Re: SAHM/Expenses/Budget Question

Re: SAHM/Expenses/Budget Question

I do a lot of what the previous posters mentioned, but after reading your post earlier today and thinking about it, I did want to mention some expenses that you might not be considering: a vacation, gifts for various events (weddings, christenings, etc. - they can really add up quickly!) and the holidays. Also, depending on your situation doctors and prescription co-pays. DD is on axid and seeing some specialists, so her co-pays are adding up.

For us, I try to build in a $ amount to go toward those expenses - if I want to spend $1200 on Christmas, it would be $100 a month, etc.

I think that you can definitley do it if you want to...it all depends on how badly you want it

Re: SAHM/Expenses/Budget Question

I was not the type to cut coupons or bargain shop before becoming a SAHM. I made money and spent it how I wanted most of the time.
Now......things are different but I wouldn't change it for the world!!! I love being at home and I have turned into the type of person who loves a bargain. I get ridiculously excited when I find things I like for DS on the sale rack at Childrens Place.

For expenses.....
Groceries/Food/Pharmacy items- about $150-$175/week which includes going out on the weekend (we go to cheap places now, so much easier with DS Applebees, Chilis, Houlihans etc)

Playdates/Classes - DS goes to swimming class that is about $200 for 6 weeks (not counting the deposit i alrady put down) So....about $25/week. I don't go to a lot of expensive play places. We go to the bookstore, library, he looooves the park and the indoor play places in the mall.

Gas - $60/week (depending on DH's work schedule - he works on location so could be more if he is somewhere far for the week)

My biggest expenses always seem to be the "extras" I pick up along the way. A new shirt for DS, a new car, magazines, snacks while we are out etc. Some months I have the money to buy more, others I don't have the money so I just don't buy it. But I think it is easily something you can manage while only making a few changes.

Re: SAHM/Expenses/Budget Question

Same with clothes. I am a major shopaholic and now I *love* looking for bargains and refuse to pay full price for most everything....
Yup that's me as well. I used to be one of those girls, always shopping for latest fashions in Bloomies and Saks, buying nice clothes,expensive bags and shoes.
But after having DD I stopped going to expensive stores and spending money on stupid things. I realized(and learned from other SAHMs) that you can buy all the "nice" things at stores like Marshalls and century21 for much, much less

Re: SAHM/Expenses/Budget Question

We are currently a family of 3, will be 4 in September but am planning on EBF for the first 5 or 6 months so not much will change except the diaper part

Grocery Shopping: I usually go every 2 weeks and spend between 200 and 300$. I do pick up little things in between here and there so lets say for the month 700$.

Dry Cleaning: Normally, unless I have a dress or something like a nice sweater I wash and iron all of DH's work clothes. He does wear the pants a couple times though before I wash again which is a big help. I used to get it all dry cleaned and stopped when I stopped working.

Occasional Lunch: For DH I make him lunch every day so nothing for him lol. DD and I will go out maybe once a week. For a monthly expense I'd say 50$.

Gas: I fill up once a week.. about 40$.

Playdate Expenses/Nursery School: Since DD is in nursery school (178/month) we dont go on a lot of playdates. I'd say maybe 50$ for that.

I am guilty of shopping, a lot of shopping I also dont cut coupons or look for sales. Its something I need to start putting an end to especially since Im not working anymore. I think 1000$ a month would be almost perfect for us. If I could just stay home a little more.

Message edited 5/15/2009 8:37:38 AM.