I invited Michele @ Frugal Granola to share further ideas and encouragement on how she has creatively sought to live well on one income. You can read more about her story and journey through her husband’s unemployment here. Thank you Michele! This is part of our Titus 2 Talk on the topic of being workers at home.
One of the biggest steps toward staying home, was realizing how little we really need. We didn’t need the two cars, large home, or new purchases. God’s blessings abound when we learn to be content with what we have.
One example as a way we have saved money on living expenses, is by renting a one-bedroom apartment. We use a futon for sleeping in the living room (the bedroom has always been for our daughter.) I have a friend with a couple children, who has a similar living arrangement.
In order to live well on a one-income budget, we strive to eliminate unnecessary costs and activities, in order to promote a better quality of life.
Initially, after our daughter was born, we took a close look at our debt (such as student loans), and focused on eliminating it as soon as possible. We canceled the internet and magazine subscriptions, and decided against having any pets (as we looked at the cost they would bring). In addition to limiting our spending, we sold items at garage sales, sold our house, and sold our car. The freedom in living without debt is wonderful! We have discovered that we can absolutely “live well” in a very simple life setting (small apartment, one car, etc.).
Spiritually, we also had to come to the realization that “one flesh” included addressing debt together that we as individuals may have brought into the marriage. With forgiveness in place, we chose to work together to tackle the debt, without placing blame. We would not allow debt to drive us apart (with “his and hers” issues), but sought to establish a Biblical foundation to our marriage and finances.
We discovered that many products available for purchase today are highly wasteful. They drain our budgets with constant “repurchasing” (such as paper towels or overly packaged foods). Here is a link to a discussion of this topic on my blog. I prefer to invest in (or make) items that will serve our family well long-term, such as cloth napkins and bulk foods.
In grocery shopping, I drastically pared down our usual purchases, as I examined the true nutritional value of foods. Pastas, boxed breakfast cereals, lunchmeats, and canned veggies were eliminated in favor of nutrient-dense foods such as grains, whole chickens, and fresh vegetables. We are no longer paying for the packaging/processing, but can enjoy a good supply of ingredients for our meals.
We haven’t had health insurance for awhile, now; although we probably will again in the future. We have had different insurance arrangements in various seasons of our life. There are some inexpensive plans available for major medical needs, if that is a concern. But we have found that the best “insurance” is in prevention. If we focus on nourishing ourselves physically and spiritually, we have been able to avoid the constant medical expenses that we used to have.
We also reduced the number of activities we were attending. Even if the activities were free, we were still paying for transportation costs. I especially enjoy walks while pulling my daughter in her wagon, as we visit nearby friends or the library occasionally. Also, we are better able to promote quality time together as a family, instead of rushing in different directions. The time I spend away from home can often cut into the amount of time I am able to use in meeting my family’s needs (such as laundry, healthy meals, etc.). I remind myself to take this “cost” into consideration as well, before making commitments.
God loves to bless His children, as we seek to be faithful stewards of what He has given us. When His children pray for wisdom, guidance, and provision, He is faithful to give it in His time.
Any resource recommendations?
One of our favorite books is “All The Way Home” by Mary Pride. It is a wonderful resource as families seek Biblical instruction. She addresses a Biblical approach to the marriage relationship, parenting, and homeschooling. My husband and I both enjoyed reading this book, as she presented her perspective in a very understandable and anecdotal, but well-thought out manner. I highly recommend this book as a resource for every Christian family!
I love Nancy Campbell’s article, “Called to Queenhood“. She perfectly describes our calling as Workers at Home!
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This post is so inspiring to me! As a wife who is thinking of starting a family…my husband too, I get down about how hard it may be. Right now we are both working, and so we are on two incomes, and at that we don’t make that much as some others would. We live in a two bedroom apartment, and live simple as possible now. But to bring a life is daunting…questions like “do we need a house?, Do we have enough room?” and many more. You just made impression that no matter what it is about faith in God, and living within our means. Thank you, I have hope!
Danielle A ~
Living within your means is key to financial freedom in life especially when you have young children. We don’t all get to have the mansion on the lake and drive Mercedes and BMWs so don’t live life trying to *keep up with the Jones’*. Don’t get caught up in all the cute babies trends either. A car seat, stroller, and crib are the basics for starting out. Sure, a changing table is nice, but not a necessity. The floor or bed work just fiine. Your child doesn’t need 20 cute outfits. There are so many baby gadgets and items out there they we think we just have to have as a first-time mom, but in reality we don’t. When I look back at our incomes and expenses when the children were little, we were poor, but because we didn’t live outside of our means, we felt just fiine. Sure, no vacations, no dinner out, and no extra items for the home, but we made do. You can too!
