Do you work or stay at home? Wife, husband?

Question

Do you stay at home or work? Are you a husband or wife? Kids? And does it take a toll to stay home on the finances? What state do you live?

I'm just trying to see if people are able to stay home while the other spouse works, or if both people have to work to make ends meet. Also if more people stay home for kids or just because they dont have to work.

Answer 1

SAH mom and wife. I was a teacher, so the financial hit was a big one. However, we decided that this would be the best, and it totally has been wonderful for our family. We live in Saskatchewan, Canada. There have had to be LOTS of sacrifices, from the way we shop for groceries, to having NO entertainment in our lives, other than peasantvision (no cable), and each other! Last year we got a computer for low cost from a charity, and have scrimped to be able to afford the internet.
My husband has worked very hard for us, but our evidence of what we have done is very apparent in the wonderfulness of our son! I never thought I would stay home past a year or so, but it just has been so beneficial, we decided to keep on doing it.
I think more moms can do it if they want to, and if they have a supportive husband. Both spouses have to be totally unselfish and have to give up the ideas of a fancy house, hot cars, lots of "toys", new clothes, etc.

Answer 2

I stay at home with my two children. My husband makes decent money but nothing spectacular. If you want to be a stay at home parent you and your spouse have to both be on board or it will not work. We've had to make some sacrafices but everyone has everything they need and a lot of what they want. My husband and I both agree it is worth the sacrafices to give our children the best care possible I feel that my kids are a lot more advanced than other kids their age and they don't get sick as much as other children. If staying at home is something you can do financially and both you and your spouse are in agreement I think it's great for you and your family. I wouldn't trade watching my kids grow up for anything!

Answer 3

I run a business from my home, so both I guess! We don't have children anymore (son died in an accident when he was 2) but while he was alive I stayed home and it was never a problem with our finances. We just never allowed ourselves to live beyond our means. When we were both working before we had a baby, we knew I would stay home when he was born so we only bought a house and cars we knew we could afford on his salary and put most of my salary in savings. Then after the baby died I started a busienss to stay busy, but staying home with just one income is totally possible. It just requires some sacrifices (which in my mind are totally worth it) You might even save money since you don't have to pay for the astrnomical costs of day care.

Answer 4

Hi, I am a Stay at home mom. I do this so that I can be with my children. I used to own my own business. And it was great.
But once my children were born my husband and I agreed that the children were better off at home with me. I have real trust issues with other people taking care of my children. Also me and my husband get along alot better now that we aren't just saying hi in passing at the door to and from work. We have everything we need and most of what we want. This has worked out for us for the last 3 years. One day I do plan on reopening my business. But for now I am happy at home with my children. We live in Virginia.

Answer 5

I stay at home and take care of my 2 kids in Idaho. My husband has a very good paying job, so we don't really have to worry about much. I love staying home with my kids. It's THE HARDEST job I've ever had but it's the most rewarding. I don't miss out on anything they do, there's not enough money in the world to make me give that up.

Answer 6

Im a wife and mother that has done both. Staying home was good, but working helps everyone out. Now I dont have to wonder where the next package of diapers or the next meal is coming from

Answer 7

I do software development. My present salary is $80k. My wife is an elementary school teacher. She normally makes $40k. She is sharing her teaching contract with another teacher, so they each teach half of the week, trading off wednesdays. She only brings home $20k now. She pays about $6k to her sister for babysitting on days she works. Considering the price of her SUV and the gas it guzzles, I think she doesn't turn a profit.

We live fairly comfortably on what I bring home. We have a house, but we were fortunate enough to buy in late 2000 when house prices hadn't begun to skyrocket. We send $1100 to our mortgage lender each month, which is a little over.

The problem with one parent staying home all of the time is that they have little social contact with adults and feel unappreciated for the work they do raising the child and maintaining the home. It is easy for the breadwinner to think he deserves to spend more of the money he brings home than she does.

Answer 8

I work at home taking care of the house and kids, it is a pay-less job unfortunately but the rewards later on are great and worth every minute. I left my job of 15 years to stay home, I sacrificed a paying job of 60 thousand per year, it is hard without my income now but I had my kids for me not for anyone else to watch over.

Answer 9

PA-stay at home Mom of 3 kids under 4. Financially it's fine...another income would help, but we budget just fine. Staying home for the kids...when all are in school full time I will probably work part time, if I choose to.

Answer 10

I am the husband and have worded for 30 years at the same job. I am a partner in a law firm. My wife works when she can find something interesting and challenging to do. So, she sometimes is working and sometimes at home.
My income pays the bills.