{UPDATE Feb. 2013: Welcome! These posts are from a series I started in February of 2012. Our income has since increased a little, but we still use these same principles to live on less so we can spend our money on our true priorities.}
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Living on Less Than $28,000 A Year: Yes, our family of six lives on around $2200 a month and for the next few weeks I’ll be sharing how we can survive, and even thrive on an income that is less than half the national median income, and what the government calls “below the poverty line” (less than $29,990 annually) for our family size.
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Before we get started, I’d like to address two issues: (1) WHY I’m sharing the information and (2) WHY we live on such a small income. I’ll address the specifics of HOW we live on a lower income in future posts.
WHY AM I SHARING THIS INFORMATION?
I have written about money saving ideas for some time, but I have been hesitant to put an actual number on our annual income for a couple of reasons. Number one: it’s personal. Number two: it’s personal.
Growing up I often heard that there were two things that you never talk about–politics and religion. I would add a third: finances.
These three topics define who we are as individuals and families within our society, and therefore people have firmly held convictions about them. I really don’t want to get into a debate about someone’s firmly held convictions and let’s face it, people don’t just go around announcing their annual income.
I also don’t want to be judged. Looking from the outside, it’s very easy to say that someone should or shouldn’t do something. There are many choices that our family has made that you may not agree with, and I am taking a risk by sharing them. I am risking my “reputation” and I am risking being criticized and looked down on. (After all, when thousands of people read the blog, I have a bit of exposure to public scrutiny.)
So why am I sharing now? My husband and I have considered these factors and decided that the risk is worth it if we can encourage even one family in their financial decisions and struggles.
There are many people who have mortgages larger than our entire monthly income and who may be shocked that we can live on so little. If you are one of those families, I am honestly very excited for you that you make a larger income. Perhaps you would like to be able to save more, though, and maybe reading this series will give you some ideas you hadn’t considered before.
There are also quite a few of you who live on even less than we make and life is a daily struggle for you. Hopefully you can gain some ideas and encouragement from this series as well. Now to the second point.
WHY DO WE LIVE ON SUCH A SMALL INCOME?
There are many factors which led us to make the choice to live on one, smaller than average income. The two that come to mind as I write are reducing the stress from over-commitment and prioritizing relationships.
Simple is better.
Life with four children is busy for anyone, but throw in the fact that our oldest son has Asperger’s Syndrome (an autism spectrum disorder), our oldest daughter has a severe wheat allergy and our youngest daughter has behavioral issues coupled with me working a full time job, and you have a disaster. My stress level was unbearable and I was very unpleasant person to be around (sometimes I still am 
).
Simplifying to one job and one school (home school) keeps me sane and our family happier.
We love Dad (and I’m sure you do too!).
I am a former public school teacher and my husband has most of his experience working for a non-profit charitable organization. It would make more financial sense for me to work and dad to stay at home, but my husband is much better in the role of encourager and entertainer of the children than he is as homemaker 
.
Having no higher level training, my husband’s only way to make a higher income right now is to work more hours and more jobs. He could do that, but we want to have family time just to relax and hang out.
Time with dad is important at every stage, but it is crucial with three teenagers. Girls need their father’s approval and attention to form their identities at this stage of life. Teenage boys need to see how their fathers interact with others, especially how they treat women. Seeing Dad interact on a regular basis with Mom and watching him treat her with respect makes a lasting impression on a young man. All teenagers need someone to bounce ideas off of. Having more relaxed time at home means we have more time to listen and discuss things.
Remember, the judgment I mentioned earlier? Well, at this point you should know that I do not judge anyone who makes different choices than we do. We each have unique circumstances and values, and we each have to do what is best for our families based on those factors.
As a matter of fact, we would like to make more money. We definitely don’t want to stay where we are financially, but if we have to choose between money and relationships (and for now we do), we are going to choose relationships every time. Relationships are eternal. Money is not.
Now that you know WHY we live on less, in the next few weeks I will be sharing HOW we live on such a small income. In the meantime, feel free to leave a comment. PLEASE remember to play nicely. I would like everyone to feel welcome here. Thanks!
Click here for an index of all posts in this series.
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Enjoy your blog.
Her’s a money/sanity saving tip for you.
I think you have three metal toxic kids. I recovered my ASD kid (who also had severe gluten/soy/casein intolerance and profound sensory issues) And our daughter with apraxia/eczema. It’s all g.o.n.e.
