Feb
20
2012

New Series: Living on Less than $28,000 A Year (pt.1)

by Kimberlee

{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.}

_____________

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.

_______________________________________________

Join me on Twitter or Facebook for daily interaction or subscribe to my FREE daily e-newsletter to get posts right in your inbox!

Click here to read other posts in this series.

_______________________________________________

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.

 

You May Also Enjoy:

Earn $ With Legitimate Online Survey Sites

5 Easy Ways To Save More Money

Current Deals & Freebies

 

{ 939 comments… read them below or add one }

Setjay June 17, 2012 at 3:09 pm

28.000$, SMALL INCOME ???
Please, i’m a teacher turned stay-at-home mum and we are living (hum, not even surviving…) with 9360€ a year… with three babies.
Thanks crisis !
Wish we had this “small income” so we’ll be rich !

Reply

linda June 17, 2012 at 6:41 pm

I was excited to see what the tips were and disappointed that no tips were written yet. Good luck but wish you put at least one tip on here instead of directing everyone to a place with nothing yet.

Reply

Kimberlee June 17, 2012 at 8:00 pm

Not sure what you are referring to, but here is a link to all of the posts Linda: http://thepeacefulmom.com/living-on-less-than-28000-a-year-series/. Hope that helps. :)

Reply

linda June 17, 2012 at 8:44 pm

thank you! Linda

Reply

Lindsay June 30, 2012 at 6:48 pm

Linda, if you read the last paragraph, she says (and I quote) “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”.

This post, I think, was to set up future posts on the topic. She was just explaining the WHY here, not the HOW. :)

Reply

Lindsay June 30, 2012 at 6:50 pm

BTW, I’m looking forward to reading the posts related to this topic! I love hearing what other people have to say about it and what tips/advice they can give and how it has worked for them!

Reply

Erica June 17, 2012 at 7:05 pm

Thank you for taking this risk! I think you guys are great :)

Reply

Kimberlee June 17, 2012 at 7:58 pm

Thanks Erica. :)

Reply

jen June 17, 2012 at 8:42 pm

i’ve only read this post so far but your message and your conviction and commitment to the decision you have made is inspiring. relationships are truly the most important things in life and even though they’ll always be your children – this is when they truly need you whether they know it or not. cheers to you for doing whatever it takes to be there for them! :)

Reply

Kimberlee June 17, 2012 at 8:46 pm

Thanks Jen! :)

Reply

Dori June 18, 2012 at 7:59 am

I just came across your site and I appreciate your sharing this info. My family is a 1 income family as well. We have had to make many decisions that others just don’t get and I am usually overwhelmed with caring about what others think. My oldest daughter was born with down syndrome, a diagnosis that was NOT expected. Then a year later, we learned that we were expecting my son. Between her therapies, doctor appointments and constant meetings, there was no way I could go back to work. Thank you so much and good luck!

Reply

Kimberlee June 19, 2012 at 10:46 am

Blessings to you Dori! It’s difficult to take care of a special needs child, but I am so glad that you can stay home.

Reply

Heather Carter June 18, 2012 at 11:34 am

My sister directed me to your site this morning when she found this article on Pinterest. We are a family of 10, living simply, and on a tight budget. I loved how you made the point that you aren’t putting your reputation on the line, rather you are opening yourself up to scrutiny. I live my life like an open book and that scrutiny is something that I loathe (and fear!). I look forward to reading more on your blog.

Reply

catherine June 18, 2012 at 12:01 pm

Thank you thank you thank you for this blog! Life is changing for the worse for us and I too have elected to earn less in order to spend more time with my three boys (two teens) Next year my son will be going to college and although money would come in handy, I won’t be going back to my corporate job. I love what I do now as an artist and part-time educational assistant for special education! thank you thank you…I will be watching your posts!

