Do you save money by being a stay-at-home mom?

Question

How much does an hour of child care in california cost? How much do you earn on taxes with a non-working spouse?

My fiance and I are trying to decide whether I'll be a stay at home mom or working mom once we have kids... Thanks for your input.

Answer 1

Stay home. Get big tax refunds each year.

Answer 2

Well, Bless you and your fiance hearts. To even be planning and discussing this so early in your relationship. These type of communication between each other will make a marriage last forever.
To be a stay at home mother is very rewarding. For most young couples they dont get the support from other family members. Everyone seems to think that if you stay at home and dont work a job outside the home then you dont work.
When I meet another young mother with children I ask what do you do on your second job? I know what her first job is and thats hard enough.
Taxes do give you some support if your husbands income doesnt put you in a differant tax bracket. I see your concerns are about the state of California. I listed a site that covers everything you need to know about the tax laws in that state. Well I wish you and your fiance a wonderful future together

Answer 3

I don't live in California, but it all depends on what your husband's salary is. If you can comfortably live on his salary then stay at home. You need to set down together and decide what expenses are needs and what expenses are wants. If you really want to stay home, start cutting expenses now. Pay off high credit cards and stop charging. Learn how to cut on food costs and gasoline costs. Cut back on entertainment costs. At least you have choices. There are alot of people that don't. So just buckle down, cut back on luxuries. You could start buying generic items, going to yard or moving sales.
You will not only need to figure in the higher taxes and daycare costs but there are other things you won't be spending money on if you stay home. Maybe you could downsize one vehicle. If you have a brand new car, why not think about selling it and buying a cheaper used car. Also you won't have the gas expense of going to work. Or even the lunch expense or clothes expense. But you also have to figure in the new expenses you will have. There will be formula. My sister saved the expense of diapers by opting for old fashioned cloth diapers. A one time expense. And she never used baby wipes, that wonder all moms think they can't live without. She carried small cloths and baby wash with a bottle of water.
There are alot of ways to save money. The question really is--are you willing to do the work to save the money.

Answer 4

How much you would save depends on your salary. Don't think about the taxes, that effect is minimal. Once you find out how much day care costs in your area (call places near you...California is big and the costs vary from place to place). Then subtract that amount from your paycheck. What is left over is what you are saving from working. But you need to decide if that amount is worth it to you.

Many people say that you should wait to make the final decision until your maternity leave is over. There are lots of women who think they are sure that they want to be stay at home moms, but then they just can't take it and really want to return to work. Others think they want to be working moms, but when they actually have the child, they can't bring themselves to return to their jobs.

Answer 5

This is a tough one, but I may have an answer for you. My wife and I had to deal with this about 3 years ago when she was ready to go back to work and our little boy was about 9 months old.

We live in Kansas City, Missouri so the cost of living will vary but the priciple is the same.

At that time we figured that about 90% of what my wife would be bringing home pay wise would go to childcare - so basically she would be going to work, away from our son, just so we could give her whole check to the person taking care of our son.

If you can make it on one income do it - tax returns are pheno too if you stay at home. Besides, it is rewarding to see your child grow and be a huge part of their development.

GOOD LUCK!

Answer 6

Daycare is rediculous. You should call some of your local daycares and ask about pricing for infants. It also depends on how much money you make whether or not staying home is worth it. You have to add up the cost of daycare, gas, lunches out, and any other work expenses... and see if it is worth it for you to work or stay home.
For example, gas, daycare, lunches and other work related expenses may cost 900 per month. If you made more than 900 it would be worth it for you to work.
My husband and I had a hard time deciding, and in the end I found a new job that let me work different hours so that my son is only in daycare 3 days a week for half days. It saves us money, and I get to spend more time with him.I hope all that helps! :D Congrats.

Answer 7

The best thing to do now is to decide what you would like to do in the best and worst situations. Then look at the cost of childcare, keeping in mind that the prices change a lot. I work in child care. One of the things you need to do is wait til you know when you are going to have kids. When the time is closer look into the child care and dont be affraid to ask questions.

Answer 8

The smartest thing you could do is stay home with your little one and when you feel ready, You watch one other child. Childcare is very spendy. Most women go to work to pay the sitter. You will be surprised at how much you can do without.

Answer 9

figure out how much you would make at your job, and compare that to how much you would spend on transportation to work, your meals that you wouldnt have time to prepare, the tutoring that you wont be able to do yourself, the laundry serivce you will need, and other such services. Figure out which of those services you will need, add it all up, and there you go.

Answer 10

there are too many factors to ask...
what is your profession?
HOW MUCH AN HOUR DO U MAKE?
HOW MANY KIDS DO U HAVE?
GIVE DETAILS AND WE CAN ANSWR