If you're a SAHM, what is your household income?

I know we all have different debts and lifestyles, but getting a general idea here.

And do you have any regrets of being a SAHM?

Do you have a time frame of when you will go back to work, if at all?

My career is insane and it's the kind where I have to give up a lot of my life for it, although it does pay me back in other ways...I am thinking of all options here.

But, first thing is first: let's talk $.

Re: If you're a SAHM, what is your household income?

Before I quit I made almost 150K. I knew I couldn't do that job and have kids. It was insane. Long hours and the stress was crazy. So, I quit about 9 months before getting pregnant and went to get my real estate license.

I do RE on the side now (but to be honest, since my second son I hardly do it at all anymore)

At first, it was a huge adjustment for me. I went from making boatloads of $$ - to nothing. My DH is amazing in that he never questions my spending, he lets me buy nice things for myself and the boys, and has never made me feel that the money he makes is "his money"

I had to alter how I shop. When I had a job I was all about name brands. Nothing but the best. Now, I look for coupons, and good deals. I still splurge here and there but not that often.

We don't vacation as much as we would like (one big one a year) but I think that's bc of kids, not because of $$.

I should also add that we have a rental (my best friend and her boyfriend live with us) so that does help.

We have a high mortgage (bought at the peak of the market) with insanely high takes (almost 12K) so alot of our monthly income goes to the mortgage. We somehow make it all work together.

I want to go back to work when the kids are in kindergarten. Something local. I'm done with the city and the crazy high demanding job. I want to be around to see them when they get home from school. Who knows what the future will bring though, maybe I will go back to being a big-wig again



The beginning is hard, and you really need to find the thing that works best for you.

ETA: Being an actual stay at home mom is the HARDEST thing I have ever done. It is nonstop in my house from 6am until 8pm. I get no breaks, no vacation days, and no sick days I have two little boys attached to my hip all day long. I can't even pee alone anymore. I trip to the store that would normally take me 10 minutes - now takes 30. It's physically and mentally exhausting. I wouldn't change it for the world, but it's def. not sitting around eating bon bons (like I kind of hoped it would be)

Message edited 9/1/2010 6:30:21 PM.

Re: If you're a SAHM, what is your household income?

Diana, thank you so much for sharing your story!! I totally agree that being a SAHM is so demanding...I always can't wait to go back to work when I take vacation days.

Re: If you're a SAHM, what is your household income?

When both DH and I worked, I brought in the money. He really just brought in a side amount for going out on the weekends compared to me. Then when I was 6 months pregnent, the unexpected happened, and I was laid off. It was very very hard at firts... and since I was so pregnent, no where was hiring me After the baby was born I immeditly started looking for work again, and no where was NEAR what I was making. So currently I am a SAHM claiming unemployment still. But I plan on making my own business at home, so we'll see how that all works out. DH is now working 2 jobs and is making almost enough to cover all our bills. We still aren't able to put much into savings or anything, but we are able to go out when we want, and do things we want to do. DH is planniing on going back to college to get out of his 2 jobs and work less but make more... but that's not anytime real soon. If I didnt lose my job, I prolly would have returned, but working from home. At least until we had a nice down payment for a house...

ETA: I didn't mean to press enter yet LOL
Being a SAHM mom is def more demanding then any job I have ever had either. As the PP had said, it's non-stop all day long, and you def don't ever get a sick day. I wouldn't change that either. I'm hoping that this business works out so I CAN in fact always stay home with DS, and any other future children.

Message edited 9/1/2010 6:41:18 PM.

Re: If you're a SAHM, what is your household income?

When i worked it was our party money vacas and weekend stuff. Dh just changrd jobs and is making a very nice salary. We live under what we could. I would rather have a nice house than be house poor. I would like to take family time and not stress the house part of it. I spend what i spend. Sometimes he just at it sometimes he never mentions it. I buy for the baby and myself. I was never a big shopper. Im a bag girl. I miss my bags but i would rather spend that few hundred on the boy. Im lucky in the respect that we really want for nothing and still save like we were getting married again. I am going to stay home and raise our son ( and any others that come along) that is important to me. When he/ they go to school i will work again. Part time.