Reply

Robin June 18, 2012 at 1:26 pm

Hello! I too have made some major adjustments in my life. I am the single mom of a 9 year old boy. I had a heart attack at age 42 and have since acquired medical issues that prevent me from working. Trying to survive on SSI is quite an adjustment. I am still widdling down my expenses to make life easier and hopefully keep my house! Thanks for any and all suggestions!

Reply

Tiffany June 18, 2012 at 1:33 pm

You are amazing.
My husband and I live the same way. He was working a job making $17.00 an hour, and that was our only income. People looked at us funny because we managed just fine! We didn’t have fancy things, or ever take a significant vacation, but we have time with our kids and that was most important. We always said that we didn’t have kids for someone else to raise them. Although I respect mothers in the workforce (my mother was one of them!), I feel so blessed to be home.
We are a very happy family, and I don’t care if other people think we are weird for how we live. My husband is now making more money after switching jobs so we can save money to move closer to my ailing parents, but we still live the same way. People seem to think it can’t be done, but you are proof, and I commend you for putting it out there.

Reply

Christen June 18, 2012 at 3:29 pm

Last year my husband and I made the decision to let him go into full time volunteer work with a local ministry here. I work from home and we have 3 girls- 2 of which do school from home :) I think a lot of people think we’re crazy- but we love the idea of living on less so that others can just live. I applaud you for your decision and I give you a standing ovation for telling people about it!! The blog world can be a scary place….

Reply

Kimberlee June 18, 2012 at 4:06 pm

Thanks so much Christen. :)

Reply

Ashley June 19, 2012 at 11:34 am

You are phenomenal. I feel so blessed to have found this! =] May God continue to bless and keep you and yours. You can be certain I will be reading on.

Reply

Diana Miller June 19, 2012 at 5:57 pm

I started working part time after I had my daughter. After 7 years of staying home, I decided to go back to work full time. After 10 years and she is ready to go to college, I am ready to stop working so hard and spend more time with my husband and daughter. The major issue is that I carry the health insurance for the family.

Reply

Amanda June 19, 2012 at 11:51 pm

Just found your blog through pinterest..looking forward to reading it! We are a family of 6 also living off around 25,000 a year..I’m a stay at home mom also :)

Reply

Eirin June 20, 2012 at 12:13 am

After having my first child a year ago, I have looked high and low for real budget advice with real numbers. Thank you for your honesty and sharing your personal journey. I am inspired and feel hopeful that my family can enjoy living with less.

Reply

Jessica @ The Abundant Wife June 20, 2012 at 12:59 am

Thanks for sharing this series! I try to be very transparent as a blogger, but like you I have hesitated to share my husband’s salary for the same reasons. My husband also works for a non-profit (and we are both former teachers) and makes around $30,000 a year, which amounts to about $2100 a month after taxes and retirement are withdrawn. We are currently a family of four, but we hope to continue growing in size. I am looking forward to reading your series!

Reply

Taya June 20, 2012 at 2:15 am

I usually do not comment on blogs, I just never “felt” the need to. That was until I found your blog via pintrest (love it!) and.. well I feel I was ment to read this today. I have been unemployed for six months and it is finally wearing on me. I currently live with my fiance and our two children (I have a daughter from a previous relationship and he has a son). Right now we are living on his pay alone which is around 25000. It’s just so tight as far as money is concerned. I go to school and will graduate at the end of the year. Most of my family DOES NOT support what they call our “alternative” life style. They claim we must not be too uncomfortable because I only go to school and my fiance only works one job. It gets me down sometimes, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I get to spend way more time with my kids than my parents ever did with me. Both worked for the military, so I was always pawned to a babysitter or a neighbor, and I do not want to do that with my own kids. Thank you so much, I feel I finally have the support I’ve been craving! :) Can’t wait to follow your blog.

Reply

Kimberlee June 20, 2012 at 10:37 am

Welcome Taya! I’m glad you feel encouraged. :)

Reply

Melody June 20, 2012 at 2:18 am

Uhm. You’re amazing. That is all.

