thrilled, yet terrified to be a SAHM

[judybean]

I currently work full time outside of the house. This summer I'm quitting to stay at home.

I'm so excited about this. Ecstatic, in fact. Yet at the same time I'm completely terrified -- it's something new and something I've never done before.

The first concern on my mind is finances, because I make 2/5 of our income right now. Don't worry, I'm already frequenting the Frugality board like crazy ... I've drawn up a budget before and come up with a positive number after all expenses (all monthly bills, groceries, fuel, etc) -- but barely. And on Saturday I got this: so now there is a bit of panic over paying *those* bills too.

I feel so right in my decision to stay at home. I've wanted to since dd1 was born, but financially I really couldn't. Plus, MIL runs an in-home daycare, and then the girls would go to my parents' house in the evenings -- we never paid a cent in daycare and they were with grandparents in the time we weren't with them.

Anyway... I'm just so glad there is now a SAHM board. I'm so excited to 'really' be a part of this group!

[QueenMommy]

Yeah for you! I only work part time, but with us expecting a baby in August and having a 7 month old plus a 5 yr and 3 yr old, we decided I should stay home. I'm very excited! My paycheck wasn't a lot of our income (thankfully), but it did allow for some things we will now have to do without. I'm sure we won't miss them that much though! Good luck to you!

Jenn

[hlkm2e]

Congrats on the new baby. Hopefully this forum will thrive and we will all be able to help you manage your transition. The frugal forum is a huge help, too. Good luck, and see you around.

[thoesly]

Congratulations!

I understand what you mean. When I first started being a SAHM, we really *didn't* have enough money for it, but we also didn't have enough money for daycare. The Tightwad Gazette became my bible. I weaned myself from the work world slowly. I used to be a teacher, and the first year, I was my former department's official "grader." I picked up papers weekly to grade -- not a lot since some teachers really wanted to do their own, but enough to bring in a few extra dollars a month. The first three years, I tutored two evenings a week for one family. I let it all go when #3 was born, and I have enjoyed life immensely since then.

Wishing you many good things to come,

Tara

[indie]

I made 2/3 of our families income before we decided I would stay home so it was a huge adjustment financially, but it was one we were able to make. Definately look for ways to cut out extras. You'll be surprised on how little you can live on but do know that it will take time to adjust.

[onlyzombiecat]

I've been a SAHM since my dd was born. There have been times when it was financially very tough. We now live without any credit cards and have learned quite a bit about living within our budget these last few years.
I think I am a much better shopper now. We grocery shop every 2 weeks and I think that saves us money because we plan more and go by our list more.
We have found very nice clothes at thrift stores for dd- practically new for very little $'s. For holidays and birthdays we decide how much we can spend and stay within that amount. Sometimes we do homemade gifts.
Hope you enjoy being a SAHM!

[krisnic]

Good luck! I plan to work from home when I have children, so my fiance and I are starting to plan now so it won't be such a huge shock when it happens. Congrats on the positive!

[HelloKitty]

I know exactly how you feel, I made the larger portion of our income before I left to stay home (about 3 months ago now). We are in the process of trying to sell our home and downsize so we won't feel as much financial pressure, but since that hasn't happened yet it's been tough. There is a lot of adjusting we have had to do in terms of not going out as much as we use to and not buying the same foods or shopping at the same places we use to. It's totally worth it - just takes adjusting

The hardest thing for me so far has been to realize I can't buy everything organic like I use to and I can't buy a lot of the WAHM products I use to. We simply can't afford it. Maybe when we move we can but not now. That's tough because those are things I feel strongly about supporting. Going out to eat and other things weren't as hard to give up because... well I have four kids... going out is a hassle anyways!

The other thing that's been hard is just adjusting to the fact that I am no longer the primary breadwinner. Like for example we went to get a pre-approval for a mortgage on a house we were interested in and when the lady started asking me questions about my employment there was nothing for me to contribute. So I spent the whole time sitting there while her and DH talked. That was BIZARRE.

I work harder now then I ever did and yet I don't get paid. What a rip off!! :LOL

[annarosa]

well done - it's great to hear your enthusiasm - enjoy...........