Like Diana said this is by far the hardest "job" i have ever had. The hours are nuts peeing with company not so fun but the end reward is the best. So while i do loose my cool sone days and throw things on others i know this wild child ( who is freaking out right now) will always have a sloppy kiss for Mama.

Re: If you're a SAHM, what is your household income?

And do you have any regrets of being a SAHM?
None.... its what I always hoped to be able to do and am blessed to be able to.

Do you have a time frame of when you will go back to work, if at all?
No plans to. Right now, being home with my children is my priority. Once my youngest goes to kindergarten, then I will be volunteering a lot in the schools.

But, first thing is first: let's talk $

DH does well. I voted less than $150 K

Re: If you're a SAHM, what is your household income?

Posted by JennZ

When i worked it was our party money vacas and weekend stuff. Dh just changrd jobs and is making a very nice salary. We live under what we could. I would rather have a nice house than be house poor. I would like to take family time and not stress the house part of it. I spend what i spend. Sometimes he just at it sometimes he never mentions it. I buy for the baby and myself. I was never a big shopper. Im a bag girl. I miss my bags but i would rather spend that few hundred on the boy. Im lucky in the respect that we really want for nothing and still save like we were getting married again. I am going to stay home and raise our son ( and any others that come along) that is important to me. When he/ they go to school i will work again. Part time.


Like Diana said this is by far the hardest "job" i have ever had. The hours are nuts peeing with company not so fun but the end reward is the best. So while i do loose my cool sone days and throw things on others i know this wild child ( who is freaking out right now) will always have a sloppy kiss for Mama.

Re: If you're a SAHM, what is your household income?

How do people stay home with an income under $50,000? I mean this as an honest question--I clip coupons, and we own our own home, but bought below what we could afford, but short of living with relatives or having someone pay your rent, I just don't know how it could be done on that income on LI.

Re: If you're a SAHM, what is your household income?

Re: If you're a SAHM, what is your household income?

we could probably make it if DH wanted to stay home full time but i have NO choice. i have to work. my salary+comission makes up like 70%

i WISH the rolls were reversed

Re: If you're a SAHM, what is your household income?

we are at 55k.
before moving down here, combined we were just over 120k.
In Dec, he is promised 15k more to keep him around.
We bought new cars in cash.
Bought a townhouse instead of a mcmansion.
Moved far away from NYC.
Banked all my checks for years.
Totally out of debt when moving..now I have medical bills.

My family was shocked when we announced we were moving. There was no way, nothing in me wanted to be away from my baby all day long. DH was done commuting. He wanted a better quality of life.

we really are living a good life though.
this morning went on a walk with kids. then took josh to one of his classes. had lunch with 2 other moms at a sprinkler park. came home and met up with another mom so the boys could go bike riding. dh came from work, he held the baby while josh and i planted some mums. ate dinner...kids are in bed.
I am living now. Before was express bus at 7:21. work. get off bus at 7:15. In order to see dh, I would work at his restaurant on Fri and Sat nights.
I don't have a single regret. Not one about moving...I swear I go up there, have a great time, take my kid to touristy things...then happy to head home.
Sunday we are going to a kite flying festival in the mountains. Other then gas and me packing sandwiches it will cost us very little....but exactly what I would want out of a day. Simple, fun, and together.
If I worked, I would not be able to find that spot.

Re: If you're a SAHM, what is your household income?

Re: If you're a SAHM, what is your household income?

Re: If you're a SAHM, what is your household income?

I had a career that was very time demanding. I could work 16-18 hours a day sometimes, and then still get phone calls while at home.

When my husband got into school in Nashville for his MBA I moved with him of course, but there was no work in my field there. I got pregnant shortly after and became a SAHM.

There is just no way for me to go back into my field right now.

I want to work from home to help with income because we both have insane school loans. I would really like to become a Bradley Method instructor, but because of my C-Section I have a lot of hoops to go through. If that does not work I may become a broker. We shall see.

My husband is doing consulting right now, as he is still looking for a full time job. Needless to say money is VERY tight.


And to answer the $50 K question. Right now that is probably what my DH is making since he just graduated and has some consulting job. It isn't easy, but we don't own a home, we have a 3 bedroom in Brooklyn, only have one car, don't go out to eat, cut coupons etc. You just make things work.

Message edited 9/2/2010 8:51:47 AM.

