Living on Less Than $28,000 A Year: How a Family of six survives and thrives on a less than average income.
[UPDATE Feb. 2013: Welcome! These posts are from a series I started in February of 2012. Our income has since increased, but we still use these same principles to live on less so we can spend our money on our true priorities.]
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.
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 we have one child diagnosed with severe learning disabilities, one child with a severe allergies and one child with ADD 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’m 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’s 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, and 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’s 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! 🙂
We’re In This Together!
Join The Peaceful Mom Fam HERE
to get weekly, real-life Money-Saving & Organizing Life -Hacks!
Click here to read other posts in this series.
You May Also Enjoy:
the money witha shoestring
its a shoe string budget
I SEE WHAT YOU DID THERE!
Thank you so much for your encouragement Lana! Some days it’s easy to think that we are not making the right choice but then I remind myself what is really important. Thank you for taking the time to remind me again. 🙂
Thanks so much for that recipe!
Thank you so much for your encouraging transparency! For me this has been such a internal struggle that it gives me hope and breathe easier that im not alone and that someone can give their personal experiences and family situation to encourage. I believe in what you do and my prayer is that the Lord bless your family abundantly! Thank you and looking forward to more of your insight! =)
Hi Vanessa – You are not alone! Thank you so much for your prayers. Please let me know if there is a specific topic that you would like for me to address. 🙂
You’ll look back on the time with your families, not your struggles. Doing the right thing for your family takes courage, sacrifice, endurance and faith!
Thanks for the great advice Jane!
Great post ! Thanks so much for sharing that with us!
FAMILY IS PRECIOUS!!…and what is missing these days. I live in NJ. My career took a different turn when our parents retired and my sister and I lost the best baby sitter in the world (they moved away to enjoy life where they felt best, although they would eventually return when age kept up laced with illness). Anyway, way back when they retired, I left a large company making good money and bought a travel agency making $75 p/week…eventually that increased but never beyond a 1/2 of what I was used to make, yet I never looked back. Our kids were raised by us…games never missed…homework always done on time…plenty of cuddling when they were sick…So what if we went camping with tents instead of a caribbean hotel? We had a ball! WE HAD FAMILY TIME that molded them to what they are today. But eventually they grew up…and my “cycle decision” came about again. This time our parents…we talked & the decision was really no decision. I continue making my little peanuts, this time with the flexibility of taking the elders to the gazillion doctors, nurse them back to health, listen to their angst, take them on their favorite trips or just sit with them for a spell. I am not money rich, but you wouldn’t believe the love and happiness that reigns in my life! I am a billionaire in love & I wouldn’t have it any other way, if the choice was money or family…FAMILY WINS!! (hands down!!). Happy loving.
I am so happy that you could make that change Kristin. I pray that God will give you specific ways to earn income and that He will provide in miraculous ways that you can’t even imagine. Thanks so much for taking the time to comment here and please let me know if you have any questions.
Many American have a steak taste on a hamburger budget . The problem is that most Americans borrow to the max and then whine about not having enough money . So you have a nice house, car, and boat. Can you afford them or does it really matter at this period of time?
I’m just gonna make smart decisions with my money so I don’t end up with an empty bank account:
1) Paying off my debts as they come to me. Never holding a credit card balance longer than a month. If this means living in a small studio apartment and eating ramen, rice, and beans, so be it.
2) I will always buy small, fuel efficient and durable cars. I drive a 2006 Honda Civic now. It costs me nothing to fill up and next to nothing to insure ($24/month from Insurance Panda). I will not drive when I don’t need to, and use public transportation whenever possible.
3) Developing multiple revenue streams. Doing side jobs. Building up small businesses. Doing contract work. Basically doing whatever I can to generate income from multiple sources.
4) Grow my revenue and assets no matter what. Make sure I am always expanding and develop them to the point that they consistently generate reliable cash flow.
5) The most important one – make as much as I can. Save as much as I can.
iPhones… ecigarettes… Starbucks… Chipotle Burritos…new clothes.. organic lipgloss… expensive yoga classes. Why not try living in your means for once? No wonder we have a debt crisis
Thanks Gaye! I have trouble keeping my inbox uncluttered too. 🙂
We have lived on so little income for most of our marriage too ( one yr we only made $18k). We both went through college, I worked at one point to get my husband through college (3yrs) and the last year was of him searching for a job. He has a BA in business but with no experience he is still at the bottom, but I was done with working. We saved our tax return and got a snap loan and just bought our first fixer upper home! An $85k loan… (We had survived 10yrs in a single wide trailer, out in the woods 2/1 bath 14in by 60! On his grandparents land). While I am so grateful to be where we are, having to deal with a mortgage and buying food all on our tight budget is so hard… and what we never foresaw was my husband getting sick with gastropriasis. He can’t eat very well so we spend money on lots of comfort food for him. He’s hopefully getting better. I mainly make him chicken and rice with curry and turmeric spices. I just worry about Christmas because my oldest son is turning 9 next week. We got him Minecraft, and I just learned how to crochet, so I made him a creeper. Sorry I just completely understand where you are coming from. We just started homeschooling this year… our home is in an ok neighborhood we had to get a conventional loan because all the issues with it. I just don’t like the feel of the school when I checked it out, and I’ve always wanted to homeschool… so far I have been doing everything free… so looking forward to your posts!
Hi Jennifer! I hope I can give you some encouragement.
Hello, I’d like to say you are a remarkable woman with a remarkable family. You have a lot to deal with ( 3 children with a problem can be major but you have not only coped, but shared). You obviously worship your children, family and family time. Thank you so much for posting all the ideas related to saving time, money and menu planning. I take my hat off to you – you have a job, a blog and a very full-on family.
I only found this blog today so I have a lot of interesting reading ahead of me. I will also be telling my close friends about your site. If you ever get negative feedback, please don’t acknowledge it (usually the negative come from narrow minded, healthy people on a decent income, or people who won’t alter their ways to save). I look forward to reading the past posts and future of this blog as well as recieving the newsletters. From a disabled Mum finding life hard. Cheers, XX
Wow – thanks so much for your encouragement Gaye! It really means alot. I hope you enjoy reading and please let me know if I can answer any questions.
Hello, I’d like to say you are a remarkable woman with a remarkable family. You have a lot to deal with ( 3 children with a problem can be major but you have not only coped, but shared). You obviously worship your children, family and family time. Thank you so much for posting all the ideas related to saving time, money and menu planning. I take my hat off to you – you have a job, a blog and a very full-on family.
I only found this blog today so I have a lot of interesting reading ahead of me. I will also be telling my close friends about your site. If you ever get negative feedback, please don’t acknowledge it (usually the negative come from narrow minded, healthy people on a decent income, or people who won’t alter their ways to save). I look forward to reading the past posts and future of this blog as well as recieving the newsletters. From a disabled Mum finding life hard. Cheers, XX
Wow – thanks so much for your encouragement Gaye! It really means alot. I hope you enjoy reading and please let me know if I can answer any questions.
I am so sorry I have not replied for weeks, I have been snowed under with emails and avoiding clearing them (see I desperately need your help and advice). I use my pain and disability as an excuse, but really it isn’t. If I cleared it daily I’d keep up to date. Anyway thank you so much for replying and yes I will get back to reading what I can in short bursts here. Cheers to a great Mum, blogger, Tweeter, etc. Again, I take my hat off to you. 🙂
Thanks Gaye! I have trouble keeping my inbox uncluttered too. 🙂
I am a working mom – not necessarily by choice but because my husband lost his job and has yet to find steady employment three years later. I also have a college degree which has truly helped me in the job market and he did not finish his which has become more challenging after the recession in finding legitimate employment. My child is now four and it still breaks my heart some days to leave him but he enjoys his school very much and thankfully I am allowed to work from home part time. I hear often that stay-at-home moms feel judged which I completely understand, though as a working mom I have felt very judged at times as well – as if I am not as much of a mother because I work outside of the home. One of the most frequent comments that I have heard is something along the lines of “oh I could NEVER leave my child at daycare” and sometimes I have really struggled to keep my composure and not burst into tears. I would take the opportunity to be a stay-at-home mom in a second and all the judgement that comes with it 🙂 There will be judgement either way .
I have worked outside the home and been a stay-at-home mom and unfortunately you are right Kristi – moms are judged no matter what choices they make. That should stop. I believe that moms need to make the best choices they can for their situation and trust God with the results. I am glad for you that you can work since your husband was laid off.
Kimberlee, I have spent hours and hours pouring over all of your posts, and have never thanked you, and now I just feel plain ungrateful! You have inspired me and have given me SO many ideas that have literally changed my life and the way I look at things. I am truly grateful I found your page and for all the comments too. The world is a better place because you’re in it!! Keep on keepin’ on!! – Allie 🙂
Allie- You literally just made me cry. I really appreciate
your kind words and especially today when I was feeling a little burned out. Thanks for giving me the motivation to get back to work tomorrow. 🙂
Kimberlee, I have spent hours and hours pouring over all of your posts, and have never thanked you, and now I just feel plain ungrateful! You have inspired me and have given me SO many ideas that have literally changed my life and the way I look at things. I am truly grateful I found your page and for all the comments too. The world is a better place because you’re in it!! Keep on keepin’ on!! – Allie 🙂
Allie- You literally just made me cry. I really appreciate
your kind words and especially today when I was feeling a little burned out. Thanks for giving me the motivation to get back to work tomorrow. 🙂
Ma’am, first of all I believe that only God can judge anyone or anything. I appreciate the fact you did decide to share your story and ideas in this article. I came across it, looking for help and advice. I watch suzie Orman and she keeps saying the same thing save up to 6 mos of emergency funds, put a large stock of your income in to the 401k for the future and other things that do not apply to someone just trying to survive. I have heard the judgement of people saying just get a better job that pays more and things will be fine, not that easy or realistic. This was longwinded but again I thank you for writting this. God bless!
I am so glad that the Living on Less Than $28,000 a Year Series was helpful to you Alicia! Thanks for letting me know. 🙂 I have another resource if you would like to get your money on track called 5 Days to Budget Breakthrough. You can read more about it here: https://thepeacefulmom.com/5-days-to-budget-breakthrough-book/.
This is awesome. Lately I have been dreaming of simplifying my life with more time at home with my son . I also have fibromyalgia. Basically I have been dreaming of ditching consumerism even more so than I do now and working part time. One problem i am a single mom and my dreams sound crazy . So as I am haunted by health insurance and expenses I am some how wishing I could be free. Do you tHink this is possible….im either nuts fur thinking I could give up a full time job and decentsalary or im on to ssomething
Hi Jillea – I think it is definitely possible but if I were you I would pare down your life to the bare essentials and put several thousand dollars into savings over the next year. If you can live on less while you have the full time job and save as much as possible it will give you a good idea of what life will be like without extras and give you a cushion in case something goes wrong with the plan. Take into account that your child care expenses will be less when you work less so that will help but you need to have a realistic view of what you need to live on.
Another thought is to start a side business that you can run from home so that you have income coming in without having to go into the workplace. Good for you for taking action on a dream that you have!
I stumbled on your blog and thought
It made sense. Fortunately / unfortunate
Both my wife and I are unable to return
Work due to illness and collect SSDI, than God
For these safety nets. Our challenge will be to
Live within these constraints and I believe
Your blog will help.
Hi Tom – I am sorry to hear about your illness but hopefully you can find some ideas here to help. Blessings!
I just read the intro and can’t wait to dive into the rest. Anything that we can do to make a dollar stretch a little bit farther is great! Thanks for sharing your story
My pleasure Angela – welcome!
We live on about the same amount a month, but only have 4 humans and 2 furry family members. We struggle most months, too but we’re also getting out of debt, so most of our struggle is trying to pay too much off at a time. (We never have been that great at pacing ourselves, hence the debt!) I really appreciate your candidness and your willingness to share. It’s a blessing for those of us who need to remember to be humble as well as work on our finances consistently. Sometimes, for me, the struggle is so hard, I try to “save face” and become conceited in other areas. Your blog is such a wonderful reminder to be kind, since we’re all battling something.
Thank you so much for your encouragement Mandy – I really appreciate it. 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing!! I thought my husband and I were the only ones! : )
You are not alone Nicole! 🙂
LOVE your site! I come back here often to see your good advice. Thank you for taking the time to share all about your life. I know sometimes it’s hard to be vulnerable, but it helps us connect and feel like we aren’t alone. I just wrote a post on what it’s like to be a full time mom and learning how to manage household expenses. Thought of you, and maybe you’d like to check it out? I’d love to hear what you have to say! Thanks for all your advice!
http://www.happymamatales.com/full-time-mom-manage-household-expenses/
Thanks Britni! I read your post and I love that you include the idea of increasing income. Sometimes as stay-at-home moms we become focused on how to cut the budget more and we forget about the option of bringing in a little more income.
Thanks so much for sharing this!!! It is super beneficial and your reasons are wonderful!
You are very welcome Kami!
First off I want to say terrific blog! I had a quick question which I’d like
to ask if you do not mind. I was interested to find out how you center yourself and clear your head prior
to writing. I have had a hard time clearing my mind in getting my thoughts out.
I do take pleasure in writing but it just
seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes are generally lost just trying to
figure out how to begin. Any recommendations or hints?
Many thanks!
Hi Flora! For me writing is what clears my head. I make lists, write random words or phrases and jot down ideas as they come to me. I am not trying to write something beautiful or grammatically correct, just get all the stuff out of my brain. Hope that helps. 🙂
Kimberlee, as I was reading through your blog, I realized that you respond to every single comment left for you! That is a beautiful and amazing thing! You are a lovely soul. Thank you for all of the gentle words of encouragement and your sound and logical advice.
Hi Tonya! Yes, responding to the comments is one of my very favorite parts of blogging. I love to connect with people. Thanks for stopping by and giving me some very encouraging words. 🙂
Wow, found this while randomly surfing through related topic and just wow. I’m working on way less per month ($480-$530) and always seek to find new ideas to help me work with my low income. I find pre-k more helpful than homeschooling though I’m not knocking that idea [people do what suits them best]. Ah, so happy thanks for these articles, wish I found them sooner.
Welcome! Let me know if you have any questions or other ideas to add. 🙂
I have been seriously thinking of going back to work. We live in a society that judge you for everything, and being a stay at home mom is not a job or a responsibility that is even being considered anymore. Now, a days is more of what you and what you own that what you have sacrificed. I much rather sacrifice and raise my children then watch my whole live pass me by and think to myself later on I’d wish I had spend more time with my kid’s. I for one much rather keep a budget and live a simpler live. I admire you, for what you have given up to be with your family and to keep your peace of mind.
It is super difficult in our society to make counter-cultural choices, but like you I would rather make the sacrifice now and live without regrets later. Of course, if you need to go back to work for your family’s sake, then you must. The important thing is to make the best choices for your situation and values. I’m glad you’re here Maria!
I am a working mom – not necessarily by choice but because my husband lost his job and has yet to find steady employment three years later. I also have a college degree which has truly helped me in the job market and he did not finish his which has become more challenging after the recession in finding legitimate employment. My child is now four and it still breaks my heart some days to leave him but he enjoys his school very much and thankfully I am allowed to work from home part time. I hear often that stay-at-home moms feel judged which I completely understand, though as a working mom I have felt very judged at times as well – as if I am not as much of a mother because I work outside of the home. One of the most frequent comments that I have heard is something along the lines of “oh I could NEVER leave my child at daycare” and sometimes I have really struggled to keep my composure and not burst into tears. I would take the opportunity to be a stay-at-home mom in a second and all the judgement that comes with it 🙂 There will be judgement either way .