Reply

Kimberlee June 20, 2012 at 10:35 am

Hahaha Melody–thanks! :)

Reply

Beck June 20, 2012 at 7:23 am

Hi,
Just want to say that I totally respect your choices. You have put into words what I have been craving, which is a simpler and less materialistic life. I love that you have decided to focus on your family. This is what your children will remember when they grow up, not that you didn’t earn a lot of money. Well done, you should be proud. And the people that would judge you are not worth your time.
Beck

Reply

Andrea June 20, 2012 at 8:21 am

I miss the suggestions.

Reply

Kimberlee June 20, 2012 at 10:34 am

I am not sure what you mean Andrea, but you can read more posts in this series here: http://thepeacefulmom.com/living-on-less-than-28000-a-year-series/ if that is what you are referring to. :)

Reply

Dottie M June 20, 2012 at 9:22 am

Thanks so much. I needed these reminders today. We are much in the same boat. xo & blessings.

Reply

Judith June 20, 2012 at 12:07 pm

I am so excited to read your blog. We chose when I was pregnant with my first daughter to live on one income. We said at the time we would do whatever it took to protect my ability to be with the kids. However, we never got serious about budgeting. My husband makes a good income but we have a lot of debt. We are trying to pay it down. I would love to be able to live on less and give him the option to take whatever job he wants without worrying about whether we can “make” it or not. Thanks for not worrying about what the world thinks and allowing us into your world so the rest of us can learn to live simpler.

Reply

Erin June 20, 2012 at 12:46 pm

Just stopping in to say thank you for putting this out there! I can’t see why people would judge you… you have a mission, and you’re accomplishing it! You’re awesome! What a great role model for your children! And an inspiration to me! =)

Reply

Kimberlee June 20, 2012 at 2:36 pm

Thanks so much Erin. :)

Reply

Diana June 20, 2012 at 1:37 pm

Kimberlee!
You are a very brave woman for sharing your story! I am also a mother of four, 3 teenagers ( 2 with ADHD) and a four year old with Autism! We have gone from two incomes down to one because I also made the decision to be home FT. So excited to read your blog! Thx!

Reply

Jen June 20, 2012 at 5:31 pm

Thank you for taking a risk and writting this! I’m just starting to get into the series but am looking forward to all of your tips! As a single mom every penny counts!!

Reply

Melody June 20, 2012 at 8:08 pm

Thank you for sharing this. As another family who has also chosen to live on one income (and is in the process of still trying to figure it out), so that I can stay home and raise our children, I appreciate your willingness to give us, not only a look inside how you do it financially, but why you have made these choices.

Reply

Amanda June 21, 2012 at 9:39 am

Thank you for sharing. I’m so excited to learn from you. I am a SAHM too. I had problems getting pregnant & I was in a high stress job, which was making my marriage & my sanity take a hit. We decided for me to come home, take care of the house, get pregnant, & be a SAHM. Best decision I ever made. We now have a beautifully, HAPPY, smart 16 month old daughter. A happier marriage & just overall better quality of life. I often feel judged for my decisions & it was hard to go to just one income. My husband makes around 45, but with a mortgage, 2 car payments, student loans…gah. I struggle with going back to work or staying home. I want to stay home, but I want to help my husband. He wants to make a career change (which I fully support, & think is a great idea), but we need money we don’t have for him to get “certified”. Hopefully, some of your tips can help us save for this goal. Thank you again!!

