Life is expensive. Life with kids is even more expensive. So how do some parents who rely on one income not only survive, but still find ways to create a happy, well-rounded life for their families?
Evaluate your biggest expenses. According to Leah Ingram, a money-saving expert and author of Suddenly Frugal: How to Live Happier and Healthier for Less, housing, transportation and education are the largest expenses facing today’s families. If you can reduce spending in one of those areas, you’ll live more comfortably on less, she advises.
“For most Americans owning a home is the American dream. But for so many people, especially families with children, renting in a good school district makes more sense than buying a home in a lower quality school district,” Ingram says.
Thinking about leaving your job to stay home with your children? First, create a spreadsheet that compares the costs of commuting and childcare to how much you’ll save on those two expenses once you’re down to one income.
“Sometimes it actually makes more sense for both parents to continue to keep working,” she points out.
According to Pew Research, 31 percent of families live on a single income. Although many families make the choice, others are forced into the position.
“The economy is still hard and job loss is still happening,” says Lenexa mom Beth Beseau, whose children are 8 and 5. “We’ve had to be flexible and willing to make adjustments in our lifestyle.”
Control your inclinations. Beseau, who is the primary breadwinner in her family, says her greatest challenge is controlling the urge to impulse buy.
“When you’re making a purchase, you have to ask yourself if it’s a want or a need. If you can do without it, then don’t buy it,” she advises.
Slim down your food budget. Decide how often you can afford to dine out at restaurants as a family. Instead of hitting the drive-thru for coffee every morning, make your own at home. And brown bag your lunches for work and school.
Planning your family’s meals ahead of time can help you save money by curbing the need to pick up unhealthy fast food on the fly. Try planning your weekly meals around whatever specials your favorite grocer is offering that week. Or head to a bulk store like Costco or Sam’s. Take an afternoon to prepare meals you can stick in the freezer and pull out on nights when you don’t have time to cook.
Shawnee mom Emily Cowden and her husband, Jason, have five children, ages 10, 8, 6, 4 and 2. Cowden left her job as a registered dietitian to stay home with her children and home school.
As a busy mom who is also committed to eating healthy on a frugal budget, she often skips time-consuming coupon-cutting and instead looks for sales at stores that offer healthy organic foods, like Aldi and Sprouts. She finds that eliminating processed snacks and cereals is especially helpful.
“This cuts out a lot of unnecessary foods and unnecessary spending, leaving room for more nutrient-dense fruits, vegetables and proteins,” she says.
Get creative. Many moms also turn to direct sales opportunities, like Pampered Chef, Mary Kay and Thirty One, as ways to pad their income.
“Just be sure that stocking up (on product) doesn’t sack all of your earnings,” Ingram advises. “Also, you have to have the right personality to do direct sales. Not everyone is outgoing, and direct sales is not a path to easy money. These women work very hard, even if it’s at night and in people’s living rooms.”
The Cowdens sell essential oils and other products through Young Living to help support their goal to live a healthy lifestyle. Rather than carrying an inventory, the couple works to educate others about the benefits of using essential oils properly.
The extra income helps cover extracurricular activities for their children, meals with friends and vacations.
“This winter we’re actually planning a trip to Europe for just my husband and me,” Cowden says.
Beseau sells items she no longer needs, uses or wants. “The pocket cash has come in very handy,” she says.
Other moms turn their skills into entrepreneurial ventures they can run from home, like freelance writing, photography or baking.
Seek free or cheap family entertainment. Ironically, happy memories are usually borne of what seem like mundane family activities. Go on bike rides together, visit area parks, get out the watercolors and have a paint party, play board games, make homemade pizzas together or check out movies or video games at the library.
Also stay tuned for coupons and deals at area attractions for reduced prices or free admissions.
Still struggling? “Make a list. Put your values and priorities in order. Budget around that,” Cowden says. “If you find all of your income going toward things that don’t bring you joy, it’s time reevaluate and get creative.”
Inexpensive area attractions
- Ernie Miller Nature Center, Olathe (free)
- Kansas City Zoo - Jackson or Clay County, MO, residents are eligible for reduced daily admission and opportunities to attend four free admission days throughout the year.
- Crown Center’s Kaleidoscope and the Hallmark Visitors Center have complimentary admission. Also check out reduce-priced Toddler Tuesdays and Sundays at Legoland Discovery Center and Sea Life.
- Upcoming free events at Crown Center include Under the Sea Adventure (Feb. 11-May 7) and Thomas & Friends: Explore the Rails (May 27-Sept. 10).
- Deanna Rose Farmstead in Overland Park offers free admission Monday through Thursday, 2:00 to close.
For more ideas, check out KCParent.com.
Freelance journalist Christa Melnyk Hines and her husband are the parents of two boys. Christa is the author of Happy, Healthy & Hyperconnected: Raise a Thoughtful Communicator in a Digital World.