I have worked outside the home and been a stay-at-home mom and unfortunately you are right Kristi – moms are judged no matter what choices they make. That should stop. I believe that moms need to make the best choices they can for their situation and trust God with the results. I am glad for you that you can work since your husband was laid off.
This is amazing! Im so interested in conserving bc I dont see the NEED to spend so much when there are ways to save everywhere you look. Im so looking forward to your posts!
Hi Julie – welcome! Let me know if you have any questions. You can read the rest of the series here: https://thepeacefulmom.com/living-on-less-than-28000-a-year-series/
I believe, even before I get very far into what you are sharing, the mere fact that you are willing to share without judgement, there will be those who will be positively encouraged by what you share. Every idea may not work, but if even one makes a difference than it has been worth your time and kind heart to share!
Thank you so much for your encouragement Kimm!
Thank you so much for taking a risk to write transparently! We are about to transition to one income with the net being about that much! It’s frustrating when you read blogs that write about living frugally and then you find out the one-income is like $60,000.00 and you’re like… ok that definitely won’t work! Our family is smaller than yours, but we live by similar values and would like for me to stay home with our child. We just paid off our debt and now should be able to make it, even though it will be tight. I was encouraged by your post.
I am so glad that you were encouraged Anastasiya!
I’m so excited to have come across this blog–I recently left my job due to extreme stress and after realizing I was sick of being that “not so pleasant” person you described. We are struggling financially and while I do things to be as frugal as possible so I don’t have to go back to a traditional job, I don’t want to feel so stressed in trying to achieve that. I really look forward to learning from you, thank you for being willing to share!
Hi Christine – welcome! Let me know if you have any specific questions.
My husbands disability is what we live on. Annual about $16.000 a year. Have moved my elderly mother in who cannot be by herself anymore.
She also is drawing disability. Any advice on living on less will be greatly appreciated and taken to heart. Thanks so much for giving us hope!!
Wow Stephanie – sounds like things are tight for you. Is there any possibility of you working part-time to bring in any extra income? After you have read the Living on Less than $28,000 series here: https://thepeacefulmom.com/living-on-less-than-28000-a-year-series/ you can check out my other money saving ideas here: https://thepeacefulmom.com/category/money-saving-ideas/ and my Save Money on Groceries series here: https://thepeacefulmom.com/save-money-on-groceries/. Let me know if you have any questions. 🙂
I’m so glad I found your site and part one in the series of how to live on less than $28000 a year! My husband and I also have 4 kids living at home yet (2 are married w/babies of their own). This will come in handy and I’m so looking forward to reading up on things! We have been trying to cut back on things around here as well…..an example is: my husband and I were getting frustrated with our electricity bill every month during the extremely cold weather this past winter, so we decided to try something….we went through our entire house and unplugged everything that we just don’t use on a daily basis (sometimes not even for months….). We SAVED $100.00 on our next electric bill, even though it was still cold outside!!!! It’s amazing the things we had plugged in that we just don’t use daily….. We also got rid of our cable. (Even the cable guy, when he got here to disconnect things, told me that anything people want to see, they can watch on-line and stream it through to their computer to the tv set, so we are doing that now too!!! That saved us over $90. a month there!! Thanks for sharing your ideas!! Looking forward to them all!!!
Welcome Margie! That is dramatic savings just from unplugging things that use electricity. Good for you for taking control of your money.
Honestly, it is sad that you feel you have to justify why you live on less, but I understand why you did. I think it is great you know how to be frugal, and am really looking forward to your future posts. We are not struggling financially, but we once were. Still, it is nice to know how to save even a little cash here and there. Good luck in your venture.
Welcome Angela! Thanks for taking the time to comment. I guess it is sad to feel that I had to justify our choices, but we have had several people make negative comments about our choices so I wanted to explain them 🙂
so if i stayed home my husband would only be bring home about 260$ a week thats not enough to pay for groceries mortgage which ours is only 575$ a month water phone only 40$ unlimited talk texxt and internet on it electric water and car insurance and 80 $ a month in gas not a week we luckily live very close to our jobs and we would not qualify for goverenment asstistance already went to yhe food stamp office and talked to a social worker about his income alone is to much to get help
i meant 130$ a week not 120$$ a week
but their are people who dont make enough to support a family by themself no matter how much they manage their money and sacrifice. my husband and i make 360$ each a week and if 1 of us stayed home w baby the family plan for health insurance would be 130$ a week its cheaper for us to be on seperate plans seperate insurance is 26$ a week. add a spouse and its 95$ a week than add chold it would be 120$ now if its just you and child our company insurance policey is only 56$ a week so if i stayed home i would not be able to have health care so lets not judge everyone who doesnt stay home. my husband and i sacrifice and we both work
Hi Elyse – I am sorry that you felt judged. It is absolutely not my intent to criticize anyone’s personal choices. I have been a work-outside-the-home mom, a stay-at-home mom with no outside job and a work-from-home mom. I strongly believe that every family has to make the choices that best serve their overall goals. If moms want to stay at home, I want to encourage them that they can live on less with some organization and sacrifice in order to meet their higher objective. Thanks for taking the time to comment. 🙂
people can learn a lot from you. Im very interested in learning some more from you as well as me and my husband are in debt because everything in our house is broken when we moved in. I always like to learn ways to save money thanks so much
Hi I just found your web site, we are soul mates I have been homeschooling for 23 yrs now down to 4 of my 10 kids still home with me I have always stayed home and made it on one income and laugh at a society that says it isn’t possible. Cant wait to read the rest of your posts and learn some new ideas thanks for sharing.
Welcome Toni! Nice to meet a kindred spirit. 🙂
Kimberlee, Thank you for being so candid. I have long thought that if we never discuss finances, how can we learn from each other how to manage our finances? Children (and adults) need to hear this discussion so that they can understand how to budget, how to save, and how to put finances in their proper place when making life decisions. It is very easy to become overwhelmed when you don’t understand how to control it.
I am looking forward to reading your suggestions and putting them in action in my financial life.
Thanks for your encouragement Kay!
These are some great tips. Just instituting one or two of them would likely save someone quite a bit of money. I have been working on not eating out quite as much but it is difficult.
So wish I would have read this awhile ago. I came across this too on pintrest and read the whole series today. It was a wonderful series and I hope to implement most of the ideas…. my husband was laid off last week…. one week after we purchased a new car…. So at the end of the month we will be done having insurance coverage. Also having kids…. so I really appreciate all the time and effort that you put into the series!
I am so sorry that your husband lost his job Rosa. I hope that he can find work soon, and I am so glad that I could give you a little bit of encouragement.
This blog is fantastic! I am a recently divorced woman. My income is half of what it used to be and my expenses seem to be twice as much. I look forward to tips and advice from your blog as I am always looking for ways to make my money stretch a little further! Thanks for sharing and I look forward to reading more.
Welcome Kate!
I am very grateful to have found your blog through Pinterest. We are a family of five, and have been struggling with our income for quite some time. I’m a stay at home mom, my husband is an elementary school teacher. We both just went back to school in order to better our education and increase our income. We’ve made foolish decisions and are over $150k in debt, plus our daily living expenses, and school. Last night we sat down for the first time, to try to figure out what we are doing to end in hundreds of negative dollars at the end of every paycheck. We are living way over our means! I don’t coupon, simply because I haven’t gotten the hang of it, and end up saving a couple of dollars when using them. So finding your website brought back the hope I needed. Thank you so much for sharing your successful story with us. I am very excited to learn everything I can from you, to free us from this gigantic debt that is putting so much stress on my family.
Hi Mary! I am sorry that you are in a difficult situation, but I am glad you are here. Let me know if you have any questions. 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing this as a 24 year old living on my own and having bills I have been torn between work and fun. Growing up I had a single parent raising my sister and I. I loved the fact that she was always there for us and she chose to take a pay cut in work and in hours to make sure she was a part of our lives growing up. We didn’t have the money to spend on brand new things but we knew our mom Loved us and this day I still have friends from sports teams in hs that call her the team mom cause she was able to be at every single one of our meets and games. Its amazing how important that is and I know most of the kids I grew up with were hurt everytime their parents weren’t in the stands to cheer them on like mine was. Thank you for realizing whats truly important. Im glad I know how to bargain shop thanks to my moms tight budget. Your kids are truly blessed to have parents in their lives like you. Keep up the amazing work
Thanks so much for your kind words Amy! It’s good to hear the perspective of someone who grew up in a household that made choices similar to what we are choosing, and I’m glad that your mom was able to do that for you even though she was single. That is definitely something to be grateful for!
What a wonderful discovery…You have given me much inspiration as a single mom of 2. Thank you!
I am so glad Cissy! Thanks for taking the time to let me know.
Thank you for sharing your insight on family budgeting. My husband and I just got married and just bought a home, and we would like to start a family sometime in the next few years. I really look forward to reading this series of articles, and learning all I can, as I would also love to be able to homeschool our future children, and be very family central.
Welcome Alison! Let me know if you have any questions. 🙂
I look forward to reading your blogs about how you support your family of six. I too have 4 children. I recently got the opportunity to stay home. Staying home though comes with huge sacrifices. I had to give up all credit cards to my husband who keeps track of all the money. I really want this to work but am having a hard time believing it will especially with Christmas in a few short months. Any advice would be great especially for holiday shopping. My husband’s take home is about $2600/mo after insurance.
Hi Karen! I am glad you are here. 🙂 Yes, there are huge sacrifices involved in choosing to live off one income, and you have to be very careful to make it work. I would definitely sit down with your husband and take a look at the numbers in your budget so that you have a good idea of what is going on. I have found that one of the primary ways we can save money is by me being a good home-economist: saving as much as possible on groceries (making a detailed weekly meal plan and specific grocery list, making food from scratch, etc.); saving on electricity (hanging clothes to dry instead of using the dryer and turning the thermostat down in the winter and up in the summer); saving on transportation (making fewer trips, having one car). You get the picture. The really important issue is that you are on the same page about what needs to be spent and on sacrifices that need to made (like cable television, hair appointments, new clothing).
On a side note, we have also increased our income by selling things, my blogging, selling ebooks, etc. You might try to find some ways to make money from home like tutoring, consulting, childcare, etc. I have a list of ways to make extra money here: https://thepeacefulmom.com/2012/04/04/5-easy-ways-to-get-extra-cash/ The comments have some really helpful ideas. I hope that helps. Feel free to ask any other questions you have. 🙂
I also have two posts on saving money on Christmas gifts that you may find helpful: https://thepeacefulmom.com/2012/11/26/christmas-for-kids-on-a-budget-2/ and https://thepeacefulmom.com/2012/11/20/5-easy-ways-to-save-money-on-christmas-gifts/.
Hi Kimberlee! I found a reference to your blog through the comments on Money Saving Mom and I’m so glad to be here. My husband is a police officer with a take-home pay of about $24k a year with which to support five people on. I homeschool our three kids. I think we might have some things in common in our budgeting and spending habits! 🙂 And we agree – family comes first!
Hi Kristin! Welcome to The Peaceful Mom. 🙂
You have a very tough job supporting your family on $2000 a month, so I am sure you have some ideas to share with me too.
How is it that $28,000 a year comes out to $2200 a month???
The series is “Less Than $28,000”. At the time that I began the series we had been making about $2200 a month for several years, which is $26,400 a year.
Thank you for sharing your story and being transparent. I am a single mom who works from home and makes less than $20,000 a year… I know how it can be to have people look down on you because you have made choices that lead to you making less money and living more simply.
Thanks for your encouragement Christina! Being a single mom is hard, but I am so glad that you can work from home and be with your children.
I’m excited you decided to share. My income is much like yours but I am just supporting myself. This excites me because I feel like I may be able to save more than I would of thought. When will you be posting the follow up? Very anxious to see!
Hi…I stumbled across this post while on Pinterest. Kimberlee, I think what you are doing here is going to help a lot of people, whether they have their own family or are single and live with their parents. I’m only 19 and well, looking at my family and my parent’s struggle to make ends meet, I sometimes wish I knew more about handling money and saving. So thanks so much for this post!!:)
Welcome Julie! Thanks for your encouragement. I am sure that you will do a great job yourself because you are already thinking about it. 🙂
Relationships are SOOO important and I’m so glad you & your family see that. I have no doubt that your children will be the ones that make a difference in this world with such awesome parents to guide them and be role models to them. From a 23 year old THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart from this post. I can only dream to have a family just like yours. This following paragrapgh you wrote is something I want every family to read. It’s perfect in EVERY way.
“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.”
God Bless you & your family 🙂
Thanks so much Courtney. We are definitely not perfect, but we are trying to live our values and pass them on to our children. Time will tell if we were successful.
I am sure that you will have a wonderful family because you are already thinking about how you will parent. Blessings to you!
Thank you for sharing!
And I always love hearing when (especially being a mom) other women would rather live with less inorder to have more 🙂
Your blog is so incredibly inspiring. I’m newly married, and only have myself and my husband to look after; however, as recent college grads with well enough school debt to pay off, I could really use some straight forward advice about saving money and living on less income that I’m used to. Thank you SO much for your dedication to this site and for your help!
You are very welcome Emily!
Good morning!
I found this blog in Pinterest and was very interested. You have some great tips in money saving and spending that we can all learn something from! I did have a question for you, as I was looking at you blog and money saving tips. $28,000 is you after taxes and “take home pay” correct? I am an RN and make $60,000 a year but my take home pay is $2800 a month. Now I do have $400 a month taken out for health insurance for my family of 3. However, if my paycheck did not have my health insurance taken out I would still only be making $1000 more per month than your family or $12,000 more a year. My husband also makes as much as I do. However, do to student loan debt we are trying to manage our money better to get some debt paid off. Thanks for clarifying! Maybe our state taxes are much higher here in MD, or i am getting too much in taxes taken out per month? I was just curious!
Hi Tiffany! I first posted this in February 2012, and at that time we were bringing home about $2100 a month after taxes. We have since increased our income by a few hundred dollars a month. I would check with an accountant about your taxes. It is generally better to have less taken out of each paycheck so that you have the money each month rather than getting a big refund. Hope that helps. 🙂
Thank you for your desire to help others with your experiences. My husband is a full time student on his third year in college, I work approximately 30 hours a week. Our monthly income is about 1000.00. We are buying a home and have a few pets but no children. Things are extremely tight for us. I am looking forward to reading your blog and learning some more tips to saving more and still have time to spend with each other.
Welcome Shannon! Let me know if you have any questions. 🙂
Thank you for this blog! I recently became a SAHM when we had our first baby in February. While we are fortunate to have my husband working in a great job, things are still tight. I am also interested in homeschooling but am trying to convince my husband that its worthwhile. I’m excited to read about your ideas for staying within a reasonable budget for groceries. This is one of the few places I choose to spend more since I am a firm believer in organic foods and clean eating….I’m definitely not willing to purchase packaged foods, processed foods, etc. but the downside is that there aren’t many coupons, if any, for this style of eating. Every coupon I receive is usually for something out of a box, or is highly processed. We have definitely seen our bodies and health improve since switching to clean eating but our wallets…not so much!
Welcome Kristen! I don’t really use coupons, and while we don’t eat all organic, I am still able to buy some organic foods and keep our budget under $125 a week for six people including 3 teens and a 12 year old. You may find my Save Money on Groceries Series (here) helpful, and my ebook Save More–Clip Less: Feed Your Family for Less Without Extreme Couponing.