We used Andrew Cutler’s (http://onibasu.com/wiki/Cutler_protocol) chelation protocol (with ALA you can buy at the local drug/grocery store. There is a great Yahoo group “low dose frequent chelation” that could help.
Oh, and just say no to flu shots!
Wow this will be really eye opening for me. We live on close to 70K a year and find it hard sometimes. We are only a family 4! This should really help me not feel the struggle.
Just wanted to thank you for these posts.
We also make less than what others find to be manageable but with some planning manage a family vacation and even some fun time
I also have a husband who is better at encouraging and entertaining (love how you described that) vs. homemaking, even though I could probably earn more and work less than him. But this works for us.
And I am right behind you – no judgements.
I totally applaud you…you only have your children for a season….you are a wise Dad and Mom to cherish it…
Thanks Katie!
I’m excited to start reading this series! With my maternity leave coming to an end, I’ve been toying with the idea of not going back to work. Like you, relationships are a priority and I’d love to be at home with my son. I’m sure I’ll find lots of inspiration and tips here.
Welcome Donna!
Donna – maybe you could try becoming a home daycare provider. Be sure to check for qualifications for licensing in your area. This worked for my daughter who has been blessed to be able to stay home with her children (now 10 and 4).
I look forward to reading your posts! My family of four live on a meager budget with me staying at home with my kiddos and I’m always looking for new ways that others stretch their budgets. I grew up with the same three unwritten rules, but I appreciate that you gave that information…. gives others (like myself) a certain kind of hope.
I am so excited that I found this post. I am also a stay-at-home mom and I do not regret it. I had a job and had worked all my life until my second son was born. I had a three year old and a newborn and would have basically been working for someone else to raise my kids. My boys are now 10 and 6. The youngest just started school this year and I have been cleaning a few houses to help out but I am always there for field trips, to help in the classroom, when they are out for the summer, etc. I feel like MANY of my friends do not understand why I don’t work but I don’t care about their opinions. I left a job I REALLY LOVED to be with my kids. They will grow up one day and I can go to work but for right now I am willing to make a sacrifice. I cannot wait to read more of your posts! I need all the tips I can get!!!! Thanks you SOOOOOO much!
Welcome Kellie! I am so happy for you that you can spend time with your children. It’s a difficult choice, but I know you will be happy about it now and later.
Kellie, you do work. You do the most fullfilling work anyone could do – you raise children. Those mothers who do not understand your decision need to remember, it is mothers like you who are there for the field trips and to help in the classrooms of their children also. They should be appreciative of the sacrifices you have made for their children as well as your own.
I love your website and your committment to your family. We do only have our children for a short time and we need to cherish them. You have some great ideas and tips. Thanks
Thanks Kathy.
I have been a stay-at-home mom for thirty years. My last child is graduating this month. Staying at home,living on one income was a God directed decision,and thus I have had thirty years of blessings that continue to today. All of our needs have always been met and our children have memories that will last long after we have gone. I applaud your stand and look forward to future posts. One of the perks of living on less is adjusting to less is easier the longer you do it. And while others have run into financial hardships they reel in panic. We tighten the belt one more space and go on.
Thank you so much for that testimony of God’s faithfulness Donna.
Love your website. We are a family of only 3, and live on about the same amount as you. It’s tough at times. But my husband says, “what ever we need,you always seem to make it happen.” LOL! But we decided long before we had our son that we would homeschool no matter what.
found you on Pinterest – I have only read this ‘why’ post and haven’t yet poked around the rest of your blog but I just HAD to comment and say ‘thank you’. our family income has been reduced by 40% in the last few years and what we sacrifice financially we have gained relationally. while it’s easy to look at the numbers and think if i ‘just worked full time again’ it would make more sense. in reality it makes less sense. the sacrifices are worth it. i look forward to digging around your site and learning new strategies from you.
Welcome Lisa–glad you’re here! Yes, the money we’re “missing” can’t buy what we’ve gained by not pursuing it.