Reply

Kimberlee June 21, 2012 at 2:59 pm

Hi Amanda! I am so happy for you. :) Have you thought about selling one or both of your cars to get a paid for car? Car payments are real killers to the budget. I don’t know if that will work for you, but if you want to stay home, maybe there are some things you can cut back on and then find a job you can do part-time from home. I hope everything works out well for you. :)

Reply

Mary Edwards June 21, 2012 at 2:34 pm

Thank You. We have a child with high functioning Autism. He is able to do school the school work (with lots of direction) but we have a lot behavior and social issues. When he started school we had problems, and since Dad was out of work at the time he stepped in and took care of things while I worked. We made a decision for Dad to stay home and care for the kids and me work. I am a nurse so I do ok. Is the house as clean as I want it? No, but it isn’t when I do it either. Our problem is friends give him a hard time about not working. It does not bother me because my children are more important than having a fancy car or other things. Thank you for sharing.

Reply

Kimberlee June 21, 2012 at 2:56 pm

Hi Mary! It is unfortunate that people are not more open to dads staying home with the kids. I think it’s great when they can have either parent directly involved in their lives more. Blessings to you and your family.

Reply

Acadiachic76 June 21, 2012 at 6:09 pm

I give you two thumbs up for what you are doing. It seems like the more money you have the more stress you have to go with it. Since I have recently lost my job I have also learned that I must choose between a “want” and a “need”. I thought it would be hard, but I am actually liking it because I don’t have to choose between my want like a pair of shoes, and my need like paying the rent. I just want to wish you and your family lots of luck!

Reply

Mindy S June 21, 2012 at 7:30 pm

Thank you so much for posting this. I look forward to reading through more of your posts. After I had our second little girl we decided I would stay home with out 3 year old and infant. So we too are down to one income. We struggle every day with our budget and have had to make many sacrifices. But I am also thankful to be able to be home with my girls. I believe the first few years are so important for so many aspects of a child’s life. I love Pinterest and finding more ways to help save money. Thank you for showing me that I am not alone . And kudos to you for also putting your family first over money.

Reply

Renee B June 23, 2012 at 9:47 am

Thank you! I feel like you are describing our exact scenario. We do the same, have 4 children and my oldest 2 are on the spectrum plus my 5th grader has ADHD. I feel guilty at times that I can not give them more like trips and things but can not imagine what life would be like if I was not here to help them through every day struggles!

Reply

Suzie June 23, 2012 at 3:37 pm

Thanks for sharing…. My husband and I both currently work. I have been a SAHM in the past but my husband had a much better job at that time. We have no debt except for our mortgage, but I still can’t seem to make it work out on paper for me to stay home again. It seems that we end up with lots of medical or miscellaneous expenses each month as well. Our youngest will be headed to college next year and so it seems that it would be the absolute craziest time for me to consider that option but I am. Thanks for sharing all your tips about how you save and cut back to be at home with your family. It means a lot to those out there that are considering it and that it can be done on a small income. I hope you don’t mind me asking when you speak of your income, are you speaking in terms of gross or net income? Thanks again for sharing with us!

Reply

Kimberlee June 23, 2012 at 3:51 pm

I don’t mind at all Suzie. :) We bring home an average of $2200 a month net.

Reply

Lucy June 24, 2012 at 12:23 pm

Hello there!

Just found your site via Pinterest. What a wonderful age we live in!!! I have truly found my tribe ;) . But seriously, just wanted to say thank you for being so open and sharing. It is an inspiration, and kind of a life line for me at least.

Hope you’re having a great summer so far!

Reply

Kimberlee June 24, 2012 at 5:26 pm

Hi Lucy! Welcome to the tribe. :)

Reply

Kim June 24, 2012 at 3:59 pm

I just found this site and already I have joined emeals and I am looking forward to reading the rest of your posts. I am a full time nursing student with 2 children and my husband is the only source of income we have. We have had to make many tough decisions but believe we have made the right ones. I have taken off for the summer and I want to get meals planned and budget organized by the time I go back to school so that I don’t have to waste time “getting organized” it will all work smoothly! Just so you don’t feel like you are the only one putting it all out there…our family of 4 lives on $20,000 a year and it is very difficult…God bless you for helping all the rest of us.

Reply

Kimberlee June 24, 2012 at 5:26 pm

Hi Kim! I hope you have a productive summer. Way to go for choosing to live according to your true priorities!