I’m so excited I found this start page. We are a family of four living on about $90,000 and we are struggling between debt and bills and keeping up with our peers (my husband is military and advanced fast so obviously there’s a gap there). I stay at home which kills me because I should have figured this all out long ago. I came from a traumatic childhood so I have spending “issues” that I’m dealing with in therapy. I think it’s way more shameful to make more money and spend unwisely than to have less money and make it work because you have to. I love that you said simplicity and over-commitment because those are directly related to money. Thank you for posting this and your “number”. Clearly, the “number” has no meaning or value, only what you actually do with it.
Welcome Gena! I totally inderstand about emotional spending. I am a recovering spendaholic myself. It helps so much to take care of yourself so that you can live a “sober” lifestyle. I hope you can find some encouragement and practical help here. Let me know if you have any questions. 🙂
Well I remember the one income, homeschooling days! I loved every minute (well almost) of it! Good for you, and I’m anxious to glean from your budgeting ability and learn how to make the money go further.
Welcome Kari! I am sure that we can all learn something from you as well, so feel free to comment often. 🙂
Glad I stumbled on to your blog. I have daughters 19 and 14 my old has Down Syndrome so I stayed home for 15 years to provide her care. My husband drove truck to provide our income for that time however, we decided the money was not worth having our family living two different lives. He has found a position he loves with considerably less pay but so worth it. My role has now changed and have gone to work full time I can understand the stress that several have spoken of. When I am at work I worry and miss my girls feel like I have let them down by working even though I have been fortunate to find I job I enjoy going to it is still hard and I have to not let emotions allow me to purchase things for my girls out of guilt.
Welcome Christie! We have had those years when I had to go back to work and leave the kids, and it is really difficult. All you can do is to make the right decisions for your family and make the best of your situation. Enjoy the time that you do have with them and let the guilt go! :0
When my children were growing up and my husband was in the army, we made some decisions. We would live in a smaller home, drive older vehicles, I would stay home and home school our two children. Basically live within our means and put our family relationships first. Fast forward twenty-five years, the kids are grown, well adjusted adults who contribute to society and serve in our church. We are still a very close family. I think too many people today don’t want to invest the time and energy into actually raising their children and take the easy way instead. You reap what you sow. I can tell you, the payoff defies any words I have to describe it. I have no regrets and you won’t either.
Thanks so much for that perspective Karen. It’s good to hear from someone who is “down the road”. 🙂
Hi. I just wanted to add my 2 cents worth here…. I found you article charming, authentic, articulate and enjoyable. I think that you and your husband made “the hard choice” for all the right reasons. I agree that most people wouldn’t make the same choice to sacrifice the money for the relationship —- mostly becauseoat people think they can have and do it all. I admire your decision and I definitely admire your courage to “go public” with the what’s, why’s and how’s.
Thanks so much for your encouragement Janie! 🙂
My husband is a public school teacher and I work at State Farm. We have two daughters under five. Medical and school debt, bills, and a car that needs replacing. I am eager to hear your story. I have found that being fruggel and doing deals at cvs and trying to figure out how to get healthy cheaper groceries is super stressful.
Welcome Nicole! It’s really tough when you have debt, but hopefully you can find some encouragement and ideas here. 🙂
So, I just need reassurance I guess about this amount of amount of others. I just got increased to a salaried position starting at 28,000 a year. Although I would think that for me this probably sufficient. I am single only have one child and typically don’t live outside my means. I admit I do like shopping and tend to by the extras for my son since he’s an only child. But I can say no we can’t afford that. Bills come first, but then again this increase is new to me as I have been living paycheck to paycheck at 760 per two weeks. I stumbled upon your site and kinda felt like maybe I got the wool pulled over. That now I’m in for a struggle? So confused as it may also sound immature but any input or opinion would be greatly appreciated.
Hi Jennifer! I think that if you are careful to stay out of debt and to budget every paycheck you can make it. We are a family of six and we have lived on less than $28,000 for several years, but we do make sacrfices which you can read about in the rest of this series. Hope that helps. 🙂
What a breath of fresh air it was to read your post. Same income and 2 kids and maybe 12 weeks into quitting my job for choosing relationships and I was just crying over having to give up my cell phone. Encouraged I am now though. Thank YOU, 🙂
Hi Luz! Sometimes there are difficult choices to be made, but I like to look at it through the lense of choosing my family over possessions or convenience. Keeping that perspective helps me on hard days. I am so glad that you feel encouraged. Let me know if you have any questions. 🙂
do you get government assistance? food stamps wellfare exc if so than your not doing it on 26000$ a month. If you are doing without help than god bless you. I do agree that money management definatley helps as my husband and sacrifice a lot so much that people often laugh at us and we both work. I also agree that pepeople need to learn how to live within their means.
No, we do not get government assistance, and you are correct if someone were getting government assistance that would count as part of their income. This series was written 2 years ago and I do make some money selling ebooks and advertising on the blog so we are making above $28,000 a year right now.
Trusting God will help you do HIS WILL for your family is something we are also going through right now. It really hurts when people do not agree and make fun of homeschooling. We must obey God, not men! Thank you for your series.
Thanks for sharing! I am looking forward to reading your series!
You homeschool? That’s so awesome!! I’m 15 now, and I have been homeschooled my whole life! I really love it. There is so much opposition to homeschool so I want to be the person that tells you that you made the RIGHT decision 😉
I also agree one hundred percent with your father figure theory.
I think you have your head on straight and you get the flow of things! Don’t let anyone judge you or tell you differently.
I want to thank you for starting this blog. As a 15 year old making $6 hr, I coul really use some money saving advice!
Wow! Thanks Patrick! Good for you for getting your finances in order at such a young age!
Congratulation on putting being great parents FIRST. We would be living in a much better society if more people would put their family ahead of materialism. I was a stay at home mom until all my children started school, I have no regrets.
I am so glad I came upon this blog through Pinterest. I am a single mom (by choice) to a great 6 yr old who also has Asperger’s and I also foster 2-3 kiddos b/w newborn and 4 years old at any given time. I decided last year that my son needed to be homeschooled for Kindergarten and that the foster kids needed more attention then just throwing them into daycare all day (they have enough going on in their short lives so far) so I rearranged my work schedule and only work evenings now, which really cut back my income. But we are all happier and adjusting well now and I can’t wait to learn some tricks to save money so that I can breathe a little easier!
Welcome Kelly! It sounds like you have a lot going on. Let me know if you have any questions. 🙂
Thank you so much for being so transparent. We are a homeschooling family of 5. We made the decision to homeschool 5 years ago and it has been pretty rough. We are pretty sure my husband is at the max of what he can make w/out having degree. It is so easy to get weary on this journey but we feel this is best for our family. I often think about how easy it would be to get a night job to help out but my hubby doesn’t want me to because we would never see eachother. I am hoping to get some new ideas from your blog. It looks like your blog has been a blessing to many. Thank you! 🙂
Hi Jennifer! That is exactly what our situation was, but God has opened up some opportunities for me to make a little extra money. Maybe that is something that you can explore while you are looking for ways to cut back. Let me know if you have any questions. 🙂
As odd as this may seem, we make a good amount of money but still suffer financially due to Child Support eating up 48% of our income. Rent is 25%. After that, we live on $1,200 per month to pay the bills, food, clothing and whatnot which may seem like a lot, but our bank account is always around $700 and right when we get a check, it either goes to rent or child support or so it seems. I wish we could live on less but it seems like we can’t afford to save, have too much outgoing (we have no cable) and not enough put into savings. I don’t even know where to start saving but I think your blog will help me feel less alone in this. Thanks for posting, it was a good and honest read.
I am in good company, there’s always gonna be judgement ( don’t care)OK maybe a little. I had 4 children w/husband #1 of 17yrs. Who gave us a great middle class life. Super long story short, he went to jail. Divorced him after he sold the house, borrowed,begged and stole every penny he could from family and friends to pay for lawyers and bail. I had to support my children, so I went to work. Children at home while parent at work left to their own devises, terrible. I refuse to lose my children to drugs or whatever the streets has to offer. Quit my job, got on welfare (so humiliating)but I’d rather me be a statistic than my children. Another long story short, meet a man, got pregnant (brainfart- blessing) did I mention he’s 10yrs younger. I loved him but knew he was in over his head. I warned him but he was in it for the long haul. We got married. By this time my first husband got out of jail, but died of cancer two years later. Got soc. security for 3 of the 4 as the oldest was 18. That’s how I pay the rent and whatever my husband brings home at $10hr is for everything else. Funny thing is I had one more baby than got the ol’tubes tied. I have to say, it’s the hardest thing to explain to children why mom has to stay home to make sure her children grow up to make good decisions and be productive people while not being able to do or buy extras(New clothes,movies). We have so much you would never think we live on $3000mo for 6 of us. I think my children are so much more in touch with what’s real not superficial… We love to coupon, bake, give homemade gifts, and teach how to save money on everything. We are always learning to better ourselves. From one mom to another:)
Thank you for sharing!
I just want to say that what you are doing-sharing this info-is fantastic. Thank you!
I havent read through everything yet, but every thing I have read so far is great! Its truelly awesome that someone is willing to help other people. Im 18 and my Fiance and I are in the process of buying our first house. We dont make a fortune and this site is going to help me alot managing our money and saving as much as we can. Thank you!
Any advice for someone that only gets paid once a month. I am horrible at a budget. We make enough to pay bills but just barely. I’m looking at some things i can cut back on. At this point I can use any help I can get.
Hi Jennifer! You can get lots of ideas by reading the other posts in this series, as well as my posts on managing your money here: https://thepeacefulmom.com/ways-to-save-money-and-tips-to-manage-it-better/ (the bottom half of the page). Hope that helps. 🙂
A year ago, I was a single mom living off about $7,000 a year. Yes you read that right. I was a full time student and I admit there where times I didn’t eat so my son could. Now, just a year latter I’m making ten times as much. Yet I still use home made laundry soap, I sew my sons clothes, bake my own bread, etc. I could never break the habit of being frugal. I love thrift stores, farmers markets, and etsy.com lol. I’m so glad I got in those habits long ago, it’s a much more Ecofriendly way to live =)
I am not one for reading blogs by any means but stumbled upon this on accident, which I am a strong believer things happen for a reason. May I just start by saying You GO GIRL!!! No, in all seriousness, this is truly commendable and remarkable. Transparency is what we lack now and days and I know for a fact that you and your family will be blessed by your obidence to being open! We have 4 kids at home under 5 and my husband has a county job and I do hair and we never know how much will come in but have been really feeling so strongly just to keep things simple and to focus on our family! If we only have $5 till pay day, but all the bills are paid then we are truly blessed by that! Our kids don’t care if they stay at home and watch a $1 movie with pop corn we have popped in the mircrowave because ultimately we are spending time with them and pouring our love and attention into their precious lives. We live in an accelerated life now, slowing down and understanding what is real and important, is priceless.
Your family will be a great example to many. And you will be blessed by this! I am excited to see what’s to come for you guys and I don’t even know you. Great stuff. Be blessed and thank you!
Thanks so much for your encouragement Jeshel. 🙂
I’m a single mom of six, in school full-time, about to marry a man with three children. I have things pretty much under control, but always appreciate knowing there are others living frugally out there, and seeing their own ideas and what works for their families. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
It’s great you are sharing your experience for saving! While I am not the 2% I am very comfortable now. I grew up poor but we never knew it back then -it was the norm and we had sweet family. I am famaliar with the outhouse, water pump and walking to town. I am still so “tight” that budgeting is the norm for me. I color my own hair, can from my garden, recycle fabrics and shop goodwill. I lived for two years in the 70’s without a tv, phone or car. It’s amazing how we confuse luxuries with necessities. We need more mandatory home Econ classes for young people. Looking forward to your tips!
i so admire your values and your willingness to share ! thank you so much for these posts !! : )
regardless of finances, you are rich ! richness in love and family is the best kind of fortune.
Thanks so much for your encouragement Jessie. 🙂
Thank your for this blog! It helps to read about someone else that is going through the same situation we are. I am a public school teacher also. I recently resigned because the stress of having 12 year old twins with severe asthma and allergies and a toddler was unbearable. We are much happier living on my husband’s salary and even though it’s hard it’s so worth it every day. Can’t wait to hear more from you!
I find it horrible that times have gotten so bad that a mother feels she should explain why she chose to stay home and raise her children. Times were so much better when children had a parent to come home to. I believe it is a wonderful that you were able to put your children first. It will be worth every sacrifice.
I really look up to you staying strong for your family even though its tough living on such low income. My aunt is mentally challenged, and i love her so much even though its tough having to leave her with another family. My husband and I are living on a pretty low income annually, and its hard just for the two of us, i have no idea how you could do it! but i have faith in you, and so happy you keep your family together.
Blessings from CT
🙂
Thanks so much Amy! We have actually been able to increase our income since I first wrote this post in February 2012.
First let me start by thanking you for sharing you stories and your tips! While I am getting my business off th ground, my partner is the bread winner of the family and the more I can shave off of our monthly budget, the more time and energy I can devote to my business and spend at home caring for my home and my family. I am sorry that you had to go through so much inner turmoil to decide to share your experiences. We are blessed to have your insight!
Thanks so much Andi!
These are wonderful reasons to choose one income and I commend you for that decision! I hope things get better for your family soon, since it’s obvious you have your priorities figured out and understand what is truly important in life!
Thanks so much Alice. In the time since I posted this a year ago, things have definitely improved for us. 🙂
I found your articles this morning before starting our home school day. We to are a Home school family. I have 2 children, one 13 yo daughter and an eleven yo son. We live in the home my Mother grew up in and are SLOWLY remodeling. We often feel like there is no end in site to the struggling, so I guess there is comfort in numbers. I look forward to learning more. Thank You for sharing your life we us.
Welcome Lea! I hope you find some encouragement here.
I decided me and my husband are going to start doing this! One question for you, I know our Walmart does the “lowest price guarantee”… Have you taken advantage of this and just done all your shopping at one place. I just thought it could even save us that little bit more on gas but didn’t know if its not appropriate to do that or if walmart doesn’t completely honor it?
Yes, I use the Walmart ad match policy as one of my shopping strategies. You can see my weekly shopping here: https://thepeacefulmom.com/category/fun-friday-totals/ and read more about how I save money in my ebook Save More-Clip Less: Feed Your Family For Less Without Extreme Couponing here.
I loved reading your message! I was just recently laid off from a well-paying job that had me working pretty much 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. I would have to take phone calls while at the movies with my 7-year-old daughter and when she was injured in gymmastics class, I had to make a phone call in the parking lot of the hospital before bringing her in to the emergency room! Needless to say, I feel that the “loss” of my job has definitely been a blessing. My daughter loves that I have so much time to spend with her and I feel that my presence is helping to shape her into a confident, thoughtful, and moral person. I’ve been hesitant to look for a new job because I know that any job I find will take me away from her and I just can’t do that again.
Thanks Kathy. Maybe you can do something from home so that you can spend more time with her. I am sorry that you have had a financial loss, but happy for the benefits you are seeing from it. 🙂
My family of 5 lives on about 18000 a year. About 1200 a month average with 800 of it going to rent. I am a stay at home mom which I am thankful for, we spend lots of family time and are very happy with where we are at at the moment. My hubby just got a better paying full time job. 10$hr which is nothing to some people but I feel that we are slowly but surely climbing up the ladder. 🙂
any suggestions on living on less than $20,000.
Retired Air Force wife.