Re: If you're a SAHM, what is your household income?

Re: If you're a SAHM, what is your household income?

Re: If you're a SAHM, what is your household income?

Re: If you're a SAHM, what is your household income?

Woah, we have some big earning daddy's here! That's great!

I was telling DH how I will probably start looking for a job on LI because the commute is just too much (I'm away from DS for 12 hours a day). He told me that DS will be fine and not to leave my job. I was really offended by this- so it's more important for me to make the big bucks than for my son to see his mother for more than 2 hours a day? Ugh, it's so hard but you have to do what you feel is right. And when you look back on your life, will you remember the extra money or the extra time with your child?

Re: If you're a SAHM, what is your household income?

Does any one of the 92 people that are making around 100k want to adopt.....me?

Some of you are making some nice moolah!!

Re: If you're a SAHM, what is your household income?

I'm not a SAHM...

not that I don't think about it... and am jealous of those who are.

I think more than combined income: the decision was made for me by my personal income and by the fact that I love my career, have been in school up til just recently to get there & have far to go still.

Re: If you're a SAHM, what is your household income?

Before DS, DH and I were making good money. As in, have a mortgage, go out to eat and afford vacations and support my shopping habits.

It was a huge adjustment when DS was born and daycare expenses. I stopped working FT and work now PT and no daycare expenses.

I will be working a few more hours per week as DS goes to preschool this September. But I will not go FT. Those extra hours will provide the equivalent of another 1.5 week pay.

With no kids in the house most of the day, I figured why not work a couple mornings during the week and still have "days off" to take care of the house.

Re: If you're a SAHM, what is your household income?

I wish I could be a SAHM - I'm jealous of those that are able to be.

Its really hard for us right now. DH was offered a promotion at work that would be double his pay. We figured I would work and save everything I made this year so I could stay home next year. There have been MAJOR lay-offs at his job and its happenening in rounds. So far, he has been ok but they are holidng off on this promotion until the lay-offs are complete - its been almost 5 months already

I really cant see how I could ever really be a FT SAHM because we want to buy a house in the 2 years. We would be ok with the down payment but all the other expenses, I feel would be waay too much for just one salary. Its so depressing

Re: If you're a SAHM, what is your household income?

I was a daycare teacher. I made next to nothing. I knew I'd be staying home.

The Friday before DS was born (he wasn't due for another 2 weeks LOL), my DH was called into bosses office, offered a promotion and a pretty decent raise.
This has helped us a lot.
When DS was a few months old, I worked PT in the mornings.

I did a lot of in home babysitting as well. That $$ helpes with groceries and "shopping".

Now, we only have DHs salary. When DD goes to Kindergarten (or even a FT pre-K while DS is in school) I am definitley going to work somewhere.
With all of their E.I. services, thank Goodness it all worked out where I can stay home.

Re: If you're a SAHM, what is your household income?

I think it's hard to just go by salary alone. My DH falls on the upper end, but he busts his asss at work, some days working 12 hours and weekends are a must. There have been weeks at a time where I truly felt like a single mom. And its not like he likes working all that time either.

However, we have a pretty low mortgage payment, have NO debt, don't live outside our means, no big expensive vacations, own our cars, get a few little perks from DH's job, etc. that really help. Plus, DH has some investments he's had since we was young and I am able to bank all the money I make working some PT (I gave up a great salary to stay home, but I work PT when I can to keep up-to-date since I am licensed in my field, AND I know I could carry the family on my salary if I had to go back FT if something ever happened to DH's job). That security alone is worth more than anything.

On the flip side, both my brother and his wife make over $300K combined and have 4 kids. They are swimming in debt, have a huge jumbo mortgage, take vacations they can't afford, and have no credit to their name since there are some months they can't pay their bills. Seriously? There's a story behind every salary, whether its $50K or $300K.

Re: If you're a SAHM, what is your household income?

I was working FT until DS #1 was 14 months old.

DH and I made comparable salaries, his slightly higher. I had to work to live comfortably.

Then DH was offered a job in VA when his company was acquired. The new job came with a 30% increase in pay and better benefits. I am now a SAHM since we moved.

Our overall household income is a lot less than it was, but due to the much lower cost of living, we actually have MORE money left over now each month after bills are paid then when I was working