Financially: How close is too close?

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-01-2003
Financially: How close is too close?
11
Tue, 03-30-2004 - 3:43pm
DH and I are coming close to TTC time and we are trying to work the budget so that I can be a SAHM. I have read many times where people have said that if you plan well, get rid of the luxuries, you can be a SAHM on little money. If we lived on just DH's salary, after all bills, gasoline and groceries, we will only have about $400 each month that is unaccounted for. We could probably squezze out a $100 bucks more by downsizing cable/internet, but that's about it. DH and I already live very simply. I don't spend money on new clothes/hair/nails hardly ever and we have just basic cable and we rent movies.

We will have a good sized savings once the time comes. We put a lot of my income into savings just incase something happens (like DH getting laid off, etc.) while I am at home. And I do plan to go back to work when my kids are school aged (I am a teacher).

That said, $400-500 is making me nervous. That doesn't seem like a lot of "extra." It seems like it's really cutting it close. What do you think?

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-29-2003
Thu, 04-01-2004 - 11:31am
i have sisters who have 2 incomes, who live penny to penny.. they have NOTHING left at the end of the month.so having 400 at the end of the month for a single income family, is preeeeeeety darn good.. i have been a sahm for 24 years....... and have made it work since day one.... FINALLY...after all this time, we are financialy more comfortable.... but.... at this moment , we dont have a car payment.... which makes a big difference....but that wont last long......i am hoping long enough to get the ccs paid off, then i can swing a car payment..if need be..... believe me, it was tight for a long time, but you have the opportunity to work and save before baby comes, which is a very good thing..sounds like you already have a good foundation to start on...i commend you for that.... great planning.... i wish i had that opportunity,but it didnt happen....lol..

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