I would suggest doing all of the things I mention in the series: recording your spending, opening a second account for bills, meal planning, exploring alternate methods of transportation, air drying your clothes, etc. You can also look for some other sources of income like pet sitting, childcare, selling things on Etsy, etc. Hope that helps. 🙂
In response to the comment that you posted today 2/22 – First, the internet is a funny place and allows people to make comments that are often built in anger and frustration, but completely out of place.
I subscribed to this blog, because it brings value to my world. Those blogs or websites that do not bring value to my life, I stay away from. I cannot understand why someone would choose to read a post that gives solutions to very real problems that many people have, and then bash it based upon personal frustration. Your blog has been nothing but useful and it is a choice that you made and were willing to share with others, which I so appreciate. Maybe this is not a solution for some families – that is alright too. As a Christian I search for ways to make a difference and to be a positive force in our world. I am still searching, but you have found at least one way to do that and I for one am very inspired by your continued commitment to sharing your story in order to help others. Thank you.
Hi Kimberlee,
In response to the disgruntled email you received, I think you handled it very well and it is apparant that he has been bamboozeld by his wife or some other female. I think it is so important to be intentional about how we run our households, not because it is my opinion but because it is what the Lord commands us to do. Prov 22:7 The borrower is slave to the lender; Prov 21:20 There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up. Romans 13:8 Owe no man anything. I commend you for sharing your stories, recipes, shopping list etc. it has truly been a blessing to me and my family. Keep up the good work.
Dear Kimberlee,
I just found your post today. Thank you very much. It is very encouraging to know that ‘I’m not alone’ in this life that sometimes I found quite difficult.
Really appreciate your sharing. Keep posting, I believe you have been a great blessings for many many families.
I agree with you that relationships are eternal and therefore more important than money, which is not eternal or really all that important (as far as im concerned) it is a means to an end, and we do need some money for things like houses and cars but we feel we don’t need more more more….more money, more things, more “toys” more distractions. We want our children to grow up with the sense that material things are not the be all and end all. That even if they have careers that are high paying someday that they dont require tons of money to get their basic needs met or to be happy. We hope to teach them about storing up treasures in heaven rather than obtaining the newest gadget on the market wether or not they can really afford it. I look forward to your upcoming tips, as we are trying to save a little bit of money on the grocery and hydro bills.
Thanks for this. Back before the economic crash I made more money than I knew what to do with, and spent even more freely getting into debt despite my income! After I lost my wonderful job and spent 6 months looking for work, living off savings, and finally settling for a job making 40% of what I used to, I was terrified. If I got in debt on that higher income, what would I do with this one?!?
I dug myself very slowly out of debt entirely – cars, credit cards, medical, etc. And now I am actually LIVING on my income. But, I’ve still never learned to budget. I mostly got out of debt because I was working on it before I lost my job and therefore had a start and I dumped my remaining savings into it to get out faster so I only had $4,000 left to pay when I got my new job. Then I added roommates to my lifestyle to pay the rent.
All this to say, living on a budget is a new concept for me. I am very glad I found this website because I am trying to get serious about living without any credit cards. I don’t have any, which makes it easier, but in order to keep from getting one I need to keep a budget and build up my savings again. Also, I want to work toward not having roommates again, which is doable, but only if I am careful with money. I have already started adapting your recommendations and can’t wait to get my finances under my control rather than feeling controlled by them!
Thanks!
Good for you for getting out of debt! I find that it is a constant process to stick to the budget, so hang in there. 🙂
Funny, not one male comment or bad comment. Out of all of them, I count four women that actually work (three cause there isn’t a man, one is a single mother of…three..?) I see a damn pattern here, you are capable of working and don’t and use your amount of kids as a damn excuse. Your husbands must be ready to put a gun in their mouths cause no matter how hard they try to move forward you keep dragging them backwards and use the kids as an excuse and “cutting back” as a solution, I for one know what that means… The man gets crap to eat, gets to see none of his pay check, has nothing of his own, gets stupid shit like regifted ties or “crafty” things for gifts on any holiday while the wives have nice outfits and a closet full of shoes (they have no real place to wear much less wear) and the kids have an Xbox and the newest Nike shoes… It’s great being a man in this world (and we are the ones that are called names)
Hi Lyle! I am so sorry that you had such a bad experience. It is definitely wrong for a woman to use a man to work to pay for expensive items she and her children want while never paying attention to her husband, or making sure that his needs are met.
As for our house, the decisions about what we do with our money are made mutually. There are times when my husband makes a sacrifice, but he does it because he wants to for the sake of the children or for me. We each have a little “free” money that we can spend however we want. It may not be much but it’s ours to do with as we wish. We also make sure that his needs and some of his wants are met.
I don’t know you, but it sounds like your household was out of order with your wife making a lot of decisions without considering what you wanted or needed. I am sincerely compassionate toward you and your situation and wish that things had gone differently for you. For anyone else reading this comment, I hope that you know that all of your financial decisions should be made together as a couple and you should always make sure to consider what each partner needs.
I must say, we are not all like that. I have always worked a part time job that fits in with my husbands work schedule and if I couldn’t find one or one ended, I would take in sewing or make quilts/soap/bows to sell. I too went without so that I could be home with our children most of the time. Even now, I work while they are in school, I go in at 9 and get out at 3 every day except Thursday where I work from 1pm to 8pm and Sunday is my only day that I am off, which is taken up by the work I do for the small business I am trying to get going and cleaning and taking care of kids. Not to mention my Family Readiness Group work with the National Guard. I don’t have to work, there is plenty of work to be done around the house including, house work, small business, farm duties, pets, etc. I do it because as the kids get older they seem to need more stuff and I don’t want them to do without. I have a whole wardrobe, including the evening gown for NG formal functions, from the Thrift Store where I work or my mom or sisters closets. I make budget friendly meals for myself and the kids (husband eats at work), my kids do have video game systems and games but all were given to us by one friend or another, we both have a truck (my husbands) and a van (the family). I would prefer not to drive a van but I know I am not going to get a corvette any time soon. So to any woman who takes advantage of a man shame on you. We are all capable of finding a job while our husbands are home, I have 2. Yes I still have time alone with him!
Sorry for all the typo’s. Did that on the mobile and I’m bad there.
Thank you for for all you are offering your public.
You are very welcome Carol! I guess with the crockpot being hot, bugs don’t want to mess with it. 🙂
I just stumbled upon your blog and am excited to dig in. we both retired from the military. At that time we decided that neither of us wanted the stress of a full time job. We both work part time, but we have time and energy for ourselves amd oir 4 children (only an 8 yr old still at home). I wouldn’t have it amy other way. Friends have qiestioned us in the past but now see how happy we are. Yes’ we live on a bit more than you do but strive to love as simply as we can. I look forward to what you can teach me. There are big things that we would rather spend on than frivolities that show littleI to nothing long term. Our 3 oldest are n ow seeing the rarity of the importance we place on family (actioms vs. words
We have a large mortgage, both work and have two teenage daughters. We also have an above average income. But….we also never seem to have any money. Totally ridiculous. I look forward to reading your blog, maybe you can help us see the light!
Hello very inspirational story I enjoyed reading it. I am a single mother of three children and make very little money as well and dont recive child support I have tries some of the on-line sites to make a little extra and it hasnt worked any advice.
Hi Michelle! I am so sorry that you are in that position. There are some ideas in this post (including great suggestions in the comments!): https://thepeacefulmom.com/2012/04/04/5-easy-ways-to-get-extra-cash/. I would also check with local churches to see if they have food pantries or other programs for single moms. You have a tough job, but hang in there!
I appreciate your transparency and look forward to reading your future posts. I am soon to be married and would like to learn how to survive on less, because although I have a somewhat higher salary and do not have any dependents, I still find myself living check to check at times.
What do you do about health insurance? Did you already address that and I missed it? It is such a huge expense for us.
We have done various things through the years, but probably the best option we used was a high deductible plan ($5000) with a low premium and we paid for regular medical expenses out of pocket. We focus more on staying healthy through eating fewer processed foods and taking supplements and only go to the doctor if I suspect someone has strep throat which has to be treated with an antibiotic. I am not giving medical or financial advice, just telling you what we do. 🙂
Wow! This is great! Currently I make 4 times the amount posted, BUT, and it is a BIG BUT, I want to retire in the next 12 months and due to several unforeseen circumstances, am not prepared for the drastic drop in income that will occur when I leave the job. These blogs will certainly help me get into a better spending/saving mode and I am sooo glad I found you! God’s blessings for your openess and transparency. You are ablessing!!!
Hello Kimberlee,
Absolutely adore your blog and am inspired by what you have to offer. I just have one question though, in a totally non-judgmental way.
Do you think it would be better to say, “acceptance” rather than “approval” when you state, “Girls need their father’s approval and attention to form their identities at this stage of life.” I only ask, being the mother of two little girls and it just sort of jumped out at me when I read it. I ask this because I too agree, a father is a pivotal person in a young girl’s life who helps set up who she will become as a young woman. I just wonder if maybe it would be more beneficial to have your father’s acceptance rather than his approval, only because I fear that young ladies would look for that later on in a potential mate. I want my girls to end up with partners who accept them, and embrace who they are. What do you think?
Hi Sara-
I think in my mind approval and acceptance are the same thing, but I can see your point. My husband and I try to love our kids and encourage them to be who they are, rather than trying to fit soomeone else’s idea of what they should be. Acceptance is probably a better word for that. Thanks for making me think. 🙂
Kimberlee, you are awesome!
Thanks for making me think too. : )
I found you through pinterest & wanted to thank you for being open & honest about finances. So often spending money for things is a coping thing which leads to a lot of usless clutter & often burdomsome debt. a therapist would be a better value! I know…I haven’t explored too much but when I saw the organization binder pages printables, I had to comment! This is just what I was looking for, that they are offered free is so generous of you! I have a binder & on this bitter cold day , it will be filled ! Yay! First I might just go explore the rest of the site!
By the way, my husband & I are in our late 60s, about to live on SS only. Circumstances prevented us from putting away much savings, as I have worked very little in the workplace, but we paid our house off years ago, our vehicles are paid off & we are frugal in many areas. We each have our splurges tho- his is techy stuff & mine is art supplies, both pricey. But we have a tiny farm with goats & chickens, & huge garden. We want to replace our orchard that has been devastated by drought & ice storms. We want to save more $ this year, before my husband retires.
Welcome Jerri-Ann! I am so glad that you found some helpful things on the site. 🙂
Thank you for your vulnerability, faith and heart to help others. I am ridiculously encouraged and grateful for this series of posts!
Woohoo! I like to ridiculously encourage others. 🙂
I am grateful for any information that can help save money. I would choose my family also. I think you telling others about your situation is inspiring. I can’t wait to read more. Wishing you and your family health and extreme happiness in this new year
Thank you Nicole!
Wonderful post! Thanks for writing it. 🙂 The world needs proof that we are bigger than our problems.
Thanks again.
-Joy
It s nice to read about someone else who is as you put it is “weird”.
We have also made the decision to live on one income due to the needs of our children and us as a family unit.
It is inspiring to see read your mind set of being blessed with what you have and how it is what you need and not what you want to keep up with the “Jone’s”.
Our oldest is at an age where he is noticing and asking questions, I will have to have your frugal answers handy. I find myself answering, and him telling his sisters, “No, we do not have the money.”
I do talk to the kids about choices. Yesterday after going to the Dr’s, then eye Dr’s and getting a RX filled we were going to use a half off coupon for lunch out- figuring it would be about $10 for all of us to eat. Waiting for the Rx to be filled we found Barbies 70% off, the girls picked instead of eating out the Barbies $3, they would last longer. My son asked if we could walk next door to the pet store to see the puppies if we did not go eat out. So went home and made lunch, and Barbies were put into their prize boxes.
I am also having to focus on less stuff more time doing. The thrift shop had kid’s board games for $.25! The kids gifted each other games last year for Christmas, this Christmas I though about how many times have we played them? The thrift shop is a dangerous place when things are so cheap (the one we love is $.25 for all toys and books) and we are doing a reward box for behavior…(which also includes an extra story, or helping cook a special dish, extra craft project etc..) but toys are such a big hit in the box, and so much less time consuming for me.
Thank you for sharing so much of yourself to all of us strangers looking at the screen!!
I love that you let your kid’s choose how they wanted to spend the money. It sounds like they have a good grasp of the value of things. Good job!
Be encouraged that what you are doing will be beneficial to many. I know many families who live in large homes w/nice cars & clothes, who take lavish vacations and who are quite miserable. The happiest families I know are the ones who have a strong faith and, many times, live much more modestly and frugally. God will use you mightily in your sharing. Don’t be discouraged by any naysayers – they are blind, but we see!
Thanks so much for your kind words Julie!
Hi Kimberlee – I just stumbled on your website this evening and I’m glad it did because………..I LOVE IT!! Happy New Year!
Thanks so much Christa! Happy New Year to you too!
I have been praying for a way to get my family on a better track and pace of life….I believe I have just found it. Thank you for being courageous enough to expose yourselves for people like me to find. God bless you and your family and I hope you always choose to invest in relationships first!
Hi Maegan–welcome! I hope you find some ideas and encouragement here. 🙂
I must give you a lot of credit for being willing to discuss your finances in detail. Although many people treat money and personal finance as a taboo subject, I think it is something we all need to talk about more. There are many people who have had to learn financial lessons the hard way, and with a little education and frank discussion this could perhaps be avoided. Money should not be the most important thing in anyone’s life, but the inability to manage money can make money the only thing you think and worry about. I am looking forward to reading more.
I appreciate when you said about choosing relationships over money, every time. In making our life decisions we often reflect on the eternal things- relationship, worship, love etc… and choose in that direction. Thanks for being brave and sharing your personal story. No judgement here, only respect and support! 🙂
Thanks so much for your encouragement Charissa! 🙂
Bless you for having your priorities straight! I truly believe if more families lived this way our world would be a better place. It’s not about money!
My youngest son has all the symptoms of Aspbergers. How did you get youre son diagnosed. I dont even know where to start.
Hi Deb–We went to a psychologist who does educational testing and then had the diagnosis confirmed with our pediatrician. You could check with your son’s doctor for local resources.
Hi Deb,
I am a pediatric occupational therapist who has been working in the public schools for over 20 years. The school system has an obligation to provide an evaluation and services if they are needed starting at age three. The school system can not provide a medical diagnosis, but your pediatrician should be able to provide you with resources. Also, if your child is under age three , he may be eligible for early intervention services. Call your local school system, special education department, and they should be able to provide you with resources in your community. I hope this helps. Good luck
I haven’t read everything yet but I am going to and thanks for.sharing it makes things better just knowing your so happy I can be to
Our situations are very similar. I have two daughters with severe allergies and an Aspie son 🙂 I’ve been very blessed to be able to work from home, but it’s still too much on me once I factor in homeschooling. We are paying off debt now from when we were in a stage of life where “stuff” was important. I can’t wait for the day in a couple of years when we are debt free and I can give my kids all of the attention they deserve. Thanks so much for being “real” in your sharing of personal info.
This is almost the same boat my family is in. I just had our third child, though we do not struggle with food allergies, or autism. My husband, like yours, does not have a college degree. I am a high school teacher and I am almost through with my masters and principal cert. However, I have been so torn by being away from our two sons and daughter that I am seriously considering resigning when my contract is up in May. Thank you for this blog. I know it is another sign affirming God’s will in my life.
You are welcome Diana. I hope that you are able to work things out for your family.
Thank you so much for sharing this, my family also lives on around 23,000 a year (family of 3) and we choose to so I can be a stay at home mom!
