How Can I Quit Work and be a Stay-at-Home Mom?

Many women have asked "How can I quit work and be a stay-at-home Mom? We need the money just to make ends meet." The question which needs to be answered is do you really need this money or could you do other things to offset the reduction in total income.

Net Income

The first thing to determine is "net income". This is the difference between your take-home pay and what it costs to work. Some of the things to consider are: child care, gasoline, extra car payment and insurance, lunches, office clothes, visits to the beauty shop, etc. Then add the dollar amount up for these expenses and subtract it from your take-home pay. The amount left over may be surprisingly small.

Making up the Difference

Now you have some idea of how much you must make up to maintain your current standard of living. Below are several ways in which I have saved money by staying home:

Preparing food "from scratch". Consider what it costs to take a family of 4 out for a hamburger, fries and a coke. Even if you buy one of the specials it will run a minimum of $3.50 per person for a total of about $15.00 with tax. The same meal cooked at home would cost about $5.00. .
Buying clothes at clearance sales can save up to 50-70% off retail. Especially when bought at the end of a season. Children's clothes can be bought a size larger to save for next years school year
Sunday's and Wednesday's paper are full of coupons which can provide significant savings on items you normally use. Buying in bulk also saves money and extra trips to the store.

Make it a Family Affair

If you are married, discuss your findings with your husband; if you haven't done this before. Explain why you want to stay home, how this will benefit the family, and how you are going to save enough money by staying home that your present standard of living will not be adversely affected.