I too, found this from pinterest and have yet to read other posts, but I have to say… I’m on the verge of tears! I have a 9 year old and a 7 month old, my husband works 40 hours a week and I work 32-36. My baby is with a “baby sitter” 3 days a week, who lucky for me is also my best friend, but that’s still time that I’m missing. I also am required to work every other weekend as part of my job, which is time missed with all of my family. Recently, I have become very stressed and emotional due to all of this (I just want to be home!). I can’t help but think and feel that I should be at home, with my baby and my little girl but just can’t find a way to make the finances work. I am the one who provides health insurance through my work, so that’s another obstacle to get over. I am SO anxious now to read the rest of your posts and see how you all make it work!! Thank you, more than I can express, for opening up about this
You are very welcome Jennifer. Even if you can’t come home completely right away, maybe you can reduce your hours. Let me know if you have any questions.
Kimberlee, Thank you! We have toyed with the thought of me going part time and moving insurance to my husband’s work. And if I do that, I only have to work one weekend per month instead of two
If we make that work, I’ll let you know!
I say kudos to you! I look forward to following your blog. I love it when bloggers put it out there no matter what may come, just for the idea of helping one person. Thanks so much for sharing!
As a fellow teacher, I wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your perspective on family first, money second. I see so many students every day who are starved for the attention of involved parents who care enough to make time for them! Kids can thrive without expensive clothes, the latest iPhone, or regular trips to McDonalds. They CANNOT thrive without loving families. Kudos to you and your husband for being brave enough to make the tough decisions and then share them with all of us!
Thanks so much Rebecca. I also taught in the public school system and I saw the same thing. You can’t fill the hole in a kid’s heart with stuff. It just doesn’t work.
Enjoyed reading about you and your family. About 2 years ago, my husband lost his job which reduced our income by more than half. We have made the decision that our kids are more important than having “things”. We drive cars with over 150,000 miles on them because they are paid for and we shop for clothes for our kids at yard sales, consignment and Goodwill. We live on about the same amount of moeny to support our family of four. Because I had a good job, I am the one who works while my husband stays at home with the kids. Others have their opinions about us but what I have realized is that the family time we have been blessed with is worth more than any money my husband could make. I found you on Pinterest and I am glad I did. It’s good to see others that choose family over money:)
Welcome Lisa! Family time is definitely worth more than money can buy.
You are a true inspiration. Thank you for your openness and honesty. My husband and I have been very fortunate to be able to work and feel as though our two boys have had full lives with us, but now as they are entering college and we are in a beautiful home that we can not sell for what we owe, we wonder if we have made the most financially responsible decisions all see years. It’s time for us to make changes and I look forward to our journey and learning tips from your blog.
Thanks Lisa!
We are a family of soon to be four and live on this income. It isn’t easy, but it isn’t hard either. I am a stay at home mom and my husband is a retail manager. Living simpler is something I think many are afraid of. We have lived on more before and I have to say I am much happier now. I think what you are doing is great by showing that it can be done.
Thanks Lacey.
Good for you for living your life in a way that makes you happy. That is awesome, and thank you for sharing!
Thanks for sharing your story and wisdom. We used to be very low income and I dreamed of the day when we’d made what we make now. Sadly, the more you make, the more you spend, and I’m still pinching pennies and in debt. I’m looking forward to making changes for the better.
Oh, and kudos for sacrificing so you could be there for your kids!
It’s difficult not to spend more when you have more money, but good for you for taking control of your finances Dana!
I love the emphasis on relationships over money. Amen, sister.
Thanks Lindsay.
I am side-by-side you and so many others in this! Thanks for putting it all down!
You are very welcome!
I am SO glad I came across this… I’m just starting to plan our family of four’s budget because I really dont want to have to work full time anymore. Here’s to hoping it all works out.
Thanks so much ……I so needed this right now to help me see what’s important. After yrs of working and then having my boys we’ve struggled since my youngest son was born and I’ve stayed home. You are dead on it, the more you make the more u spend….I’m going to look forward to finding out how to do it your way.
Hey there! So, excited!!! I feel as though I have found my long-lost best friend!!! We too live VERY frugally, some years are more frugal than others, as my husband is self employeed. By government standards we too are impoverished. Hmmm….poverty feels pretty good!
Like you, we made the decision to live off of one income so that I could be a full-time, and not overwhelmed and stressed-out Mom and wife to our family with 5 children (2 are now in college, with NO debt and are successfully on their own, 2 go to the local public school, and I homeschool our youngest.) Like you, I also do not judge the unique situations of other families, and the best decisions they have made for their own families, but, am thrilled to have found someone who must live simularly to the way that we do! Looking forward to enjoying your blog!
