SAHM's - I need some advice

Hey ladies...

I was wondering if you could give me some advice. My husband and I are talking about starting a family... and we both would like me to SAH (especially during the young years before school).

My husband makes more than me, but I do make decent money - which definitely helps with the bills. We are nervous, but still would like to try having me SAH.

How did you ladies in similar situations cope? Its alot to consider... going on his insurance plan (which is more money deducted for him), not helping with the bills.... and insight you can give, I would appreciate it!

Thanks so much!

Re: SAHM's - I need some advice

The only way WE were able to do it was for me to get a PT job working from home. I scoured through ads for hours, posted resumes online...and lucked out with a great position making decent extra money that covered our bills.

HOWEVER..it has not been very easy for us. It was a sacrifice and there are months that we barely have enough to make ends meet. Someone we have managed for 2 years though!

If your DH makes enough so that you won't have to work at all that is great..already ahead of the game!! It takes some cutting back....getting creative about shopping (I use coupons a lot now, wait for sales etc..). We don't go out to dinner much, we take turns with other moms by babysitting when we need a night out instead of paying a sitter etc...

You really have to analyze how comfortable you'd be without your salary. How much it means to you to stay home. Some people do not want to altar their lifestyle and that is fine! But then there are daycare costs to think about....

Good luck in your decision. I can tell you it is one I did not regret..I figured I would have the rest of my life to work, but the time home with my kids was so fleeting..that is what sealed the deal for me!

Re: SAHM's - I need some advice

PS-

I never let myself have the mentality that I wasn't "contributing" b/c I wasn't working FT. Watching your child(ren) all day and taking care of a house/apartment is a LOT of work and I never viewed it as my DH's money or my money..its OURS and we both work equally as hard (although I like to think I work harder )..so I never let that get to me!

Re: SAHM's - I need some advice

Im a sahm. Before my kids were born i had a fulltime job. Pretty decent money also. But once we found out ALL my salary would be going to daycare, we both decided it made no sense for me to continue working. We have no family members or friends who were able to babysit while i continued working. So becoming a sahm was our best logical choice. It was a small adjustment for me not being able to help finanacially with the bills anymore. But we make it work. Thats the only thing we can do.

Re: SAHM's - I need some advice

Thanks so much for the responses, ladies - please keep them coming.

My husband always says we will make it work - but I am one of those who need to "see" it before I can believe it.

Just hearing others who are in a similar situation is definitely helpful. It really helps to know that my concerns aren't and over-reaction or me being the chronic "worrier" that I am. They are real - and others have them as well!

Thanks for the support - I mean it!

Re: SAHM's - I need some advice

Posted by twobabies

Im a sahm. Before my kids were born i had a fulltime job. Pretty decent money also. But once we found out ALL my salary would be going to daycare, we both decided it made no sense for me to continue working. We have no family members or friends who were able to babysit while i continued working. So becoming a sahm was our best logical choice. It was a small adjustment for me not being able to help finanacially with the bills anymore. But we make it work. Thats the only thing we can do.