Home School Heartbeat Radio Program

For stay-at-home moms and their families, it can be difficult to live on one income. The transition from two incomes is especially hard. Join Mike Smith as he talks about some ways to cut the financial strain, today on Home School Heartbeat.

Mike Smith:
Last year, the Wall Street Journal reported that 87% of mothers would stay home with their children if they could, but one thing stands in their way: money. In a consumer society dominated by a have-it-all mindset, downsizing your income can seem difficult, but it's possible.


Jonni McCoy is a mom who decided to leave a successful career to stay home with her kids. Today she homeschools her children and runs Miserly Moms, a website with helpful advice for families living on one income. Jonnie points out that many families who switch to one income are surprised to discover that their net income doesn't drop significantly. Without a second job, they no longer need to pay for childcare during the day or two commutes to work.


Financial planning and budgeting are important for your family to make it on one income. And there are other ways of cutting costs. The life of your vehicle can be extended with proper care and maintenance. If you're planning an evening out, see if a grandparent or relative could watch the children, or work out a trade-off system with a friend's family to watch each other's children.


Financial challenges can be discouraging, but a clear goal will help parents push through the rough times. If a family is committed to having Mom stay at home, they'll find a way to make that possible. Until next time, I'm Mike Smith.