Really wish I could do something like this; unfortunately, the cost of my utilities and mortgage would only leave me with $300 for the year. 🙁 How do you do it??
Hi Wendy–My point is not that everyone can live on our income. I am only suggesting that if you want or need to live on less, it is very possible. You can read the rest of the series here: https://thepeacefulmom.com/living-on-less-than-28000-a-year-series/ to see more specifics.
Hello!
$2200 in Month… so little ???? People in My country (Latvia) are living with 400$ – 600$ month family with four people… and monthly bills are between 250 – 300$….
Good luck
I believe that parents need to be more open and honest with their kids about finances. How else are they going to learn?
I have 2 daughters who wanted to attend a prestigous band camp for 2 weeks, not at the same time thankfully. Tuition for one of them was more than I bring in for 2 weeks of work. I had to sit down with them, be honest about the cost vs income, show them where the money goes and tell them that they will have to contact family and friends to see about doing odd jobs to earn money towards their attending band camp. we would match what they made, but full tuition couldn’t just be given to them. They both did a great job and I believe, had a more rewarding experience since they were able to say they worked for it instead of it just being given to them.
I keep my kids in the financial loop and teach them the importance of budgeting, and want vs need.
Wow you should like us! Same income except that my hubby works out of town monday thru friday and I stay home with our 4 (10girl, 6boy, 5boy and 1 1/2 girl) the oldest has ADD and the boys have ADHD and I’m bi polar so its interesting to say the least! We struggle constantly financially but I want to be the one raising my kids. I don’t homeschool because its too much chaos with the way my older 3 are but I wish I could. In the mean time I am thrilled to find your blog thru Pinterest while I take a break from trying to revamp our budget lol! Perfect timing!!!!
So glad I stumbled on your blog. We are a family of 4 with my husband and I both working about 25 hours a week each with little hope of either us finding full time. And so, we are stuck with daycare and transportation costs. While we’ve been doing ok with our budgets and planning, I am looking forward to tightening down further to try to send our daughter to a parochial school next fall and later, our son. Thanks for your tips! Hoping we can find ways to make them work for our family. Blessings!
THANKYOU KIMBERLY 4 UR BLOG I ALSO LIVE ON A FIXED INCOME 13,000 A YEAR FOODSTAMPS N MEDICAID I AM A SINGLE MOTHER WITH 3 GIRLZ BUT I CUT CORNERS WITH COUPONS,DUMPSTER DIVING,RECYCLING SCRAP METAL,AND FOOD PANTRY,AND MY LOCAL CHURCH FOR CLOTHING OR YARD SALES TOO FOR CLOTHING N THRIFT STORES,GOODWILL AND THIS WAY MY GIRLZ HAVE LEARNED TO APRECIATE WHAT THEY GET N DONT TAKE ANYTHING 4 GRANTED N EVERY CHRISTMAS WE VOLUNTEER IN OUR LOCAL SOUP KITCHEN ITS BEEN A LONG N TOUGH JOURNEY BUT WERE STILL LEARNING HOW 2 SURVIVE WITH THIS ECONOMY THAT HAS TOUGHT ME A LESSON USE UR MONEY VERY WISELY!HOPE 2 HEAR MORE ABOUT DIFFERENT WAYS ON HOW 2 SAVE MORE 4 THE FUTURE.
I just want to say thank you, for sharing all these 🙂
Just wanted to say thank you for opening yourself up. And I would love to learn how to do it.
I applaud any family that makes the committment to put relationships before finances. It is not easy, but it is the best investment a family can make in itself. My oldest daughter is getting ready to make the change and is so very excited to spend the time with a seven and two year old who will now not have to deal with the stresses of child care.
I am really looking forward to reading this. My husband and I make about $2200 a month right now. We don’t have kids or a mortgage, but we have school loans and medical bills that we are paying back very slowly.
We are a family of three that lives on 20,000 dollars a year in the greater Kansas City area. It hasn’t been an easy ride. I’m interested to see what more you have to share. 🙂
Wow! As I play on Pinterest as I often do, I come along to a topic that reads LEARN TO live on 28,000 a year! I’m never one to judge, I only look for help from great people like your self! I think your post is very much a helping tool! You are a god send! My husband make great money,we have a lot to change.. Family os # 1in our house also, & i better start thinking that way!;) I’m a stay at home home & I need to remember that there is only one income!
I have not looked passed this post of yours ( I plan too). Thank you are sharing. I will keep u posted in my Journey!
Thank u so very much!
Amy
This is soooo wonderful! I love your families outlook on relationships before money! Im a mom with young children and my husband works on the pipeline… he hates it because hes always far away and the time he is home flies by and hes back on the road again! Im really hoping I can understand and find guidance in you with our finances so my husband can come home and share a life with us! thank you so much!
I admire what you are doing. I look forward to hearing from you! My husband and I lived on one income while raising our children also and it’s not easy!
I totally get where you are coming from. My husband and I struggled with this ourselves, together making about 28000 annually some years and now less than 20000. We have made many sacrifices. My husband is ill, he has a diagnosis list as long as my arm starting with asthma and COPD and ending with Diabetes and Hypertension as well as mental illness. He has applied for and has been denied disability income but we are appealing. I was downsized in 2010 after I had been ill with cancer. My husband was working at the time, it was all he could do to work. It took me a year to get seasonal employment (tax season) and then I got a job working weekends with the mentally ill. He was finally unable to work anymore in August. Working 28 hours every other week and filling in was not enough to sustain a home on our own. His mother is aging, 76 years old and has her own diagnosis list and is needing some help. Our financial needs were filled with a roof over our heads and she has help at home. This is not where I thought I would be at 46 years old. My husband is 50. I figured by now we would own our own home and be in stable jobs. I am a graduate student of Clincal and Counseling Psychology Online and I have no idea how I will pay student loans once I graduate however I can’t do it on what I make now either. I know God is in control. I am looking forward to any tips and tricks you have that can help us on our financial journey. Begrudgingly we have applied for all of the assistance we are eligible for, we will see in the coming weeks how much if any we will get. I am thankful that we have not missed a car payment or utility payment. Again God is providing and I am very thankful!
I am so sorry that you are having so much difficulty. I hope that you can find some encouragement here. 🙂
This is my first time here and I will be back regularly!
Thank you for sharing with everyone!! I sure hope that everyone shows you the respect you deserve!
I am living on less than you and your family are living on; but it is just me and my son that is almost 13. His father died when he was 5; so it’s been him and I for many years now.
I can hardly wait to read more about you and family!!!
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!
Hi Carla-
I am so sorry about the death of your husband. I cannot imagine how difficult that must have been for you. I’m glad you’re here though and I hope you find some encouragement. 🙂
Yay for Pinterest for bringing this hits eight months later!
My family is soon to do a complete role reversal. When my children were very young, I stayed home and we lived off one income. Now my husband has had some health issues come up and I’ve recently quit my job in order to finish student teaching. One day, I will no doubt be the primary breadwinner and he the homemaker. It will definitely be “against” the norm, but hey, it will work well for us – he’s the better homemaker 😉
Found this link when I was figuring out whether my future husband and I could afford to live on his salary alone. I’m currently a nursing student while he is working full-time. He feels that we wouldn’t be able to live on his salary and I’m determined to prove we could 🙂 Any advice on this type of situation of one working full-time and one in full-time classes?
Hi Cat! The best advice that I can give you is to stay completely out of debt–no credit cards or car payments, and save to pay a healthy down payment on a house before you try to buy. Many people put themselves in a situation where they need two incomes because they buy a home that they cannot afford. If you purchase a smaller home and avoid other kinds of debt, you will be more likely to make it living on one income.
Your spending doesn’t have to go up that much when you start having children either. You can buy many things second hand or borrow them from friends and family, and you can save a TON of money by breastfeeding (which is healthier for your baby anyway). Hopefully your husband’s income will also increase over time.
The bottom line is that the two of you have to agree on what is important to you–lifestyle or you being home with the children. If you decide that you do want to work, there are a lot of options for working at home or you could work part-time, which would still allow you to be home with your children more. Hope that helps!
I am a mom of one 19 teen year old son , I totally understand you with your kids & staying at home . I had alot of struggles with my son so in order for me to always be there to help him and never giving up on him I worked 3 part time jobs when he was little . Now today my son is in his 2 nd year of college just taken the basic’s ,well he has decided he wants to be a P.A but I can’t afford the tuition of $35,000 a year . I’m looking to try and get a second job so I can afford it . I’m hoping that you have some inspiration that there is light at the end of the tunnel , so hard on my own . Thanks :0)
You are inspiring! A friend sent this to me in the nick of time. I’m pregnant with our 9th and 10th children (yes, twins!!!!). We have 6 living children (we lost our son at 20 weeks in May (due, we believe, to a gene mutation and blood clotting disorder)). Anyhow, we have been living on one income for 13.5 years, but I’m just now grown up enough to see that it can be done better. I’m so ready for your ideas!!
Thank you!! It means so much to me to read this and learn from it! I recently had twins, and also have a 7 year-old. After the birth of my twins, my husband and I had to make a choice whether I should work or not. We decided,it was in all of our best interests, for me to stay at home with the children much for the same reasons you chose not to work. I struggle with it sometimes because of not being in the societal “norm”. However, when I read about families like yours, I feel stronger in my quest to raise a healthy family!
Thank you again!
You are very welcome Abigail. Good for you for making the decision that works best for your family!
Thanks for sharing your story. I’m a single mom, raising my wonderful two children. My daughter just turned 13 and my son is almost 9. I, too, have chose relationships with my children over lots of money. I’ve been divorced since my son was still an infant and times have definitely been tough in every way, especially financially. I work as a cook at a private boarding school. I have very low wage, but good perks. My kids get a great (free) private education, I work family friendly hours, we get 3 free meals a day AND I get to see my children throughout the day. I wouldn’t trade being close to my children for any amount of money. It was my decision to be a mom to them and I don’t want my children to grow up away from me. Being a close family is my top priority, after my faith.
My income is WAY below the poverty line, but I’m saving money in my 401k. I’m putting 15% of my gross pay into a 401k at work and 10% of that is matched by my employer. That may seem great, but I am looking for ways to stop living paycheck to paycheck and start an actual savings account at my bank w/out having to lower my 401k contribution. I’m going to start small $5 here and there and save next years tax return. I am getting older, I’m 35, and really like being able to be independent and not having to ask my parents for help how and then. I did in the past and that is a really bad feeling. I do get child support, without that extra $700 a month things would be very tough. It allows my children & I to have our own very modest home and car.
Anyhow, thanks for being honest and sharing ways to be frugal. I am always looking for new comfortable ways to save money, usually its just by controlling my impulse spending for either my children or me at the grocery store 🙂
Hi Renee! Good for you for making a choice to do what works best for your family! I am sorry about your divorce, but it sounds like you have made the very best of a bad situation.
I have a thought for you about the 401k. Since you are so young and your employer only matches 10%, why not lower your contributions to 10% for 6 months to a year and save that money in an emergency fund and/or second account for irregular and unexpected expenses? Once you have reached your savings goal, you can increase the contributions again–just a thought.
For me Kimberlee, you make more than my boyfriend and I do combined. and i have no issue saying we only make $10,000 a YEAR. The only thing we get help from the goverment is the food stamps and health insurance. I am from michigan to. He has 3 daughters and i have 2 sons. my 4 month old is his kid too. how do we make it? very carefully but we do. im lucky enough to have resources around me like food pantries and a baby pantry that is ran once a month. I am also looking to go back to school to get a degree in medical billing and coding. hoping that i can get a big enough refund from student loans to pay to get my CNA! and I dont have a car or a liscence. so i am paying for public transpertation or giving gas money to my boyfriends dad. its not easy living on such a small small tiny income but i will help anyone who needs help on how to save money because in this economy it can make or break a person.
As someone who made the same decision 28 years ago I can tell you it is worth it! I have an amazing relationship with my now grown children and a million wonderful memories of those “tough” times. You will never be sorry.
Thanks so much for the encouragement Kathy!
Kiberlee, thank you! We are “simplifying” at our house right now. I just don’t have time to care for stuff. I’m choosing the blessing of relationships over the burden of stuff too. There are alot of changes being made and your blog is so helpful. It’s like having a Christian friend talk me through things. I hope for your best. God bless you!
Good for you Amber! I am so glad to be a friend who can help. 🙂
Hey! I live in NYC and my rent is not much less than your entire month’s income. My husband put me through school and was working full time and going to school full time. When he broke his ankle and was out on short term disability we realized how much we missed him and we too decided having him home was worth more than his income. We have cut back on some things but gained so much more. We have become so much tighter as a family unit and it was the best decision we ever made.
Good for you Nia! 🙂
Amazing story. Thanks for sharing. It is good to know there is other people out there that value family, and teaching their children about the value of a dollar. Happy for you. Keep it up and find a way to keep the stress down for yourself and keep the little ones healthy. I feel for you
I applaude your decisions. I think that when sacrifices are made for the good of the family it is a win win situation. For me, I am old enough to remember back in the day when moms stayed home. I’m not saying women should not work outside the home, I do too, but there was a day when homemaking was a valuable position. We survived on less and had an appreciation for lots of things, even the little things. Happiness is what you make your life under the circumstances you have with your family. I am sure your children and you and your husband will be greatly blessed and so much more less stressed. Good for you
Thanks Vicki!
Your willingness to be open and honest inspires and actually ALLOWS others to do the same. We allneed more people like you in our lives. Hope you don’t regret your decision.
Thank you
I don’t regret it at all Jenny. I am so glad you were encouraged. 🙂
I bet you didn’t expect this response? I clicked on the link because this is what we are facing. Tough decisions. It makes me buckle at the knees thinking about how we’ll get through. Seeing someone else share makes it feel possible and that’s it is not such a lonely place to be after all <3
You are right Diane. I am so glad that I can encourage you. 🙂
Hi!
I’m looking forward to reading your tips because even with my child support and my fiance’s income we still flirt with the poverty line. We are a family of six, and all four kids are under six, so me going out to get a job is pointless with what I would pay out for child care. Not only does oldest boy also has an autism spectrum disorder but we too live in the south. I’m really looking forward to reading from someone I can relate to so much. Thank you for sharing!
We also live on a very small salary. We made this choice many years ago for our family also. It is refreshing to see other people make this choice and not be sorry for it. There are tight times but somehow God always provides. I have learned how to make the money go much farther than I would have ever dreamed. Thank you for sharing your story and your tips.
You are very welcome Pam!
I cannot wait for your tips. We are a family of 4 on one income my husband makes about 400 a week. He is a waiter so it all depends on how good the tips are. The tips are really his income cause his weekly check is like 30$. Anyway. We have no budget right now. We scrape to make the bills and I know if we managed our money better we wouldn’t have to be late on bills sometimes. I just don’t know we’re to start. We choose like you for me to stay home with the kids. 5 and 2. I just couldnt see daycare raising my kids if I was able to stay home. No knocking people who put there kids in daycare sometimes you have to to take care of them. But we found daycare would take up my whole paycheck anyway so I was working to keep my kids in daycare. I would have about 30 dollars left from my check after paying daycare. That’s gas to and from work. Anyway. I can’t wait to see your tips. And hopefully they will work for my family also
Welcome Stephanie! I hope you can find some helpful ideas. Another thing to consider is having your husband get a second job until he can find something more permanent that pays well. Let me know if you have any questions. 🙂
THANK YOU so much for including the “We Love Dad” part in explaining why. So many people assume that when kids become teenagers, they don’t need us as much. In fact, I think that’s when they need their parents the most. Thank you for being so honest and open, and I’m looking forward to reading your series.