Thank you so much Maura! I really appreciate your comment. I feel like the encouragement is from God through you. I realize I don’t need a lot, we don’t. It is my fear of being a stay at home mom, and being on one income…but there are countless testimonies that display God’s love in providing for families when following his ways. With God, we can do it! Again, thank you so much for your encouragement, and the proof that having a family no matter the money amount is possible!
So good to hear that others are taking a simpler approach to life as well! When my husband and I first married two years ago, we weren’t major spenders – but we weren’t on a tight budget either. We both had comfortable jobs with cushy benefits and plenty of money to spend and save. And then – SURPRISE!I found out that I was pregnant. EVERYTHING changed. I continued to work until I was nearly nine months pregnant, but instead of my income being our “fun money,” almost every dollar I made went straight to savings. Before we married, we had agreed that me staying home with our children was priority over lifestyle comforts.
At first, this was tough for me. But now clipping coupons, carefully laying aside money for rent every month and “shopping” our closet for “new” outfits is our new normal. I’m actually surprised by how much we can do without and not really even miss the little luxuries. We don’t subscribe to cable, we don’t buy movie tickets, we don’t buy new clothes (unless they are deeply discounted), we limit eating out and have “date night” at home with ice cream and a DVD (often one we already own!).
Instead of mourning the loss of our more lux lifestyle, we try to see the fun in shopping bargains and spending as little money as possible. Staying home with my precious daughter is worth above and beyond the little sacrifices we have to make!
This was such an encouraging post. My husband and I decided to start of the new year right and be debt free. We want to try to build a home someday soon, but we want to pay for a majority of the cost up front. We have an HSA as well and we started putting money into a savings account. I am nervous this year about being a good manager of the finances- but I know God will give me the wisdom.We are a one income family of 5. My husband took a major pay cut ~2 years ago so he could work from home. He was traveling and gone4 days a week! I became a homemaker when we got married, even though my job pays more than his. Its not about the money!!!! God has called me to serve my husband and my children! It doesn’t make sense to me to leave my family in the hands of the government while I pursue a “career”. I loved all of your tips on cutting costs…thank yoou for sharing!
This is such an awesome post!
I am also blessed to be a SAHM, although I do tutor a few hours a week (in my home usually and sometimes away, while my children are either with me or with dad/grandma for a short time!)
My husband and I have chosen to live *below* our means, which is why I can stay home. My husband is blessed with a job that provides great health insurance and benefits, and we are grateful for that. Part of living below our means is having only what is needful.
A few years ago we, like Michele, sold our second car (which we owned outright) in order to pay down more or our mortgage. We have no debt (other than our mortgage) which is due to my husband’s self-sacrificial “15-year plan” for college (work and save for school, go to school till you run out of $$$, go back to work, etc. repeat until degree is earned). That wasn’t easy, but now we don’t have to worry about college debt.
We own a very small, modest condo which we bought a few years ago. It’s less than 900 square feet, hardly fit for a “growing family”, but like Michele, my husband and I sleep out on a futon in the living room so our kids can each have their own rooms (to better faciliate sleep!)
We don’t take vacations and our entertainment is home-based (books, knitting, games, family time). We have only cell phones, no “land line” (which I don’t necessarily think is better, but it does totally save not paying for both). We walk as much as we can to parks, to church, to the store. We save car trips for a few times a week only in order to save on gas.
All clothes are second-hand, I don’t get my hair done; I keep a style that doesn’t require regular “maintainance”. I avoid stores in general (unless it’s for groceries) so that I’m not tempted.
I constantly try to make my space work for our family. My only complaint is my small kitchen, but I make it work. I just try to be thankful for all things and consider that what I have is so much more than most of the world !
I am so inspired by Michele and all the other bloggers like Lindsay who are living this way of life out! I totally believe God empowers and inspires women to do this life-giving work in the home!