Reply

Heidi A. June 25, 2012 at 11:35 am

Kimberlee-
When we found out almost two years ago that I was pregnant with twins, we knew going back to work would not be an option for me, not that I wanted to! We also have 2 teenagers that very much need direct attention and interaction. Our income is slightly higher than yours (SO hard to say the number) at $2500 a month, but we live in a highly desirable and EXPENSIVE part of the country- Moving away just isn’t an option for us, it is so much more important to us that our children grow up where we did and have a daily personal interaction with their grandparents and extended family. And yet our family is the one shaking their heads at us. They just don’t understand- and when we do decide to spend the money on something “extra” to keep our sanity intact, then we get judged all the more. They do not understand that in addition to raising 4 kids, two of them VERY busy toddlers, that keeping a household ESPECIALLY on a small budget, really is a job!I recycle, upcycle, craft, skimp, and plan out every penny. I have only read the first post so far, but am very much looking forward to the rest! You see all these “how to save money” posts and lists that are things like “Go to a matinee instead of the late show” and “try shopping store brands” – On an income like ours store brands are a forgone conclusion and the only way we go to the movies is if we win tickets or get a gift card! Thank you for putting yourself out there! And thank you to all the above posters for sharing- I feel like a little less of an odd ball right now :P

Reply

Kimberlee June 25, 2012 at 11:45 am

Heidi–You are definitely not an oddball! :) I know exactly what you mean about going to the movies. Thankfully we have a good $1.00 theater close by or we would never see anything on the big screen–LOL!

Reply

Sadie June 25, 2012 at 9:39 pm

I can’t really remember when I have had over $20,000 a year to live on. I love that you post about living simple. I wish more people realized that it can be done.

Reply

Shannon June 27, 2012 at 7:27 pm

Thank you for being brave enough to put yourself out there. I haven’t even finished reading your posts yet, but feel as if I got some tips on how we can survive. Husband has been out of work for years and returned to school, I’ve taken up to three jobs and am in school too. I need to drop the two lesser jobs to regain a life. Thank you for validating relationships and non-material things in life. Your blog is what I needed today, or I may have lost yet another piece of my sanity. I appreciate you!

Reply

Kimberlee June 27, 2012 at 8:26 pm

Thanks so much for letting me know Shannon. I’m glad I could help. :)

Reply

Debbie June 27, 2012 at 9:00 pm

Hi!
I found this post through Pinterest but I’ve come over to your blog either through MSM or Lifeasmom (not sure which), either to find a recipe or something, or just some peace. (Love the name of your blog too.) Anyway, I havn’t read the whole series yet but I am very eager to.

Reply

Kimberlee June 27, 2012 at 10:50 pm

Welcome Debbie!

Reply

Danielle June 27, 2012 at 10:40 pm

A friend told me about you and I am so thankful :) After reading on I feel better about my familys “simple” life….we live on about the same income after I decided to quit my job to stay at home with our children….our 3 year old recently diagnosed with Autism,an active 5 yr old and 4 teenagers……we find enjoyment in the little (and free ;) things and look at life in a whole other light. While things may be tight, I’ve realized what we want in life isn’t always what we need. Thanks for sharing your life!

Reply

Toni June 28, 2012 at 3:40 pm

I am very grateful for your honesty and courage. I recently became a stay at home mom because I saw the effects of having two working parents was having on my children along with the stress that working, having a family, and going to school full time brings. Just reading your article at the top has given me even more confirmation that this is something that can and will be done. Thanks so much for sharing I know you are concerned about what some negative people have to say but I believe in my heart that you are changing more lives then you know so again THANK YOU! You rock!!!!!

Reply

Kimberlee June 28, 2012 at 5:03 pm

Thanks so much Toni!