Thanks Kristen! I hope you find some encouragement here. 🙂
I think you are everything a mother should be. It’s so sad to me that our society seems to value stuff over relationships. Thank you- I am looking forward to reading your tips!!
Hello,
I must say that I’m really not much of a blog follower, nor have I ever really commented on one before. However, I was so moved by what you had to say, and that you have taken the time to personally address every comment that was left for you, that I just had to say Thank You. I’m newly pregnant with our 2nd child, due in April. My work doesn’t know it yet, but I don’t plan to come back after (I’m a teacher). You have summed up my main reasons for why my husband and I want me to stay at home, but we are both terrified because I’m the primary breadwinner now (not to mention benefits holder)
I believe strongly that God will take care of us as he always has in the past, and you just might be one way He does that. Thank you again.
Hi Emily! It is a huge leap of faith, but if you are very careful and your husband can find more work (or you can eventually work from home), it will be much easier. Do everything in your power to get completely out of debt and have some savings before you come home. I had to go back to work a couple of times in the early years of our family because we didn’t plan well and we weren’t careful with our money. Hopefully the rest of the series will help. 🙂
God is always faithful!
Just found this on Pinterest. My husband and I have a 3-month-old, our first child. I thought I’d get stir crazy during maternity leave, but instead I found myself not wanting to go back to work when the time came. We are both fairly low income earners and live realtively frugally, but reading your story gives me hope that maybe we could live on one income. Thank you and can’t wait to check out the tips.
I just read your intro, and I LOVE it! I have booked marked your page and will be reading along and I hope learning and implementing new ideas. Kimberlee, you’ve been given a challenge and it looks like you’ve made such loving, wise choices for your family. “Income” is a tough question. I think $2200 for a family of six is IMPOSSIBLE! Yet you, Dad and the kids make it work! Amazing to me! a terrific story that will help many. It’s not always and income problem is it? We’ve been living on 1/2 our wages in order to rid ourselves of thousands in Medical debt and some consumer debt, I want to continue to do this so we can save and help others. Thanks Kimberlee for sticking your neck out to help!
You are very welcome Barbara. It is very difficult to live on less when you have a lot of debt, but hopefully you can find some ideas here to help.
Hi Kimberlee,
I am really looking forward to reading your tips! You should write a book on this. Surviving on less is something that so many people are trying to accomplish right now. It is also knowledge that every single person should have. You never know when your income can be cut drastically. Having the ability to tighten your belt and survive without digging the black hole of debt is a survival tool. I think the economic disaster we have experienced woke many people up to that fact. You are sitting on a gold mine. I’m sure many others have told you this already;) Best of luck to you and great job!!
Thanks Trisha–I have it on a very long list of things to do, but hopefully I will get started soon. 🙂
Your twitter links goes to twitter main page
Thanks, I fixed it.
Hi, Im dont want to sound like I am judging you but if you make 2200 a month that is not a small income. If I had that much money I could live comfortably and have a bit of money left over. That may not seem like a lot of money for a family of six but for a family of three that is a lot of money to be making. I suggest that if your going to talk about your income I would not say that you have a small income.
I disagree, it depends on where you live and your circumstances.. We lived in the WAY south with 1100 per month for a family of 3, food stamps and Medicaid (no housing, so we paid 500 rent on a comfortable, newly built apartment) and no car payments. We also lived in the north east on 5000 per month for a family of 4, with 500 per month for mediocre private health insurance, (6,500 paid for pregnancy/childbirth), a whopping 1600 per month for an apartment that was smaller, older, and cheaper than anything else in the area, a toddler in daycare, a formula fed infant, and two jobs (which required two cars payments). Unbelievably, we were tighter with the bigger income, so as I said, it all depends on where you live and your unique set of circumstances.
Well put Naomi. Instead of trying to compare ourselves with Kimberlee we should just enjoy the tips she has and use them to make our situations better and more peaceful. i used to think,”If only we had…., then we would be better off” But really it wasn’t that at all! It is this: With this income, and these expenses, how can we make our lives financially fit and meaningful?” I never thought we could be out of debt or payoff this or that, now we have paid off almost all our debt and will be debt free in January. All on the SAME income we have had for over 8 yrs. Nothing has changed except our willingness to grow up and use our money wisely. I think $2200 for a family of TWO is way too low! So I am very willing to hear from Kimberlee how she manages her $$ and stay out of debt whilst facing the similar struggles that many of us have today. :o)
I agree. Where I live you couldn’t even get comfortable housing on that amount I money per month and there is no way you could pay your utilities. My last electric bill was over $600. That’s a huge chunk of a budget on just one bill!
I am looking forward to reading your tips on saving money! I agree 100%! I applaud you for you and your family for the courage to focus on what is most lasting and giving up on some of the “luxury” things in life!
Although my opinion doesn’t matter, I think its great that you have decided to stay home and devote time to your children. I think life has become too complicated, too rushed, too scheduled, and its family time that suffers. Parents are so tired after waking up at 5am to get kids up and ready, then a 30-40 min drive to work, put in 8 hours, then traffic on way home, helping kids with homework, dinner, bath, the list just goes on and on that by 5pm half the list just mentioned doesn’t happen..and who can blame them! The TV becomes the babysitter while mom and dad rest to keep sanity, and fast food or food from a box becomes the main source of nutrition (and we wonder why obesity in children is running wild right now…everything is over processed and made to be quick, because that’s what we need!) There is a problem with the way society functions when you don’t have time/energy to make dinner. I am a stay at home mom, I have one daughter and another on the way. We obviously live on one income, and its not the easiest thing in the world- in fact its quite difficult and my husband and I give up a lot (home improvement plans, vacations, eating out, date nights, etc) because the $ just isnt there; but we both believe what we are doing is the right thing and we feel that we are better (not comparing to others..but rather us being the best we can be) parents. Its really showed both of us how strong our relationship and bond is. I am looking forward to reading your tips on how to save money and make it on a single income. (I already coupon like crazy..need more ideas!) One thing I have learned is that just about everything is negotiable- so if you have cable or internet call and fight for a lower price. (companies that dont lock you into a contract are more likely to work with you) I was able to switch our cable provider to a company that was providing our internet service..my total savings equaled what we were paying for internet for a year..so pay for same cable and get internet free..thats a deal! Looking forward to your tips!
Alisa- it’s not for everyone but I wanted to share with you-my family gave up cable about a year ago. We use Netflix and have an antennae for local stations. We have plenty of tv and miss nothing. Just…food for thought.
Thank you. Thank you for inspiring me to get my butt into gear. I just made a blog to start myself on this road to a better financial me…and I’ll link your blog to it.
Hello! I am very interested in this post, but am wondering where you all live. I live in DC and the cost of living seems so high here I am very worried about budgeting and living on a lower income. Thanks!
Hi Theresa! We live in the south. I am not saying that everyone can live on the same income level that we live on. I am just giving ideas for living on less if you would like to or need to. 🙂
I admire you for living simple and being on such a lower budget. No one should be judging you. We also live on a strict budget so we can save money for our retirement dream. It is not easy and it does take focus and work but it is worth it.
I just stumbled across your blog on pintrest and I am so glad. My husband just lost his job and he is starting school next month full time, so my income is going to have to be it for a while. Going from two full time incomes to one plus school expenses is going to be tricky and I’ve been racking my brain and the internet for ideas and help. So thank you for being so honest with your situation and helping other in the same boat. I 100% agree with your relationship over money philosophy and admire you for it.
Welcome Meyli! I hope you find some helpful ideas and encouragement here. 🙂
Thank you for sharing your story. It was very much needed and encouraging.
Thank you for sharing your story. Families need to hear that it can be done with determination and choosing what is necessary or not. My husband of 25 yrs and I have been living like this since we were first married. We have 4 children that are homeschooled since birth. The two oldest are in college now. We don’t miss all the extras, in fact, our family is very close. The kids know the value of a dollar and work for the things they want. Never do I see them take for granted the things they had to work for. Kids grow up fast and time spent together is more important than the newest vehicle or a larger home. Keep up the good work in encouraging and helping others!!!!
Thanks Bobbi!
I may not have any children, but I do live on just one very small income and I am always on the lookout for tips on how to save. I have had to learn some hard lessons lately and this blog has given me some very good ideas on how to save so I can live the life I want. Bravo for putting yourself out there like this!
I’m so glad. Thanks for letting me know Jacki!
Wow! I don’t even know how I came across your blog, but boy, am I glad I did! We have so much in common! My oldest son has ASPERGER’S and is gluten free. My youngest son is ADHD and is being checked for seizures. We now homeschool because, like you, it would be next to impossible for me to work outside the home now!
So, so glad that I found your blog!
Welcome Annie! 🙂
Thank you for this. I found your blog on Pinterest. My situation is a bit different – we are fortunate in that I no longer have to work (and we are moving abroad for hubby’s job). I am learning how to live with just one income. While, we are very lucky and blessed to live comfortably on his income, I am still happy to find thoughts, tips, suggestions for living frugally. I can’t wait to read more from you!!!
I found your blog from pinterest, as I’m sure many others have. I am looking forward to reading your articles. I love the way your write and how straight forward you are! I hope you’re getting a lot of positive feedback and those that might not agree with you just leave your website alone instead of feeling the need to “teach you a lesson”. I can’t wait to be educated!!! Thanks for posting this! I know it’s personal and am VERY thankful for something out there I can try to help make a difference in my family’s situation. Thank you again!
You are very welcome Jessica. Once you have read the Less Than series, check out my new series “Beyond $28,000”: https://thepeacefulmom.com/2012/08/21/new-series-beyond-28000-a-year/
I can’t wait to hear the rest of your story! I work and so does my husband. we have a lot of bills as well as supporting our daughter, her husband, and their newborn while they finish school. I need to save money!
Thank for this. I’m a single mother of 4, I make 19200 a year and no child support.!!!! This helps a great deal.
Wow Yvette–you are in a tough position. I hope you find some help and encouragement here.
P.S. We homeschooled too!
Thanks so much for being courageous! Your lifestyle alone makes you very brave – but to actually make yourself very public is admirable. We are now in our early 50″s, and almost empty nesters, but we were a mid to low income family with 5 children and always felt the judgmental eye, (even from my own family). I will pray for your family and very much enjoy learning even more ways to be thrifty! Thanks again for this site!
Looking for ways to save and keep the family happy.
Yay! So excited to find your blog! I can’t tell you what a relief it is! We’re a young family of 6, oldest child with aspergers and gluten allergy, a conviction to stay home and homeschool even though it means living on a tiny income. It feels like an impossible puzzle but I’m so encouraged to find out there is someone with such a similar situation making it work… a huge thank you for sharing, I can’t wait to read all your posts!
thank you for sharing this post. while we’re fortunate enough to live on a larger salary, our expenses have gotten so far away from us that it’s not uncommon for our bank account to be overdrawn the day after payday. i’m a sahm with 2 littles and as the ceo of our home, i’m committed to making it work with what we have. thank you for chronicling your journey.
I applaud your choices and that you want to help others by sharing your story! Time is our most valuable commodity. “Stuff” is used up, fades away, or gets cast aside, but memories last forever! My parents raised us in a similar way. I may not have had everything I ever wanted as a kid but we were rich in other ways! The memories of times spent together will last a lifetime and they mean even more to me now that my dad has passed on.
On an unrelated note, your story reminded me of something I read recently on a different blog site regarding nutrition, children and food allergies. You may find the info interesting so I’d like to share: http://whole9life.com/2012/02/the-whole30-and-pdd/
Thanks so much Chris!
Our family of 5 lives on $28,000 a year and I also stay home. Thanks for this website. There’s a little bit of “Damned if you do, damned if you don’t” mentality with me about staying home. I stay home but am so jaded frustrated and stressed about living paycheck to paycheck. I am always praying nothing breaks or no one gets sick because we can’t afford health insurance or an emergency. Our 3 kids are 4 years and under. I can’t go back to work with the daycare costs, it just wouldn’t be worth it (also a teacher). I find that I am not the “peaceful” mother I want to be solely on the fact that we don’t make enough money. My husband is always working and I’m here with the kids. We cut out more than anyone can believe and even live in my mother-in-laws house, for free! I’m of course going to check out all your tips and know I’ll learn more than a few things. I’m glad you are so peaceful! I’m hoping to get a little of that 🙂
Hi Priscilla- First of all it is very difficult to be a peaceful mom with 3 kids ages four and under. You are in a difficult stage in life and definitely need to find an outlet like a mother’s morning out or trading kids with a friend (or Saturday coffee date with a friend while hubby keeps the kids). When our kids were that age I had to go back to work and we worked opposite shifts so we didn’t have to put them in daycare. That arrangement enabled us to parent our children rather than send them to someone else, but it was very difficult on our marriage.
I wonder if you could start tutoring privately to bring in a little extra money, or teach an online class one or two evenings a week. It is difficult to live on less than $28,000 and if you are being very careful and it is still not working for you, maybe you need to find a way to increase your income. Good luck and let me know if you have any questions.
I know I just posted, but after watching some videos… is that a dream board behind you in your dining room? If it is, SO COOL!
Yes, it is one of the inspiration boards I made. Do you have one?
Hi. I found your site on Pinterest. I am very excited about it as I am a new teacher starting out my first full-time job this September. Up until now, I have done supply work (for two years), and that income is not steady. I have the burden of student loans that need to be paid back, and I’d like to do that as quickly and by paying as little interest as possible. I am hoping that your site will help me save money and live economically but happily with my boyfriend of three years.
I just want to say that I totally respect your view point on this. It’s so rare for people to choose quality of family over chasing dollars. Thanks for being open!
I know this comment will probably get lost amongst all the others, but I just have to say thank you for being so honest. It’s SO nice to hear about someone else who puts family above money! My husband chose to be a school teacher, and we both believe in a stay-at-home-mother. Many people think my husband is crazy for choosing a low paying job that still requires a degree, and me for staying home instead of making more money (and even think it irresponsible for choosing to have a family before finishing school, having a good job, & owning a home). THANK YOU for showing me how someone else does it on even LESS than we make now! I guess it’s just nice to know that other people (YOU!) put their kids first and, honestly, are probably happier than with whatever money could buy. I am so excited to read the rest of your blog!
Hi Whitney! I am so glad that you are encouraged. Welcome! 🙂
In so glad to have happened upon this site! I’m a new(er) mom and my husband is in med school so we have very little income and ALOT of debt! I’m in the process of taking over the finances plus trying to save so we can eventually buy a house, and I’m trying to figure out how to stretch less than 22,000 in an area of very high renting rates! Thank you for sharing your wisdom for women like me who have decided to trade money for mommy time!
Welcome! I hope you find some good ideas here. Let me know if you have any questions. 🙂
I can’t wait! I have gone through a lot this year already and my husband and I are trying to stay positive and begin a new fresh start. I hope to get a lot of ideas from you. Thank you for sharing 🙂
You are very welcome Kristy!
Oh my, no judgement here! We are like two peas in a pod, sounds like. I have only read your intro so far and I have so much respect for you. So true you cannot take the material stuff with you, but the memories are forever! Kudos, my friend!!
Oh my Gosh! I’m so happy that I found your blog! Our stress level is so high and we need to find way to live on less money. Thanks for sharing your personal information with us, for our benefit. I am so grateful. ;o)
You are very welcome Paula. 🙂
I can’t believe I haven’t come across your site until now! I’m bookmarking it so I can peruse it more over the weekend. Although I don’t have kiddos, I think I can still learn a lot from your site! I’ve been reading a lot about Simple Living over the last year and it completely makes sense to me! It’s something I’ve become passionate about! I am working on getting out of debt and striving for the simpler yet inwardly richer life. AAhhhh. I’ll get there!
