 gallon containers and fill up your own bottle, get creative with leftovers, cut out any magazine subscriptions you have (i no longer have time to read them anyway), rent movies from library, cut down on eating out, take advantage of coupons you get in the mail when you do eat out, always check the clearance racks, hit up the dollars stores or grocery outlet monthly. I hope you find something in here useful. K.

Hi L.,

I stayed at home years ago and part of the time my husband was unable to work, so I am pretty good at living on very little. First, if you have to buy something, check out Goodwill, Salvation Army, thrift shops, consignment shops, resale shops, and garage sales. You'll be amazed at what you can find. Nursery school yard sales are the best for young children's clothes and toys. You can find clothes for you and your husband at Goodwill etc. Second, if your husband doesn't already, have him take lunch to work (drinks, coffee, snacks). This can easily save $25 a week or more... Third, the library is a great source of books for you and the baby, not to mention checking out the free videos and story hour when the little one gets older. Finally, remember, babies up to the age of two really don't need Christmas and birthday presents. Empty boxes, wrappings, and ribbons, not to mention that all time fun toy, a roll of paper towels, are enough for the first Christmas. Oh, and there are all sorts of free activities, especially if you check your local resources. Think of it--all this and you'll be as green as green can be. I still do my shopping first at the resale stores.

Take care,

E.

Start out by cleaning out the storage area you have. We did this and it saved quite a bit a month. We put a shed in the backyard and anything that we definitely wanted to keep went out there, the rest we either sold at a garage sale or gave away.

Maybe there is something you could do at home for a little extra income... babysit one child... or typing or something.

Check out the prices of cable vs Direct TV... maybe go with the cheaper one.

Grocery shop at WalMart.

Hi L.,

I gave up a very lucratve job to stay home with our children. Boy, it is difficult on one income but you get creative. I have become the queen of bargains. I get hand-me-down clothes for the kids. I buy generic brand food and sale items. I buy other things in bulk and then separate them and store them in manageable amounts. I also watch a child after school. You will cut down on gas because you won't be driving to work. You daughter will not be on baby food and formula for much longer and then you can just feed her what you are eating. This is much cheaper. I stopped buying expensive shampoo. I stopped coloring my hair. We thought of all the things that we did and determined if we could do without them. Then, my husband kept looking for better jobs. So, now we have a little more breathing room and I will get to go back to school when my last child starts kindergarten in a year.

Just remember to keep doing things with just the two of you. We have weekly date night (cheap dates, usually just Coco's and maybe grocery shopping without the children). The transition of being alone with your daughter all day everyday is harder than the one income.

D.

I think if you want to stay home you have to reevaluate your wants and needs. If you have stuff in storage can you sell since you are not in need of it now and have you shopped around for the best prices for cable, internet,phone services if you need to have them. Make a budget and stick to it. Go on the if we cant pay for it we dont need it plan. Maybe you can pick up watching a couple kids in your home for a little extra cash.

Hi L.,
We just did this, but in reverse. In my case, my husband became almost unemployed (he is a residential realtor, and let's face it, the market isn't so great right now!). Some of the things we did - and some of these were REALLY hard to let go of:

our house - we downsized from a 4 bed/3 bath on a half acre to a 3/2 with the smallest yard ever, and cut our payment by 60%. Yes, it completely sucks having a tiny yard, no home office, no surround sound, no granite countertops, ugly bathroom tile etc etc etc, but ultimately if I'm saving that much money I don't care! We have a roof over our heads, which is all we really need.

cable TV - we cut back to the most basic package, which cut us from $100/month down to $35/month. We have friends who still use the "rabbit ears" antennae and pay nothing!

cars - we do a lot of our own work on our cars. When my car needed new brakes, my husband asked a friend of his who knows how, to show us. He did, and I'm telling you now, I'm never going to pay someone $500 ever again to do it! Really easy. And now that I know how to change a tire, I cancelled AAA.

cell phones - if you only have one person working, you only need one cell phone. The person who's out of the house gets a cell phone. The other person doesn't. People lived for a long time before cell phones.

babysitting - exchange babysitting with other SAHMs. That way you never have to pay anyone to do it, but you still get time to go do what you need to do.

clothing - if you do not already have a source of hand-me-down baby clothes, check out consignment stores. Most of them have great stuff for CHEAP. I have not paid for new clothes for my girls in years - I just buy ones that other kids have worn once (or not at all) for pennies on the dollar. And if you're staying at home and therefore have more time to do laundry, your child doesn't need as many outfits! (And either do you =)

eating out - you'd be surprised how much you might be spending on eating out, coffee, etc. Pack your husband's lunch every day, send him out the door with a travel mug of coffee, and right there you save around $75/week (considering daily lunch out, plus Starbucks in the morning).

grooming - switch to a low-maintenance hair color, if you color your hair, and do your own nails and waxing.