Welcome Rhonda! I’m sure you have lots to share with me too. Congratulations on sending your kids to college debt. I love it when people challenge the status quo.
Hi,
I work for Premier Designs Jewelry and I think it is something you should definitely check out. It is worth the investment and you can make 50% of what you sell. I have heard so many success stories at our monthly fun girls night out meetings. They are all over the country but not saturating like some other direct sales companies out there
I thought I would share what has helped me through low income times of mine.
I also wanted to say that what you are doing with your blog is a great thing
Keep Going!
Warm Regards,
Stephanie
Thanks so much for writing this. I’ve just discovered these posts and have only read the first one. I can’t wait to read the rest. Our family has recently made a similar decision. I have decided to put aside my teaching career for awhile so I can focus on family relationships and raising our children. I can’t wait to keep reading!!!!
Welcome Courtney! I’m glad you’re here.
Thank you so much for sharing this, Kimberlee. It is quite humbling to know that someone in your situation would be so brave to post a blog in this matter. I commend you for that, as so many of us are living by the same means. My boyfriend and I are living off around the same income as yourself, (I’m the only income) and it is great to know that there is a website such as yours where I can go for tips and advice. Also to know that I am not the only one! We want to have kids pretty soon, and I just hope that we can continue living this way if we do decide to. But I’m also hoping that he can help start to help out more too. Thank you again for your blog and the kind words I have read. Oh, by the way, I found this on pinterest, tons of people have pinned it! You are helping so many!!
Thanks so much Lindsey. It’s good to know that what I am doing is making a difference.
I am a grandmother of 3 kids and have 2 daughters living with me. Right now the total income is less than $2100 a month. That includes a care payment, full coverage insurance and rent.
oops car payment
Thank you for reminding others that it isn’t all about the money in life. I think too many have forgotten that. The time you spend getting to know your children and instilling good life values in them is worth more than any amount of money you could earn. My children and now grown with children of their own, and seeing how they are raising their children (as they were raised) makes any financial struggles we may have had worth it. I work with young people daily and see what happens when Mom and Dad are too busy with work to raise their children. Bless you and your family, for you have it right.
Thanks Lisa! It’s easy to forget.
Can’t wait to read what you have to share. We just had our first child (to raise, our first baby is with Jesus)…and we will be changing our family income quite a bit..(I will be staying home). So excited for some great tips…hoping to help put my mind at ease!
I am so sorry that you lost your baby Stacy. I pray that God will continue to comfort you. Blessings on raising your new baby!
Thank you so much for letting people share this time with you. My husband has recently had to quit working to finish his engineering degree. We also have 4 children. He has cashed out his 401K, which we will be living on for the next 2 years. We won’t qualify for any assistance so I am very interested in your strategy for these difficult times. I have been a stay at home mom for years and it works well for us but going into this time when he won’t be working too is really stressful. I am excited to see your posts.
That sounds difficult Christina. Is your husband able to work part time at all? Hopefully you can find some ideas on the blog that you can use. I hope it goes well for you and your family.
Kimberlee,
thank you so much for putting it so beautifully. Our family sure could use the extra $60k a year I could be bringing in, but we value our family relationships and time more than what that money can buy. Who could argue with your intro here? Mainly because you say it’s a personal choice, and you’re not preaching that everyone should do what you (we) do. It’s what works for your family, and that works for me! God Bless you!
Thanks Becky!
You are an inspiration in this age of excess. Looking forward to reading more of your blog. You are teaching your children an INVALUABLE lesson! God bless!
Thanks for your encouragement Julee!
I love your way of thinking and agree wholeheartedly! I think that families are all-too-often neglected in this day and age for the ongoing quest for more money (and fancier “stuff”). We’ve made a lot of sacrifices as well and our family has really been blessed.
Great idea to share your tips – who couldn’t benefit from a suggesstion of two?! Kudos to you for being content with what you have (some people never are) and making the best of your situation!!!
I can’t wait to read all of these as we are a family of 6 with lead of that income!
Thank you for doing this! I am just now learning about this blog so I have a lot of reading to do, but I am a single parent living on a little less income than your family and I am finding it very difficult and very stressful. My views on living have definitely changed since becoming a mother and I agree that simple is better. I am so encouraged by reading this and can’t wait to read more!
Welcome Marissa! Being a single mom is very difficult period and having money problems makes it even more stressful. I pray that you will be encouraged.
