Staying home with the kids isn’t for everyone. Some mamas like being in the workplace, or need the income, and I did too at one point. But once I realized how quickly my daughter grew up, and how much I missed out on with her – I knew I didn’t want to miss a thing with my next baby. Plus, no daycare is going to love on my baby the way that I do.

From the minute I open my eyes, to the moment I go to sleep at night, I have the most important job in the world. I work 24/7 and have no vacation or sick time. It’s messy, busy, sometimes thankless, and also wonderful in more ways than not. This is what I was created to do, and who I was created to be.

I’d be lying if I didn’t sometimes stress about being on mainly one income. I can’t tell you how many times I asked my husband, “should I get something part time for awhile?” But the answer has always been, “No.” The money we save by keeping me home is more than a part time temporary gig, even as a certified health coach in another practice. It just doesn’t make sense for us!

Here are some things that we’ve done to make my staying home possible, and less stressful on us both.

Plan Accordingly

Save as much money as you can out of each paycheck for as long as you can before leaving your job. It helps to have a cushioned bank account while you’re adjusting to your new budget.

Cut Costs

Write down ALL of your expenses to find out which ones you could do without, or where you can shop smarter. Some things you can do yourself instead of paying someone else. You can get pretty creative with DIYs too!

Ditch cable – buy an Amazon firestick

Low speed internet is fast (unless you’re gaming)

Minimize going out to eat/fast food

No car payment

Shopping sales and clearance

Buy in bulk the items you go through fastest

Cut down on child care costs

Hair cuts/color – DIY or less often

Nails, lashes, extensions, brows – DIY

Plan your shopping sprees

Limit the spontaneous daycations/vacations

Vacation smarter

Budget

PLAN OUT WHERE YOUR MONEY GOES. Yes, all of it. Have the discipline to follow through.

Use credit cards WISELY. If you don’t have the cash to pay for what you just charged, don’t charge it. Save the card for an emergency, or otherwise large purchase. Take advantage of interest free financing.

Side Hustle

Develop your skills or crafts in your free time. Open the Etsy shop. Go through your house and list things on Ebay or Marketplace. Take in an extra child to watch. Drive for doordash.

It’s a very personal decision to be a stay at home mom, and it might not be possible for everyone. I am so thankful and feel blessed that we make it work.

I hope you are able to take these tips and apply them in your life! I SO want you to live the best version of the life you imagined.

I’ll have a video on this subject coming out on Monday! Comment there or on the related Instagram post if you have any more tips! Xx

Kind Human