That is what has worked for me. Overall we have been able to save around $4000/month (most of that is housing costs, but the other stuff adds up too!). This has made my husband's salary mostly unnecessary, so that when he does actually bring home money from a comission, we're able to put it toward credit card bills, savings, etc.

One final thought - have you considered that you might have post-partum depression? Maybe talk with your doctor about that, if you're having anxiety attacks and are sad doing things that you used to enjoy. Just a thought.

I hope that helps! Good luck to you.

Hi L., After years of working I was forced to leave because of an injury. My income wasn't much, but it paid for the the Miscellaneous stuff along with the insurance that was being paid through my work. My husband is self employed which makes it hard because I never know how much he will be bringing home. We just basically cut down on everything. I now only shop for what I need, not what I want. When I shop at the grocery store, I usually buy what is on sale. I also make enough so we have leftovers the next night, or I can make something out of the leftovers. I like being with my family and to me this is so important. My kids are both young adults and still living at home. I hope it all works out for you. Good Luck

My husband and I just did this in August. I am a teacher, and I decided I didn't want to return to my job. We are doing fine, because he takes all of the extra overtime hours he can get, and we don't have all of the expenses of my going to work (I was paying $735 per month for childcare). My husband takes his lunch every day except Fridays. I saved my last two months of pay. We don't go out much. In January I will have to bring in $250 a month to make our car payment. I figure I can do that by substitute teaching four or five days a month. Maybe you could do that. School districts have substitutes for classified employees too.

Also, if I were you, I would eliminate the storage unit.

L.,

Yes, us mothers are torn between helping to provide financially for our families while being there physically and emotionally for our children. I've been fortunate to be a full-time stay at home mom for 10 years now, although there have been plenty of rough patches financially over the years as my husband's income from self-employment has fluctuated widely. About a year ago I set out to find a home-based business that would mesh with our commitment to having me around for our children (now 6 & 10) after school and in the evenings. I discovered a wonderful, fun business opportunity in Noah's Ark Animal Workshop! Like you, I have experience teaching children (I was a dance teacher) and love the boundless energy children have. So, providing birthday party entertainment in the form of stuff-n-fluff animal workshops sounded like a perfect match for me. Maybe you could consider this for yourself! While it does require time, energy and effort to get your name out there, it's hardly "work" in the traditional sense of the word. The income is definately attractive, and it allows for such flexibility. You can work around your family's needs and time schedules to a great extent.

If you'd like to talk to me about it, feel free to give me a call at ###-###-####. You can also visit my website www.planetfluff.net to learn more about Noah's Ark Animal Workshop and the business opportunity.

Good luck to you!

L.

Hi L.,

Have you ever considered a home based business? It will give you the best of both worlds. Staying home with your child and making an extra income so there is no stress. Check out www.1stlook.biz

If this apeals to you email me and I will give you more info.

Good luck to you.

N. Marie

Where there's a will, there's a way. I think you're making a good decision. I would be having anxiety attacks if I were away from my kids, too. You really willl have to cut out all extra stuff - cable TV is a good one. Make sure you have prepaid phones, and maybe drop the home phone. Don't buy processed food at the store - it's way more expensive. And don't have anyone carry the credit card in their wallet. Just don't buy anything that you dont have to. It will sucka t first, but then you will actually enjoy it because you're acheiving your goal. Also, remember that this isn't forever. You will eventually be able to go back to work and catch up. At least that's what we're hoping, too! Besides, all of those peopelwith extra money in the stock market just lost it, so were all even now! Just kidding!

Good luck!
M.

HI! I am a stay-at-home mom and love it! I, too, had the same problem! The best advice I can give you is try WIC. This will help with some of the baby stuff like formula, milk, eggs, and some other stuff. Also, you can check out doing a home base business like Princess House, Avon, Mary Kay, ect. You can do this by having shows at night. Ask questions if you have any. I am currently a Princess House Lifestyle Consultant and really enjoy. I have my shows in the evenings. My husband get to spend time with his daughter since he is gone most of the day. This might help.