I loved this post. My husband and I made the decision to start out our year “debt free”. Romans 13:8 Owe no man anything but to love one another for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. I am a bit nervous about managing our money now…but I know God is faithful and will give me the wisdom.We are a single incme family. My husband works from home- the took a pay cut 2 years ago to be here. I could actually make more money than him if I worked, but I quit my job after we got married to be a homemaker:) But it’s not about the money. It’s about trusting in God’s provision.
I have been a SAHM mom for all of my 4 children’s lives. My oldest two are now 23 and 20 and living on their own while in college. I still have 2 at home, ages 10 and 14. I just lost my husband this past July, but he provided for us, even in his death. He had plenty of life insurance, an IRA and many other things that we had put in place. He never made much money, but we always made sure to make the most of what we had. We rarely ate out, those times being the occasions when the two of us would have a “date”. This happened maybe 6 times a year. We didn’t take vacations. We didn’t drive new cars. We didn’t buy expensive clothes. We were frugal, but we always had what we needed and most of the things we wanted.
My only disagreement with the author is on health insurance. At 15, my son with diagnosed with non-hodgkins lymphoma. Without health insurance, we would still be paying hospital and doctor’s bills. I know that health insurance is expensive. A year before his death, my husband left the company he had been with for 10 years to start his own business. Our COBRA health insurance payments were $813.00 per month. We did NOT drop them. We cut back in other ways. Currently, health insurance for me and my two daughters at home is $480.00. I just don’t see how I could drop that. Also, speaking from experience, life insurance is a necessity. I am a Christian, as was my husband. We prayed daily that the Lord would bless us with long life and help us to raise our children. The Lord, however, had other plans and took my husband at the age of 47. It was an accident. It had nothing to do with his health. He was incredibly healthy – he ate right, exercised, slept, had regular check-ups. He prayed daily, several times a day. But, he was killed by being crushed by a flatbed trailer. If he had not had life insurance, my children and I would not only have had to deal with the horrific loss of my husband and their father, but I would probably have lost our home, had to return to work, stop homeschooling my children, etc. Our life would be so different that I’m not sure we could have handled it as well as we have. It has been hard enough, but, thanks to my husband’s foresight and planning, I do not have any financial worries.
I am so proud of all the young women who decide to stay home. There truly is no higher calling. I just want to make sure that all of you are hoping and praying for the best, while planning for the worst. It is sobering and not something anyone ever wants to think about, but it does happen.
Gena-
Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
I did not say that insurance was unnecessary (in fact, I mentioned that there are some inexpensive plans available, for such issues as you mentioned). However, during extremely lean times with no income (such as unemployment), we have had to cancel our insurance plans at times. The cost of your daughters’ health insurance is half the amount of our monthly income!
Whether or not we have insurance, we still feel that focusing on prevention (for typical health problems) is a good form of stewardship, while we faithfully add to an HSA (health savings account) when possible.
Blessings to you and your children, and my condolences on the loss of your husband.
Michele
Love this article! Wow! I am impressed by the sacrifices she made–giving up her bedroom and everything. God certainly done give strength and grace, doesn’t He? Love to hear more!
This is such a fun blog. I really wanted to do something like this, but my organizing interests were calling me. Thanks for this. I love hospitality. We have enjoyed the hospitality lifestyle for almost 18 years of marriage. Blessings to you.
Hi Lindsay,
I can’t imagine you reading all these comments, but here goes. First, great article! Second, there are many studies out there that show how much it actually costs to have another income provider in the home. Back in the early 80′s, it was figured to be around $35,000 that a spouse had to bring home in order to just break even! Today, I am sure it is much more. Extra travel, eating out, clothes, childcare, higher tax bracket… the list goes on and on, not to mention the intrinsic cost emotionally, physically, spiritually which cannot be counted…. love dad
PS. it would be nice to see a post on what the new studies show… for those who are pragmatic among us.
Elizabeth Warren (author of “The Two Income Trap”) recently gave a lecture on this topic. It’s a bit lengthy, but worth the time to listen. Meredith has it linked here: http://likemerchantships.blogspot.com/2008/05/two-income-trap.html
Blessings,
Michele
I’ve really enjoyed this series! Today’s post was especially relevant to me because we have just decided to become a one income family. I gave birth to our first child a month ago. I am currently on maternity from a full time job at a bank, but I will be putting in my notice and staying home with our son. It will take some sacrifices, but they are absolutely worth it. I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to be at home with my little boy and fulfill the role God has given me.
I really enjoy your blog. I’m always learning something new!
