Minimum your family can make it on
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Minimum your family can make it on
| Wed, 10-25-2006 - 8:47pm |
Hello Everyone.
I'm planning on becoming a SAHM with the birth of our second child in March. We have a 7 year old son. We are a military family, not living in base housing. We have 2 car payments, and they will be paid off in 2 years, so trading them in for something older isn't really something we are thinking of doing as both cars are very reliable.
When I leave my job, we will almost be cutting our income in half....and will be living off of $3500 per month. Has anyone successfully survived on this much or less? I have no problem with shopping at walmart, cutting coupons, etc as I'm not much of a spender now...but my hubby is. That's going to be the hard part.
Thanks for any info.
Tracy

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I know that my family is doing pretty tight right now since I quit my job. Granted sometimes we have to forgo some bills until the next month but we are making it work. My DH said that we made the decision to for me to stay at home we will make it work. Things are very tight but we are making it work somehow. Best of luck!
Merri
nobody knows me yet im new,but yeah my name is kelly Im a single mom of 5 and I make it fine on 2000 a month,its called being happy with what you have and not what you want,budgeting is the key,theres probably alot more I could learn like when I cut out coupons I shouldnt forget to take them to the store.lol
while your working now double up on everything and make sure your caught up on all bills and put some money aside,this way when your trying to get used to being the stay at home mom(beleive me it takes getting used to)you'll have some cushen for the rough times.
Because I was gonna go back to work but I had twins 5 years ago,and it was cheaper to stay home.plus they still dont go to bed early enough for me to fuction.
but with haveing three teens and twins Its not to bad money wise.
good luck!Kelly
I really don't want this to sound mean, etc.
I came to this board looking for ideas help,etc I want to be a SAHM in May when I have my first child however my husband is Police Officer and makes very little....I hate to say this but I would be completely overjoyed if our current combined income was $3500!!! We also have two car payments, bills, student loans, child support, etc... I would be RICH at 3500 a month!
YOu can do it....maybe think about trading a car in go to one car or a lower paymt. Think about cable...can you cut back? Coupons and Walmart are your friend....consolidate loan pymts...
I apologize if I sound harsh...I really don't mean it... I am happy that you want to SAH...
Thanks again to everyone for the replies. I don't think any of them were harsh at all. I know that different areas cost more to live in and what sounds like a lot or a little in one place is a whole different story somewhere else.
I've managed so far to put 2 checks into savings...and just live off his check. I think we can do it. He does get "allowance" now since he can't be trusted with the bank account! But he usually gets more than he should (he's the spender).
Does anyone know of any classes offered that will teach you how to cook? NOthing extravagant, but just the basics. Dinner is usually something we grab at a fast food place or just throw together and I'm really excited about cooking good meals for my family, but have never really been much of a cook. I'm sure there is something out there, just not sure where to look.
Thanks again!
Tracy
Hi! My husband brings home about $1300.00 week. Sometimes a little more, sometimes a little less. We have 4 kids ages 13, 9, 6 and 3.
We have been married 16 years. One thing I have learned is that the more money you make the more you can spend. You can also cut back, but it is harder.
I have also found that for cooking- simpler is better. We eat a lot of fresh fruit and vegetables- I look for what is in season- and to be honest it is not any more expensive to eat healthy when you compare the cost of pop,chips, take out meals, McDonalds, etc.
I use a crock-pot- there are lots of great recipe books and you can even find recipes on the web. I use the Joy of Cooking and a Good Housekeeping cookbook. They both give good directions and definitions for cooking. It really is cheaper to eat at home than it is to go out or to do take-out. We make a lot of stews, casseroles, etc.
To treat the kids I have bought no name fries and chicken nuggets at the grocery. You just bake them in the oven. My kids say they are as good as McDonald's (and healthier because they are baked, not fried.)
I found that at work there were hidden expenses for me- the right wardrobe, the latest hairstyle, business lunches, shower gifts for co-workers, an extra car (gas, car payments, insurance).
We found too lots of community resources that are cheaper of FREE for families. We spend a lot of time at the local park/playground. Many libraries offer children's programs and story hours(and things for mom's too). Some YWCA's or libraries have toy lending libraries
Sometimes it can be tight, but we have stressed to our kids that family, relationships and spending time together are valuable to us, while having the newest toy (for both kids and adults) is not as important. My kids have also learned that items that are saved for are more treasured than things that you don't have to work or wait for.
Actually, it can seem like an adventure hunting down bargains for you and your family- something to be proud of. I shop at Value Village, Salvation Army, Good Will - and have found items with original tags or ones that are barely used. We also have Dollar stores here in Canada- great for school and craft supplies.
Since i have been at home, we have found that everyone is less stressed. Me, my husband and the kids. We rush less. We have meals together and on time. We can enjoy our home and our time just being together. And that is priceless.
Best to you and yours
Tina
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