People have often said to me, "I wish I could afford to stay home." Which I could let go to my head and feel really good about myself. But the truth is most people could afford to be a one income family, they just don't want to live that way. We manage to get along debt free, and we really don't make that much in terms of salary. So if you think you would like to stay home and care for your home and family full time, here's a picture of what that looks like:
- We don't eat out. I won't say "ever" but when we do, it's usually pizza because we're exhausted or fast food because we're too far from home.
- We shop sales. Our kids are growing, seasons are changing and we all need clothes. Sometimes we have to wait until next paycheck to buy a new package of socks or I will stalk my email until I find a great deal.
- We don't vacation. We can usually pull off a camping trip or staying with family for a few days to get away, but.. yeah. The last time we paid for a hotel room for just us was our wedding night. Seriously.
- We drive older vehicles. And guess what? they run just fine.
- We have old, miss-matched furniture. I don't like it, but currently new furniture is not on the list of priorities.
- We don't see movies in the theater. Are you kidding me? By the time you pay the sitter and buy tickets, you're left with regret and a popcorn-free belly. Not worth it.
- We strategically plan Christmas spending. We save for it and we hit the Black Friday sales. It's an adventure, and not always pleasant, but we make a priority of giving.
- We budget clothing and medical expenses. This has been a game-changer. Instead getting hit with a practical expense, we are learning to expect it. Now we don't have to feel guilty or selfish if one of us needs new shoes or more jeans. It's okay. We have a place for that. I don't have to stress that the extra ultrasound my doctor wants is going to take a bite out of our paycheck, either. It's in the budget.
- We live in a small house. We are bursting at the seams now expecting a new baby, but we're sticking it out here because it's what we can afford. We want to save for a house, not spend more on a rental.
- Some days I feel discouraged. If I get caught up in comparisons and discontentment, I spiral into self-pity about how everyone's life looks more perfect than mine. The truth is we are all making choices that determine where our sacrifices will fall.
Many choose a path of buy now, pay later. Some sacrifice the time with their little ones to afford the extras. That's their choice, and it's okay, but it's not the life I want. I want to feel like I can afford what I have and be happy with it. I want to influence my children in big way before this world tries to tell them they are not enough. This is what that looks like. Do I love it? not always. Sacrifice is painful! But when we get to throw money in savings instead of paying creditors, yeah, I love it.
Lindarella