Welcome Mindy! I hope you find some ideas that you can use. 🙂
Love that you are able to do this for people! When my husband became sick with a brain tumor 10 years ago we learned to live on 1/3rd of our original income. It was not only hard but was also an eye opener as to how much waste we had in our lives. We quickly learned the difference between a want and a need. I feel like our whole family (my husband, myself and 4 children) grew and gained a new perspective on life during this time! Bless you for being brave enough to tackle this journey.
To those of you trying to get out of debt so that you can live a simpler life I would suggest Dave Ramsey’s – Total Money Makeover. Take it from the Pitt’s Family “It really works”!
This is so encouraging. I just wrote a post on How to Buy a Home Without a Mortgage and a main reason that is possible is by keeping expenses low. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for posting this. I’m 19 years old and I live with my parents. My dad had his own business and it plummeted because the demand for the business he ran, went down. Since I live in Michigan, and most of the General Motor plants have closed down, many families, as well as my own, are so strapped for money, and are just trying to find ways to make it through the month. I’ve just started to read your posts, and I am going to start bringing these ideas up to my parents. I’m so glad though, that you have chosen to spend time with your children. I feel like more often than not, relationships are kind of left in the dust, because of all the stresses to deal with, when it comes to work. You are absolutely wonderful for posting all of these amazing ideas. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.
Hi Kaylee! I am so, so sorry that your family is going through such a difficult time. I sincerely hope that you can find some helpful ideas here. I know everything we do won’t work for everyone, but maybe it can start you thinking about ways you can save more. Blessings!
Just found your very helpful sight. My husband and I are retired and live on a farm where something is always breaking or needing replacing. We each get small social security checks but try to supplement by selling produce in summer and firewood in fall and winter. Thanks for any help!!!
My husband and I are now trying to live off of one income, he is making less than 25 000 /yr we are a family of 4, I am stay at home mom, I work at nigth crafting and doing stuff for birthday parties, that does not provide much but at least I can take care of my little ones. I am glad to hear from you, looking forward to read all about the tips. Thank You for sharing and encouraging me.
Hi Bernice! I’m so glad that you feel encouraged. Let me know if you have any questions. 🙂
Month after month we have struggled to get by with our family of 6. I plot and plan and budget; it’s never enough! I ran across your website this week when I felt like we finally hit rock bottom & spent my day in meltdown mode (a rare thing for me). I revisited the site today to find this article and felt some since of relief knowing there was someone that shared our income level/household size. We spend lots of time praying about where our life is and trying to simplify every aspect of it so the children can learn to appriciate things. I hope I was brought to you site for a reason. Thanks for sharing!
Welcome Ashley! I am so sorry that you are having difficulty. I will tell you that many times we have to see God provide because there is just no money at the time we need something. He is always faithful though! Let me know if you have any specific questions.
Thank you soooo much for your courage! It means so much to all of us that are looking for ways to live with less..but more at the same time. I love you and don’t even know you. Praying for you and your family! Blessings to you!!
Thanks so much Neeta. That really means a lot to me!
With everyone struggling (it seems like) these days, I know my friends and family are always trying to find ways to cut costs! I welcome your willingness to share what works for you! I know I have always been taught to live below my means and that being frugal is a good thing, a wise and less stressful choice!
I look forward to reading it:) my family is a family of 5 currently at home and we only make $23,000.00 yearly, so we know what its like:).
Just found your blog after looking for ideas for frugal living. I was one of those that stayed at home with our child, while my husband worked. We made the decision that our daughter was more important to us than money or things. We made sacrifices, but with the help of the Lord we never missed a meal or a payment. We lived within a budget, looked for free things to do as a family, and bought second hand clothes. Living now as empty-nesters we have no regrets.
Thank you Shonda. It is so good to hear from someone who is a little further down the road than we are. Blessings to your family!
Hi, I was wondering about ideas for baby shower gifts. I always feel so cheap. The max I spend is $25 but I somehow feel that it “isn’t enough”. I always try to get bargains, but I can’t store up stuff and then give it because they’ll know it’s not from this year and they can’t return it. Actually, $25 is difficult. We have had so many wedding showers and weddings and now this is the 2nd baby shower. Why do people expect so much?
I have an upcoming post about this, but here are a few ideas: (1) go in with others so your $25 goes toward a larger gift; (2) make something personalized–I received hand painted baby shoes from one friend that I treasured. You could monogram a baby blanket, make a framed piece of art with the baby’s name (Pinterest is great for ideas), etc.; (3)Buy diapers on sale with a coupon. Most moms I know really appreciate it and you can attach a nice card; (4) Don’t worry about it. If someone is so rude as to be ungrateful that you are giving them ANY gift, I don’t think they deserve a gift from you in the first place (there, I said it). Just give whatever you can afford and go on with life.
Hope that helps! 🙂
Thanks so much for this series! I just came across it tonight and it is perfect timing for me because I am buying my first home and am nervous about the monthly numbers and making things work. Your advice is so helpful and I will be using your tricks and tips to help me save money and live comfortably. Thanks again!
You are very welcome Diane!
Thank you so much for sharing! I’ve really enjoyed reading your blog. I’m a college student and saving money is really difficult. Some of your saving tips I already do, but I love finding new ways/strategies to save. I eat out a LOT because well, I’m in college, but I’ve recently started cooking in and man, do I save a lot of money! Great tips on this blog and I look forward to reading more and figuring out ways I can apply it to my way of living! 🙂
Hi Jessica! I am so glad that you found something here that you can use.
Hi, I’m not a mom but I came across your website because I am interested in saving and living on less.
I know this may seem like a pertinent question, but where do you live? I mean I don’t want to know your neighborhood or street but could you give a general impression of the state? Because I live in Miami, FL and let me tell you that living on 28,000 w/ four kids, even as a single person sharing a salary with her bf is a real struggle, esp when you include the cost of healthcare and transportation that is essentially necessary and we have to pay out of pocket. I’m not saying it can’t be done, just yeah it would give me an impression of the kinds of monetary challenges you are coming across if I knew of your general area.
Once again I’m really sorry if that seems presumptuous to ask, I apologize and mean no offense.
Hi Danielle!
My point in writing this series is not to suggest that everyone can live on less than $28,000 a year, but that you can probably live on less than you think. By making different choices and using your money differently, you can live your true priorities. It is more difficult when you are single and do not have someone to share expenses with, but if you stay out of debt (no credit cards, car payments, etc.), and plan your spending, you can make your money go much farther.
We have made a lot of sacrifices to be able to live on less, but we made them because we value being able to spend time with our children and we enjoy a simpler lifestyle. If you choose to read the rest of the series, you will have more of an idea of how we live on less, but of course, you must make your own choices based on your values.
Thank you for sharing your story I am in just about the same boat as you with 2 teenagers and 2 toddlers. I am always looking for ways to simplify and have more pocket money. I am pretty much down to just buying garbage bags, toilet paper and diapers (hopefully not for to much longer the almost 2 year old has been quit a challenge to potty train) every other thing we need for our house I have started making. We had bought a house got moved in and 2 weeks later my husband got laid off and his unemployment was a joke. Between our house and land payment we are close to 1200 a month. We have weighed the option of me working and it is just not feesable with 2 toddlers and 1 car. I am sure there are many things we can still change and look forward to reading your blog and again I thank you for putting yourself out there for the rest of us.
I feel your pain Sarah. I had three in diapers at one point and the oldest refused to potty train. He finally decided to leave diapers at the ripe old age of 3–ack!
I stumbled across your blog via Pinterest. My family is fortunate that my husband makes a very good salary, but he was recently laid off, and took a paycut of nearly $50K per year. We had to relocate from the fast paced East Coast to the midwest. The psychological toll that took on him is indescribable, and I believe that it is because we have become a society so focused on dollars and “things.” It’s not even the “things” we have as much as how much they cost… A slower life has taught us in a couple short months how much more valuable “things” like family time, are so much more important than all the “things” we had to keep up. I haven’t read all of your tips yet, but I am excited to learn more. Everyone could benefit from a change in perspective.
THANK YOU for sharing your personal experience and for “keeping it real”. I too have a son (15) with Aspergers and also a 12 yr old daughter and even though I no longer home school I still stay at home. We survive on my husbands salary alone. (he’s a mechanic so it’s safe to say we’re definitely NOT living high on the hog)
We’ve learned to give up many of the things that our 2 income friends enjoy but to me the time w/ my children growing up is worth cutting corners financially, here and there.
I get laughed at for hanging my laundry to dry. And am asked “how can you keep your thermostat at 65!!!?” but it doesn’t bother me. The time my husband and I have together as a family is something I’d never change, not for a million dollars.
I’m looking forward to reading ALL your posts & ideas.
🙂 Kristen
We laundry hangers have to stick together Kristen. 🙂
I know how you feel Kristen when people walk in my house and ask me dont you have a/c and I reply yes but it is not cheep to run so it is set at 82 which should still feel nice when its 110 outside and in the winter it is set at 62 like my father always said if you are cold put some clothes on. When it is that hot outside it takes less time to dry your cloths ont the line than it does in the dryer.
kimberlee, i say KUDOS to you for being so daring…but so sharing!! {i actually had not meant to rhyme that…} so very many of us ~ too many of us! ~ have financial difficulties of some type or other, so any helpful, useful information we get is only GOOD!! & no matter WHAT a person posts, there are sure to ALWAYS be “naysayers”. there will ALWAYS be those who feel they have the room & the right to “judge”… so then… let them!! that merely shows that THEY have issues…not necessarily the person they are judging!
thank you for your openness & honesty ~ 2 quite refreshing & inspiring qualities for someone to have!! 😎
Thanks so much for your encouragement Noreen!
awesome–i get ridiculed sometimes for my money saving ideas-hippie, cheapskate etc. but i love my family, the Lord, and the Earth and i believe consumption will be the demise of our society as we know it–i look forward to the updates–i too have a full time job, kids with learning disabilities and it DOES make me horrible to be around sometimes–thanks for your honesty.
It’s just hard to juggle all that Diane. It’s understandable to be a little grumpy sometimes. 🙂
Have only read this one post so far but excited to see more! Thanks so much for your courage in sharing. We live on a similar income… or will after a raise coming up in the fall. Hubbie has a potential to earn more in the future and has a few on the side entrepeneur opportunities, but the Vancouver area is one of the most expensive in Canada for living so it’s tough for now. We only have 2 kids so far, but I also plan to homeschool and choose not to work because we feel it’s the best choice for our future. Looking forward to getting to know you more and being inspired 🙂
bless you
Welcome Naomi!
I am 4 months pregnant (it is a little boy),and my boyfriend and I have been stressed over the fact that we will be losing my half of the income every month, we decided me staying home is much more important then the money. I am so thankful that you are sharing such great knowledge, and I plan on bringing it into my home to help my growing family.
Congratulations on your little one Elisabeth! I hope you find lots of help and encouragement here.
Very much looking forward to reading this series. Your family’s situation sounds similar to ours in many ways.
Hi, I haven’t read more than the introduction to your series of posts, but I wanted to say thank you already. I’m sure I’ll find lots of helpful information here. My hubby is currently military, but he is getting out soon, so we are trying to learn to live on a smaller income. I just got a part time job, working evenings, and I’m excited for the additional income. We aren’t looking forward to the time apart from each other, as he works all day, then I’ll be gone at night. But for us, having one of us home with the kids is more important. Our youngest is only 2, so for me to work days, he’d have to be in daycare. I am not comfortable with daycare when they are this young. They can’t tell me if they’ve eaten all day, if they were in dirty diapers, if someone hurt them. If he were older, I may would consider it, but not now. We figure he’ll be in school soon enough, so we’d rather have a parent home with him all the time. We know we will make our relationship work just fine, even with us working opposite shifts.
We did the same thing for two years when our children were very young and I had to work. I taught during the day and my husband worked a shift from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m.. It was difficult, but so important for us to have one parent at home with the children.
Kimberlee,
I also found your blog on Pinterest and am excited to read the rest in this series. We have one son after 5 pregnancies, so we also made the decision to be a one-income family. We barely got by at first, it was really hard. Really, I think the only reason we made it early on was lots of prayer and my husband’s pension from his service in the Navy. We now make quite a bit more than that, but after having done Financial Peace again recently I am re-inspired to work hard to pay off our debt. Thank you for being transparent and real.
Welcome Tracy! I’m so glad you’re here. 🙂
I am so looking forward to reading your blog on this topic! I work two jobs (one full-time and one part-time), my husband works graveyards, we have a teenage Aspie boy (I don’t have to tell you how stressful that can be some days) that is 14 and our other son is turning 18 but has not been able to get a job due to the economy – we are helping him with gas and car insurance in the meantime. Stress is my middle name these days and I would love to reduce that if I can find a way to do it. Thanks so much for sharing.
I’m sorry that you have so much going on. I hope that you can find some ideas and encouragement here.
I came across your site as I was browsing you tube for frugal living videos. I come from a completely different point of view in that I am not married and I do not have any children. I am the daughter of a couple who made the same choices you and your husband are doing. My parents made the frugal choices so that my mother could stay home and we lived on a very small income which my dad brought home. IT MADE A BIG DIFFERENCE WITH ME AND MY FOUR SIBLINGS!! I loved having my mother home and although we did not have all the expensive things (vacations, latest toys/games, expensive furnishings etc) we did have our parents attention. I loved having QUANTITY time with my parents. My friends only had a small amount of quality time with their parents and even then their parents were exhausted as both worked full time jobs. My parents just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary and I thanked them for being HOME and AVAILABLE to me as I was growing up…So to all you mom’s who wonder if your kids will feel deprived due to the choices you are making in staying home and available I would just like to say NO NO NO once your kids are grown they will thank you!!
Thanks so much for your perspective Faye. I appreciate it and I’m sure other moms will too. 🙂
Thank you so much for posting this. It is good to know that I am not the only one playing this balancing act. And that is struggling with money the way that I am.
My husband makes around 18k a year, and supports our family of 5 on one income be we also live in the cheaper part of the Midwest so that smaller income is compensated some by having cheaper housing (next time you think man I want to move there it is soo cheap to live there remember it comes with a cost. It is VERY difficult to find a job that pays more then national minimum wage).
I can’t even express to him how thankful we are to have him even though it may not seem like it some days. I hope by getting some time to read through this blog I’ll get some more ideas on how to manage our money better (I’m in charge of all the finances which makes me really nervous cause I therapy shop when I am upset not always for useless things but not wisely either).
Also I’d like to thank you for posting it so beautifully. I try to express to my mother/ sister and others why I chose to stay at home and no one can see a point. I’d make more money and struggle less if I used my degree and pursued a career, my husband could benefit also by being able to complete his degree without all the burden on his shoulders. But with 3 young children, one of which who is still quite young and VERY dependent on her mama, and two in the very beginnings of their school life. I want to be here for them where my own mother couldn’t. To teach them values that got over looked when i was young! Thank you again. It gives me more courage to stand up for what I believe now. Especially with the consideration of home schooling in my very near future.
I too am a shopper. I’ve just funneled my shopping “needs” to the thrift store–haha! I’m so glad that you feel encouraged Brittany. 🙂
I came across your site accidentally. I am in the group that has a larger income but has a heavy debt load. Husband has the job, I stay at home with four under the age of 7 and are stretched beyond our means. mostly because of the need to still keep up with the jones’. This site may help me to determine how best to pull the excessive spending habits and get back to some important things before my children think monetary wealth is king.
bless you and your family for sharing.