Reply

Michelle June 28, 2012 at 9:55 pm

I just came across your blog today. We are a family of 5 living off of a similar, modest income. We survive and have a good time too. My oldest is developmentally delayed and I have 2 other daughters. I applaud you for being so open and honest. It’s encouraging.

Reply

Kimberlee June 29, 2012 at 4:33 pm

I’m so glad that you feel encouraged Michelle. :)

Reply

Kyle June 28, 2012 at 10:43 pm

Thank you so much for taking the time to explain how you make it work! We have a much smaller family, just me and my daughter, and we live on a similar size income, which I think is pretty good. And still, it seems at times that keeping a household on this income will cause me to go bald (from pulling out all my hair), which is no fun for my daughter either. So, thank you, truly! You’re willingness to provide this insight is truly appreciated!

Reply

Kimberlee June 29, 2012 at 4:33 pm

You are very welcome Kyle. :)

Reply

KL June 29, 2012 at 8:49 am

I really really love your blog. My little family of three is just starting out, but we desire another baby in the near future. Your tips on saving and being financially responsible will be of great use as we prepare to make a family of 4 :)

Reply

Kimberlee June 29, 2012 at 4:30 pm

Thanks so much!

Reply

Crystal Stewart June 29, 2012 at 12:10 pm

Thank you so much for your honesty!! I discovered you on Pinterest and it couldn’t have happened at a better time. My husband is out of work….I choose to stay home and our emergency unemployment just ran out. We live within our means and as shocking as it sounds…we have no house payment, no car payment, no credit card bills, so things may be tight…but not devastating!! Thanks for your tips, can’t wait to read the entire series!!

Reply

Kimberlee June 29, 2012 at 4:26 pm

Welcome Crystal!

Reply

Gigi June 29, 2012 at 5:12 pm

Kimberlee,
When I clicked onto this story, it was from a single girlfriends pinterest site. I assumed that you were going to be discussing how to live it up a la “young, broke and fabulous” on a modest income. What I found, when I read this first post in the series made my jaw drop. 6 people, 28k?!? Whaaaaat?
I just thank God for people out there like you, willing to share, willing to open up and talk about those uncomfortable subjects. Right now, I am having the internal struggle of wanting to become a stay at home wife and Mother. I too, would be the “safer” bet as the higher income earner… however, I think our family would be happier if I was the homemaker, and so there are other factors for us to consider other than money as well. I am just SO scared of doing it. What if I fail? What if we try, and fail, and I ruin my resume and am unable to get back into a great position? “what if…” x100 I keep thinking, how can 3 people even possibly survive on 34k a year? I feel insane for even considering it… Then I stumbled onto your site. I feel so encouraged. I feel like its “possible” and there is a glimmer of hope that I am not crazy for wanting to try it. I feel even like I deserve it, and not stupid for wanting it. Thank you, really thank you for putting yourself out there. I just wanted to tell you that you helped me feel better, and thank you for that. :)

Reply

Kimberlee June 29, 2012 at 7:51 pm

Hi Gigi! I think you are wise for considering all of the possibilities, but never make your decision based on fear. Things won’t be easy sometimes and you may have some failures, but I can guarantee that if you decide to stay home with your child, you will never regret the bond that you form and the precious memories you will have.

Before you quit your job, have a solid plan in place (a written budget) and make a commitment to sacrifice what you need to sacrifice to make things work (rarely eating out, buying only sale items, etc.). You might even try living on your husband’s income as much as possible and saving as much of your income as you can. An emergency fund can be very helpful while you are working everything out.

Thanks so much for letting me know that my site helped you. Have a great weekend! :)

Reply

Sarah July 3, 2012 at 2:37 pm

I just found your blog and I have only read the beginning post and not the tips yet. We are a family of five living off just my husband’s income. I was a teacher but we decided when our first was born that I would stay home. We felt if we were going to have kids than we needed to make the sacrifice and raise them not someone else. When I was 6 months pregnant with our third my husband lost his job and was laid off for over a year. We were able to survive and not dip into our emergency fund that whole time! I know some people think we are crazy because we never go out to eat (unless we have a gift card or coupons :) and we rarely go on vacation but we are happy. Thanks for putting yourself out there. I know a lot of people don’t understand why we live so simply but I am thankful that we do. Now if I could just convince my husband to let me homeschool!