Wow, what a refreshing point of view you have. I have been a stay at home mom to our two girls for 14 years. As they are becoming more independent, I have often thought to myself, “should I go back to work?” My answer was always about the money – but after reading your reasoning for sacrificing a double income, I realize it is also what I value but didn’t know how to articulate! So thank you for sharing and helping me see the “value” in why I choose not to have an income.
You are very welcome Sandra!
Kudos to you for your willingness to share, be honest and put your family first. I admire your ability to keep such an eternal perspective… I forget that often. I’m excited to see how you manage, honestly. I can always use more tips on making life more frugal!
Thanks Kylee. I hope you find some useful ideas.
I find your courage very inspiring. I just found your blog today and am looking forward to reading it.
Thanks Sarah–I hope you enjoy it!
One of my friends post this site on Pinterest. When I read the title, tears came to my eyes. If 6 can live on that amount successfully, then I know 4 of us can live on slightly less. I’m excited to hear your thoughts and ideas for saving money.
Hi Cindy! It’s not always easy, but it can be done. I hope you find some encouragement here.
This is so great! I’ve been on a mission all year to minimize my “stuff” and to live a simpler life. The money part is by far the hardest! I will definitely be using your blog as a reference and motivation. I always say, “I’d rather be a poor good mom, than a rich absent one.” I look forward to reading more.
Yea for you and your family! As a teacher of PreK I see so many families who have chosen to make lots of money and give their children everything that they would ever want materially, but they aren’t giving them the one thing that they desperately need – themselves. We have also chosen to make less money so that we can spend more time with our kids.:)
I have to say that I wanted to cry when I started reading this post and all the comments. I had a baby in March and because of the cost of childcare, it didn’t make sense for me to go back to work just to turn around and give my paycheck to someone to keep my son. We now live on about $27,000 a year, less than half of our previous income. Add onto that having to buy diapers and formula, and there isn’t a whole lot left over. We have been struggling a lot financially lately and the stress of it is starting to get to both of us. Often times I feel like I can’t enjoy having a new baby because of the stress of being broke. I try to keep a positive attitude about our situation as much as possible, because after all, I have the greatest gift in getting to be with him all day, but sometimes it’s hard to not stress about money. It is SO good to know that there are others out there who are in the same position. It makes me hopeful that we CAN make this work and do what’s best for our son, and not have the stress of unpaid bills hanging over our heads while we do it. I can not wait to dive into this series and hopefully make some changes that will benefit the entire family. Thanks so much for being so open and putting a number on it. I imagine that it was something you would have rather not done, but please know that by doing so you inspire others and help them to be more hopeful about their own circumstances…myself included.
Thanks so much for your encouragement Hilaria! It takes sacrifice, but it is so worth it. My children are teens now and I could never buy back the years we would have lost if I had worked outside our home. I hope you find some ideas that you can use.
I am really looking forward to reading this blog series.
My hubby and I are recent college graduates (with LOTS of student loan debt to pay off in the next coming years), newly weds looking to start a family in a few years (at which time I will become a SAHM) and to also buy our first house around then too. Though he is currently making a nice income, we still want to live in a way that will allow us to save as much as possible so that when we go to buy our first home it will not cause us to have a HUGE mortgage payment to add to our already HUGE student loans payment.
You are an inspiration and I look forward to reading this series of blogs! I agree Family is more important than money, as long as you are happy, the money is secondary
I am excited to find your blog and can’t wait to start reading! We have lived on less than $28K for many years, with four children as well. It’s not always easy, and I get very tired of people who do not know about our situation saying, “I sure wish MY husband made enough money for me to stay home! You’re lucky!” Luck has nothing to do with it, we’ve made a lot of tough choices, choices those women can never make because their priorities are all wrong.
I’m looking forward to reading about your journey. Thanks for sharing with us!
Paula
You are so right Paula. It takes sacrifice, but it is so worth it.
i am so excited to read your post. we are a family of 7 living on an income of about 27k a year and people wonder all the time how we make it. first an foremost the good Lord provides every day. secondly we budget. i am so happy you decided to share. thank you.
Just wanted to say thanks for sharing this! It is nice that someone else thinks the way we do! Thanks again!!
Thank you for your honesty and help. We are very fortunate to have a comfortable household income but I want to have my child’s college paid for and I want to retire and see the world with my husband. Your tips are wonderful and you are an inspiration.
Thank you.
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