Hi Sarah! Some “accidents” turn out to be a good thing, right? 🙂
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.
Welcome Cyndy! I hope you find some helpful ideas. 🙂
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.
Welcome Shyloh! I hope you find some encouragement here. 🙂
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.
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!!!
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. 🙂
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
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.
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!
That’s awesome that you were able to make it an entire year without touching your savings! Glad you found the blog Sarah. 🙂
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. 🙂
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! 🙂
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!!
Welcome Crystal!
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 🙂
Thanks so much!
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!
You are very welcome Kyle. 🙂
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.
I’m so glad that you feel encouraged Michelle. 🙂
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!!!!!
Thanks so much Toni!
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!
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.
Welcome Debbie!
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!
Thanks so much for letting me know Shannon. I’m glad I could help. 🙂
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.
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 😛
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!
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.
Hi Kim! I hope you have a productive summer. Way to go for choosing to live according to your true priorities!
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!
Hi Lucy! Welcome to the tribe. 🙂
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!
I don’t mind at all Suzie. 🙂 We bring home an average of $2200 a month net.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!!
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. 🙂
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.
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!!
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!
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! =)
Thanks so much Erin. 🙂
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.
Thanks so much. I needed these reminders today. We are much in the same boat. xo & blessings.
I miss the suggestions.
I am not sure what you mean Andrea, but you can read more posts in this series here: https://thepeacefulmom.com/living-on-less-than-28000-a-year-series/ if that is what you are referring to. 🙂
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
Uhm. You’re amazing. That is all.
Hahaha Melody–thanks! 🙂
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.
Welcome Taya! I’m glad you feel encouraged. 🙂
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!
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.
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 🙂
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.
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.
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….
Thanks so much Christen. 🙂
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.
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!
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!
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.
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!
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.
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! 🙂
Thanks Jen! 🙂
Thank you for taking this risk! I think you guys are great 🙂
Thanks Erica. 🙂
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.
Not sure what you are referring to, but here is a link to all of the posts Linda: https://thepeacefulmom.com/living-on-less-than-28000-a-year-series/. Hope that helps. 🙂
thank you! Linda
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. 🙂
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!
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 !
Good for you! My family situation is similar. We also homeschool our children and their father is the one who stays home while I work. Our reasons for our decisions mirror yours very closely, although I have been very lucky that my children have no serious health issues. I talk very openly about my family and life, and I find people judge me for the choices I have made. These same people complain about their marital problems or their children’s issues. They roll their eyes and don’t believe me when I talk about how peaceful and happy my home life is. They really get annoyed if I mention how wonderful my teenage boys are, how loving, respectful and well behaved they are. People seem to think I’m making up this fantasy life, when really my life is a reflection of the priorities I set when my children were young and the decisions I’ve made to put family first. I don’t regret any of it and just feel sorry for the judgmental/ jealous people who seem to think life is like t.v. and if they just keep at it eventually they’ll have all that stuff in the commercials and be just as happy as the actors look.
I am just reading this (I found it on Pinterest!) and I don’t think anyone is looking down on you! You are doing exactly what I WANT to do. My husband works two jobs one full time, one part time, and I work full time as well. We have two-year-old twins. I am a public school teacher, and I don’t think I could ever give that up. I love it. BUT, we have NEGATIVE amounts of money once our bills are paid every month. We both make average incomes, but I have thousands of dollars in student loans, he has some credit card debt from way-back, and then there’s the mortgage and the car payments (the cars we bought back when we had a plan for waiting a while to have children.) Anyway, it’s tough. But I’m inspired that your family can live on such a modest income, and if anyone DOES look down on you, they have no reason to! Raising well-adjusted and productive children should be the main goal of any family. It’s just ridiculous how many people pawn their kids off and expect they’ll just turn-out alright without any parental involvement. I always tell my husband that I’d live in a tent with him and our kids if I knew we were happy and raising our kids right. I think if we lived in a tent we’d be able to afford better food, too 😉 Haha. Thanks, though! I love the honesty here!
Thanks so much Stephanie! 🙂
Bless you for freely sharing your ideas and experiences. Too many people today only share with others who are willing to pay for the knowledge. It’s great to see someone who, from the goodness of her heart, wants to help others make wiser, frugal decisions.
I do want to help people Sheryl whether I make money or not, but I do make some money from the blog. Just want to be clear about that. 🙂
This is a fantastic post. As a single 22 year old, Theres a lot in your article that I can’t relate to! But reading through this has opened my eyes to how I am living my life. I’m just entering the job market and I dont stop working! I don’t have a partner but I have friends and family and many “outside of work” relationships that are left behind while I do my 48+ hour weeks. It’s uplifting to hear that you’ll choose family over money when all I choose is the cash. I will bare In mind this article before picking up extra hours when I could spend that time with someone to whom I care about! I mean you’re right, relationships last forever 🙂 thank you so much for posting! You a truly an inspirational person and the world needs more Kimberlee’s to care about others 🙂
Thanks so much for letting me know Jen. Blessings! 🙂
I LOVE YOU!!!!! Thank you so much for your real and honest view! This is the first time I have read this blog and I am so excited to read more!!!
You made me laugh Karmen, but I am glad that you are enjoying the blog. Thanks!
Thank you for this series! This has been so encouraging and inspiring, and I am finding so many good ideas! I have especially been encouraged by your posts about grocery budgeting, so often I feel guilty because A) I am not couponing like everyone else seems to be doing (couponing drives me crazy!) and B) we don’t eat all the raw, whole foods that everyone is always talking about. But you have reminded me that balance is they key, and we can only do what we can do. So thanks!
You are very welcome Aleassa–glad your’re here. 🙂
Thank you for this! i’m very excited to keep reading! I’m currently on maternity leave with my 7 month old and my husband and I have decided that I will not be returning to work once my year is up. (In Canada you get a year off). Why? Exactly the same reason as you said: relationships are so much more important than money!! I was a stress mess at my job (and a grouch most days) and its just not fair to my family! Also considering the majority of my wage would go to daycare..
Thanks again! I’m excited to keep reading!
thank you for being open and honest. as a family of six also, and well, now unemployed 🙁 but previously making the same amount I find your openness very very encouraging!
So glad that you feel encouraged Sheri. 🙂
I am so happy I stumbled across your website, I am a mother of 3 boys ages 15 months, 5, and 8 and after having my last son decided being a stay at home mom was best for our family. I am a Registered daycare provider and my husband works in a factory, with my job I can be making tons of money or going broke. I am really feeling the pressure right now as my income is down but as you know the bills stay the same. I am looking forward to reading and learning any new tips you may have to help my family live on a smaller then normal income, Thank you for sharing!
I totally agree with your decision to stay home with the kids. I made the same decision and never regretted it. I gave my life to my four kids and am happy in the knowledge that I may have messed up many things in my life, but I did that one to the best of my ability. We survived on between 800 dollars a month and 1200 the whole time they were little. I was always a bit ashamed to tell anyone how much we made. I give you credit for bravery. You can help a lot of people with your blog. I will be eagerly watching. I am always open to new tips.
Thanks so much for your encouragement Syd. 🙂
Im so glad that you have decided to step out and write about this. My husband works first shift in a warehouse and I work two jobs but we still making less than $2,500 a month. I consistently get pressured to work Sundays for my first job, but that is the only day I get to spend with my husband and family and I will never sacrifice that for $! But that’s why I love my second job cause their motto is: Faith First, Family Second, Career Third. I look forward to reading the rest of your posts.
Thank you so much for your willingness to be real with people. I am fresh out of college and working as a Special Education Teacher and my husband is two years away from finishing his BA degree. I look forward to reading your blog! Thanks again for having the courage to be so open! I know it will make a difference for me and my husband.
Firstly, a big congratulations to you for being brave enough to be so open and share such personal details about your life. And secondly, a huge thank you. I am currently looking at moving into a house with my boyfriend, and have been very weary as neither of us earn very much money. However, you have inspired me to take the bull by the horns. I thoroughly agree with you that relationships should take precedence over money, and as this is the man I hope to one day marry, this is the most important relationship in my life right now to focus on. I can’t wait to read more of this series and gain tips on how to make the most of our situation, and therefore each other. Thank you again.
Hi Jen! I am so glad that you felt inspired.
As a married woman on the other side of things, I would strongly caution you against purchasing a house with someone you are not legally married to. You can run into all kinds of complications–legally and otherwise. Yes, the relationship is important, but you want to use wisdom in how you proceed. If you have questions, I would be happy for you to email me: Kimberlee (at) ThePeacefulMom (dot) com.
Just came across you on Pinterest. We are a family that has the bigger mortgage payment, but no other debt and I am an avid coupon user. I buy clothes on sale at Target even though I could shop at Nordstroms. I had a coworker harass me for clipping coupons because he said I didn’t need to. My theory is, why wouldn’t i? I can’t justify paying more for all of the things you need (food, toiletries, etc). Who cares what people think! You are doing what’s best for your family at this point in time! If more people would be more concerned about their families and less concerned about keeping up w/the Joneses, we would have fewer problems in this great country that seems to be going to crap.
I have a very wealthy friend who also clips coupons Cheree. They are wealthy because they don’t spend money on unnecessary items. She recently held a baby shower at her house and her friends were giving her grief because she saved the tissue paper. Her thought is that every sheet she re-uses is money in her bank account. 🙂
Wow just read the first page and what an absolute breath of fresh air. Although I have yet to read the rest of the blog I just wanted to say that it’s so refreshing for someone to openly state that their choices are not for everyone rather than trying to make those with different choices and priorities feel guilty. Looking forward to reading the rest. Thanks
THANK YOU SO MUCH for sharing! I know I am a little late in joining this discussion but I just found your blog. Last year I was also a full-time working mom who brought in much more than dad. At the time we just had one little girl who was 8. When we found out that we would be expecting a second, started checking into daycare and figuring baby costs (prices went WAY up in 8 years) we were shocked! Add in the fact that I was already working 50 hours a week….family time was going to go out the window. We sat down with a calculator and figured out that I would only be making $15 a week and be out of the home almost 12 hours a day if I continued working. We bit the bullet and I quit my job. There is no one that can raise my babies like I do and I have been able to be there for every first step, first boo-boo, my oldest daughter loves being a carpool kid and being home before dark! We have cut a lot of “fluff” out of our budget and are still looking for ways to trim. I truly appreciate your honesty and willingness to expose yourself and your family. Best wishes to you and your family!!
Darrah
Thanks so much Darrah. I am so glad for you that you are able to stay home. 🙂
Thank you for choosing to share such private information with the world. I understand how scary it is to put yourself out there to be on such ‘not discussed’ topics. My husband and I have had to compromise on what can (and to what level) is okay to talk about with our families and friends. With family he is completly fine with full disclosure… I am not. I was raised with the same frame of mind that there are things simply not discussed. 1)finances and 2) sex. Politics were fine (because everybody was expected to think the same way) as was religion (again everybody was the same…) Life happened and no longer do any of us “kids” believe or think the same as our elders. So we just don’t talk about it, too much. There are other, more important things to discuss, namely: life! Thank you though, for sharing how you manage to keep relationships more important than money.
You are very welcome Heather!
I am eager to read more of your posts. We live on less than 20,000 a year which is extremely difficult, but we are definitely trying to find better work for my husband. I am a stay at home mom with three sweet babies. My oldest is 2.5, and middle child is one, and the baby is three months. Thanks for making this website!
You are very welcome Denise. I pray that your husband will find a good job or other source of income. 🙂
This is encouraging. We live on about 3000 per month, and I am very frugal in order to make ends meet in our expensive corner of the country (MA). But, like you, family time is important to us, and we constantly remind ourselves, that even though it may not seem like a lot, we are luckier than most people in the world. We can provide food, shelter and clothing for our children without worry, and that is something. I applaud you being so courageous to put the numbers out there. Many of us live similarly, and we need to support each other, not compare/judge or try to keep up. Look forward to reading more from you.
Thanks for your encouragement Olivia!
That’s wonderful! I’m sad that there are few people that think the way you do and so many more that have relationships suffer just so that they can have a ‘comfortable’ life style. While our income is a tad higher than yours, we also chose to live on just one income, I work from home, and we will be homeschooling. We love the simplicity of our lifestyle, though we want even more time with dad. We recently made a few large purchases that we have to pay off asap, then hopefully he will not need to work so much overtime! Sometimes I wish money would grow on trees and we could just spend all our time together! 😉
I’m with you on the money growing on trees idea! 🙂
Im so glad I found this! Im a single mom of 6, 5 that live with me and I live on less than 2,000 a mo. It’s hard sometimes but Im glad to get some tips here. Thanks.
Wow Michelle! I can’t imagine how hard things must be, but hopefully you can find some encouragement here.
Thank you for this post!! I am looking forward to more information like this!
Hi! I am excited to start reading your blog. I am a SAHM during the day, but work nights and weekends to bring in extra money. We live in a very small home and drive older vehicles. I just wonder, how do you respond to the people who say “Wow, you are so lucky you GET to be a SAHM”? I find my self having to bite my tongue at these people who live in 2ooo sq. ft. houses and drive cars that are less than five years old. I’m not sure they understand that many of us make sacrifices to be SAHMs. It’s not all pedicures and lunches out.
I honestly haven’t had many people say that to me. What I hear is,”You have FOUR kids! You must have your hands full!”. I usually respond with a smile and a sweet tone of voice,”Yes, and it’s so much better than empty.”
I guess if I really felt it important to respond I would say something like,”Well, it really doesn’t have anything to do with luck, but with the choices we make.” If they want more information, they may ask questions, but I have found that many people don’t want to change the way they live, or if they do, they aren’t willing to make the sacrifices necessary to do so.
Thank you for your courage!!! I am thrilled I found you!
Wow… so we are considered a DINK… Double Income No Kids and have chosen to live freely and not worry. Well lets just say that is NOT the way to live regardless of no kids. Thank you for all these amazing ideas, tips and tools. I am so ready now to start living a real fulfilled life of love and relationships and not full of things. You are amazing and an inspiration!!!
Thanks so much Melissa for letting me know. It’s easy to get distracted by everything the world has to offer, but I think you will be much more fulfilled by choosing eternal things. 🙂
I have only read one post so far, and am very intrigued. I’m a military wife with 4 kids (elementary, middle, high school and college), I typically stay at home unless the job conforms to school hours, so I know the meaning of tight when it comes to money. I had an idea years ago and never had the opportunity to bring it to fruition. Perhaps some of your readers or even yourself could make it work for you…. since we, as mothers of young children, crave adult conversation, the pride of making a monetary contribution to our families and just the much needed temporary separation between ourselves and our children, a part-time job seems very attractive. So, get a hand-full of friends (you plus 4), each of you acquires a part-time job working 4 days per week; the one week day you don’t work at that job you watch, feed, educate and entertain the children of the other 4 moms. They each do the same. Problem solved: Everyone gets to make money, everyone has (essentially) free child care, and everyone can sleep peacefully knowing those cravings are satisfied. If anyone decides to do this, please let me know how it works out at rlmueller4217@gmail.com Best wishes Kimberlee, and all of you reading this blog. It’s hard living on one income, but remember, it won’t always be difficult. Give it to God, follow his instructions and know there are one set of foot prints for a reason.
Thanks Rebecca. I think that is a great idea and I would also be interested to hear if anyone tries it.
I got the link to your website from a friend and