Thank you for this wonderful post! We are also a one income family and what seems a sacrifice to others, is natural for our family.
As a side note, I’d like to recommend reading The Two-Income Trap. I don’t know if this book was recommended before, but it’s such an eye opener because it shows you how adding second income in the families several decades ago changed the middle class in the US.
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Wonderful! I love this! In particular this line, “God’s blessings abound when we learn to be content with what we have.” So many people have asked me how I am happy living the way that I do. We live on one income, with one car, and my DH only makes $30,000 a year, with two children AND we plan to try to conceive in the near future! I tell everyone who says, “I wish I could stay home, but can’t afford it,” that ANYONE can live on one income IF they are willing to make the sacrifices necessary to do so. It was so much more important to me to be at home with my children than it was to have a 4 bedroom house, or two brand new cars in the driveway. I’m going to share this post with some friends, if you don’t mind!
Michele! Wonderful! I commend your positive approach. I too strive to be content with we have. We live in, what compared to my friends, would be considered a very small house. It is two bedrooms and one bath, but already packed with our belongings. My husband and I aren’t on the same page exactly. I try to express to him that by cutting down on things, our house is the perfect size for our family of three, as well as when we have another child (hopefully I will be expecting soon!!)
I especially like your take on debt. My husband and I have substantial debt and your advice to lay aside blame and focus on the task of paying it off together, regardless of who accumulated it is so spot on. I think I need to have an honest conversation about our finances with my husband and use this idea.
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I have been catching up on your blog and find it very inspiring.
Lindsay, thank you for hosting this series!
Thank you for the encouragement and ideas. I am in a very similar boat right now and appreciate the reminder of the joy to be found when priorities are in the right order.
As we are looking at being transfered, this very topic has been on my heart. Thank you for posting it. It has affirmed in me our need to scale down. To live a simple life with lots of love. God has blessed me through you and your work. Again thank you!
Lindsay-have you read “Miserly Moms”? by Joni Erickson I think. It’s less of a spiritual read and more of a “practical” living on one income source. Some of the stuff in it is a little over the top to me, but there are a LOT of good tips. She is a Christian by the way from what I understand, that’s just not the focus of the book.
Hi Michele & Lindsay~
We are also a one-income family… I love reading about other people who’ve made “extreme” decisions in order to make it work. Surrounded by peers who live very differently than us, it is encouraging to know you’re not the only ones….!
Making one income work usually means doing without. Doing without cell-phones, without newer vehicles (our cars are 20 & 12 years old: between the two we usually have one that’s functioning!), doing without new clothes (unless clearance prices can match Goodwill!), and many other things. It all becomes so second-nature that it is hard to list exactly what you do to make it work.
Most of all though, we trust God. Trust Him to take care of us to provide current needs and trust Him to provide in a possibly jobless future. So many places in Scripture the Lord assures us that when we’ve been seeking first His kingdom, He’ll give us the necessities to live. So even when times feel tight, the answer is not in hoarding, but in giving and releasing it all back into His loving hands.
Wow. Thank you so much for this post. I cannot wait to visit Michele’s blog. While we are fortunate and blessed that my husband has his job, we have had some very lean times since I began staying home in July. I am constantly amazed by the ways in which God provides for us, and so grateful to stay at home with my daughter. Recently, she began repeating the sounds we make, and said ‘Da da da’ last night. Those are the things money cannot buy!
I can really relate to all that Michele has said here. I have brought student loan debt into our marriage and yet have not worked outside of the home, save a short tutoring stint, since the day we were married. My husband has graciously worked long hours and found work on the side in order to pay down those loans. We are still in the process, but have found “living without” to be easier on the pocket book as well as a huge blessing – spiritually and physically.
I actually have the book “All the Way Home” on my shelf but haven’t looked at in a LONG time. Maybe I ought to pull it off the shelf and look through it again. We have been living on one income for about 10 years now. God has always provided for us. There is such a blessing and many benefits from me being at home. You said “The time I spend away from home can often cut into the amount of time I am able to use in meeting my family’s needs (such as laundry, healthy meals, etc.).” This is so true. Thanks for sharing all your thoughts.
Have a great day!
Karen
Thanks for this article. It is so nice to see that other families look at these types of costs too. It is hard to tone down a lot of activities, but it really can bless a family in the time they have to spend together and to train their children. It is hard to be effective in discipline and in giving time to our children when we are running around all the time.