Reply

Kimberlee July 3, 2012 at 3:10 pm

That’s awesome that you were able to make it an entire year without touching your savings! Glad you found the blog Sarah. :)

Reply

Kristen July 3, 2012 at 5:02 pm

Thank you for opening your experiences and solutions up to us. I just moved from the Phoenix Metropolous and $60,000 a year to small town Kansas for a “simpler, ” little did I realize that the much awaited job offer yesterday would bring in a whopping income of $27,000 a year. I am definitely looking for advice and hope from others doing it. Blessings and love, Kristen

Reply

Kimberlee July 3, 2012 at 7:29 pm

That is a huge pay cut! Definitely an adjustment, but hopefully your expenses will be less. I am always jealous of all the grocery deals I hear about in the midwest.

Reply

Kisha July 3, 2012 at 7:02 pm

THANK YOU SO MUCH for sharing. I agree completely that it is hard to share financial information, it is very personal, so thank you so much for going out on a limb and sharing yours. 8 months ago my husband and I decided that it was in our families best interest if I stop working too. It has been hard for us and he makes much more than your family lives off of. It was all right at first but now that our finaces have caught up to us and we have really realized that we cant live like we used to, we have hit a hard spot. These posts have been so helpful and inspiring, not only to help me get our finances in order but that there are other women and families out there that value relationships and thier families well being more than money. I was scrutinzed by friends for my decision because now we cant go on family trips to Disneyland and have our monthy parties and shopping sprees. As fun as those things are, they are not more important than the mental, emotional and spritual support I can give my family while at home. Thank you for, in a round about way, supporting me, you dont know me but reading your story has given me stregnth to go on when I have been seriously thinking about giving up and going back to work. Thank you, you are a God sent!!! God bless your amazing family!!!

Reply

Kimberlee July 3, 2012 at 7:31 pm

I am so glad Kisha. I actually had to go back to work a couple of times early on until we figured out that things REALLY had to change for me to stay home. It is difficult, but definitely worth the sacrifice as you mention. I pray that you will be able to get through this rough spot and things will turn around quickly for you. :)

Reply

Niki July 4, 2012 at 1:12 am

Thank you for sharing!! My husband and I have also chosen for me to be a stay at home mom, and recently he took a pay cut. I have been a little stressed figuring out our new budget, but seeing you do it with more people is very encouraging.

Reply

Shyloh July 4, 2012 at 9:56 am

Thank you so much for sharing this and putting youself out there! My husband and I have two kids and live on less than $10k a year. I was a SAHM for two years, when my husband lost his job and we made a move to a very rural area. He cannot find a job so now he is a SAHD. I’m excited to get some tips because there are times I feel like giving up because I can’t always meet our obligations.

Reply

Kimberlee July 4, 2012 at 10:05 am

Welcome Shyloh! I hope you find some encouragement here. :)

Reply

Cyndy July 4, 2012 at 10:22 pm

When I was reading your reasoning for writing the blog, I immediately thought of something that’s been haunting me: There’s a lot of talk today about how we all need to learn to live below our means, rather than living within our means. Because, if we live within our means, it makes saving nearly impossible; leading to that ‘paycheck to paycheck’ lifestyle. I was intrigued to find your blog, to give myself some ideas for cutting costs, so that I can save more of my income for a major goal— someday a paid-for home. I appreciate your help—thank you.

Reply

Kimberlee July 4, 2012 at 10:25 pm

Welcome Cyndy! I hope you find some helpful ideas. :)

Reply

Leave a Comment

Previous post:

Next post: