My husband is a stay at home parent and homeschool dad, and he’d totally agree with you. We have 4 kids and we do lots of activities in the evenings. We felt like we were sprinting to bed each night between two jobs, kids in school and daycare, pets, and home responsibilities. You really do need someone to hold down the fort - kids need full-time care even if they are in school. You have house repairs, dog vet visits, kid dentist appts, car oil changes, scheduling, meals, etc … it’s never ending when you have a home and a family! Once he started to stay at home, the kids were happier and my income skyrocketed because I wasn’t distracted. I went from $80k per year to $210k.
We're also a 1 income household with an income that is inconsistent. I homeschool and do things to make our income stretch. We try to live off of 40% of our income and I save the rest for the months that my husband is not working. It can be done, but has to be done with organization, home management, budgeting, and frugality. You have to have a plan to do it or it will not work.
Hi, Dave. Hi Christine! I rarely make comments, but since you asked... I've been a stay at home wife 25 years. No children. 56yo. Married 34 years. Husband is a minister/preacher. We spent 11 years in ministry overseas. During the early years of doing that, I came to the realization that serving our household was just as valuable to our family, and to God, as whatever "contribution I could be making by working outside the home. Especially in the foreign culture, it was so helpful to my husband to not have to spend his mental energy on meal planning, shopping, bill paying (always in person and with cash!), cleaning, etc. I learned that maintaining an environment for him to excel made his service, our service. That began the best years of our lives. We are a team. Even now, back in the US "we" accepted the current preaching job, even though he is the preacher. Similar to what Dave says and the end of the video, we love the flexibility of me not working a traditional job. When needs arise in our community we are both available to serve together. It is wonderful. We live on one income and accept the limitations that brings. We still have more than we need. It can definitely work! I enjoy your content!
My husband is the only one who works. Last year, our gross income was 41k. He actually makes $300 a month to much to qualify for food assistance. I would love to see a budget breakdown for 45k or less.
I love this because breakdown! We’re a family of 4 making less than $60k and we’ve got no debt and are currently saving for a house. If we can do it others can too!
I worked full time for 4 years on second shift while my husband was finishing school. During that time, we had our oldest child. It was then that i knew that once he graduated, i wanted to be home. I didn't want to miss out on time as family anymore. I didn't want to miss milestones. So many positives came from me being home and us being one income family. Being able to plan around one schedule is absolutely wonderful. I'm thankful every day to be with my 3 kiddos.
Yes it's possible!! The American dream is not having all we want, where we want it, immediately. It's about working hard and ultimately fulfilling your dreams❤
Great breakdown of how this can be done. My husband and I were in debt to our eyeballs because we had the "keeping up with the Jones" mindset when we were first married. My husband ended up going back to school and stayed home with our kids for 5 years. It was such a blessing to have him home. I am a nurse so the overtime was always there for me to bring in extra income. It was really unmanageable for us for years when he went back to work. I quit working last year and haven't regretted it one bit. Our house runs so much better and we dropped the "spend" mentality. It can be done with some sacrifice, but the sacrifice is worth it.
We are a single income family, and I can't agree with you more. Not having to worry about who is going to stay home with the kids when they are sick, or who is going to drive them to all of their activities is such a relief. My husband is able to focus on his job and I am able to focus on running and taking care of our home. We support each other and as a result I feel our marriage is stronger and we have a stronger family unit. We certainly have to be more mindful of a budget since we only have one income, but I have the time to shop deals and make our meals from scratch. I know we are very blessed, but it does take a level of sacrifice to live on a single income too.
I did have a job outside of the home after our oldest went to preschool. But I always struggled to stay on top of the house work. We since have 3 more children and I have always been home. When we calculated daycare and all the things that go with it, it just didn't make sense to us and I would have missed out on so much in their lifes. Great video ❤
Loved this episode! We're a single income home. Both my husband and I have side gigs. I worked outside the home until my oldest daughter was 14 months old. It's been sanctify being a SAHM, but we love the freedom you talked about to take of our home and children. It also helps my husband a lifestyle that includes home cooked meals and not having to take time off work for sick k8ds, etc
I love this one. I’m going to sit down with my high school senior and have her watch this with me and spark a conversation about life after college and what to expect. It might even help during college if she thinks about living off of campus. ❤
After the 2018 recssion ended i went back into work in my field for a lower amount than usual and lived in London. I had to rent a small room go keep rental costs down. Cook at home for breakfast lunch dinner for work and home. I did go out but for walks, free art galleries etc on my Saturdays. I managed to save but who knows how in London...but i think by renting using the cheapest option and i was taught how to save on travel by taking a bus closer into city and then take the tube (all with a weekly or monthly travel ticket for zone 1 and 2 only)
Love being a stay at home mom. Love the freedom. But it is sometimes hard if you have no one to talk to but your kids. But I find myself learning how to budget better, how to homemake better etc. Very grateful that I can do this
Your kid can stay on the insurance until their 26th birthday. My 25 year old is still on ours until October. It’s been great as they’re in a starter job that doesn’t have the best insurance option.
I'm currently looking to rent a one bedroom and it's not just rent anymore. I'm not looking at expensive places either. You have your county fees for EMS and police to come out. You have valet trash (can't opt out), you have extra rent if you sign less than 15 months, you have required Internet fees, water fees, etc. my $950 base rent now turned into $1,200.
We are a one income household. With SIX people. And our take home is the entry level teacher salary you are using as an example. 😮 It is extremely important to us to spend as much time with our children as we are able to while they are still "wet cement" so to speak. I homeschool our youngest 3 and our oldest goes to a hybrid 4 days a week. Another reason (besides that i spend hours homeachooling) that if I worked outside the home I would be completely unable to maintain my home.
My husband and I have been living on a single family income for 12 years now. Our income is actually a few hundred off from the example you gave. I had an Etsy shop for 5 of those years working maybe 10-15 hrs. a week with that. Besides for that and a very minimal babysitting, dog sitting etc. little gigs we didnt bring in anything else. Being a stay at home mom was my dream since i was a teenager. My husband knew this is what i wanted before we got married, and he loved that. We are also part time homeschooling our kids at a hybrid private school on that budget. On that budget I am also finishing up my college degree. In a year, when i am done with college, I am planning to work part time, and continue to homeschool 2 days a week. Finances have been TIGHT all these years but we have still managed to take some epic NP camping trips all over the country, stay out of debt, and save some for emergencies and retirement. Its a matter of rearranging your priorities, to make it happen.
I love how my husband and I have set up finances for me to primarily be at home. I work 2 days a week as an X-ray tech to help me feel like a human and keep my skills up and it helps me feel like I’m contributing but I also don’t feel bogged down by my job because we don’t need my income to be able to afford to keep living. We have no debt and teach FPU at our church. My husband is a federal fire fighter so he’s home with the kids on my work days. I feel bad for coworkers that feel they can’t stay at home with their kids but they also always have the nicest SUV and pay to eat out everyday. I choose to pack my lunch and I don’t need the nicest things and I never feel like I’m going without.
Wow, that's a high teaching salary! My husband's first job teaching in 2008 he made a little over 30k (private Christian school, Charlotte NC). He finally broke 60k in year 10, after getting a master's degree and becoming assistant principal and then high school principal at a different school.
To your question about single income... I had always wanted to be a SAHM like mine was. I went part time after our 1st was born in 2011, making 15k (husband making like 34k at that point + numerous coaching side jobs). After our 2nd born in 2012, I tried to work from home with no childcare with an 18mo and colicky newborn while husband finished his master's, coached varsity basketball and was asst principal. I about broke and decided to quit my job entirely. Stayed at home for 1 year and found out I hated being a SAHM of a toddler and baby. It was soooo hard, so I went back to work part time, paying more than my salary in daycare for awhile just for the mental break 😂. I've worked part time ever since, first from the office, then from home after my kids were out of the house in school.
Losing my job was actually a huge blessing. My kid’s behavior is so much better now that they’re home with me. I can’t imagine going back. Also I will say that here in SW MI 60K is plenty. That’s about what my husband makes and we’re comfortable.
I drove a Chevy cavalier when i met my hubby. We babied that sucker til we were able to get out of debt & pay in cash for our new van. 14 years later, I’m still driving that same van!
Great epi guys!!! I love that you guys discuss the frugal life and a nice basic budget that will afford a person great retirement and savings! Starting out, your salary may be lower but it is soooo much easier saving vs as you grow older and grow your family. And your money compounds much more when you save younger! Also, that part of TX is CRAZY affordable! Here, new build homes start at like $1.7 mill- jealous of tx lol!
I spent two years at Orange Coast College in the early 2000's. $11 dollars a credit -for real. My first year teaching in Terlingua, TX, I made just about $29,000 base a year. and I still managed to save $12K by eating bean burritos and teaching summer school. I also bought a vintage travel trailer to live in and paid $50 dollars a month it park it. Did I have an outhouse? Sure. Did it matter? Not really. This was a life time ago and I am STILL proud of myself.
Have been a stay at home mom (very, very part-time instructor) and now my kids are in their 20’s and I’m struggling to find my identity 😢. However, with the flexibility you described, I was able to be there when my MIL was terminal, on hospice and then when my mom was having treatment for cancer. Money only good for so much. Time may be the greatest resource of anyone!
I turned off my DirecTV in2016 and have not paid for TV or streaming or anything since. Renting free dvds at the library and then free TH-cam movies had been it for me, and I've not missed it.
This past year I have worked a traditional M-F 9-5 job. It is a wonderful job but I agree with your soul sucking statement. I am miserable being in the same 4 walls all day long. I am grateful that we have always kept our spending within my husband’s income and I have the freedom to walk away from a job that doesn’t make me happy! Because of my job we will all be going to Italy this summer😉
My husband is a music teacher as a private school. And he makes a lot less than a public school teacher. I am a stay at home Mom. We own a home and have no debt. The only way I am able to stay home is because of that. Next year we are going to save to switch to public school because we decided that I was going to stay home with our kids. I cook every meal at home and I shop sales.
HI! SUCCHHH a great episode, thank you for being so open and sharing. I have been at home since our 7 month old was born and I feel like I'm getting dumber too lol! Also, it really hit home for me that you didn't care for the traditional things that moms go gaga over too. I am not one to "dress up" my little girl in the cutest outfits or enjoy making all the baby food recipes, and do ALL of the tummy time crafty things..But I am 28 and maybe I am too immature at this point to realize how much this time will mean to me some day as well. Thank you for sharing Also, can you guys do a video of a reverse of a budget breakdown? Currently, we are deciding if we are making enough money for me to continue staying at home. Can you do a video of how much you would have to make to live comfortably in the Richardson/Dallas area as a family of 3 with no debt other than a mortgage, would greatly appreciate your input!
I live in a tiny townhouse, which is less than 1100 square feet in size. A virtually identical property in our neighborhood with the same floor plan sold for $300,000.00 last year.
Hi! I am not in Texas, but in California we also are required to pay into our pension about 9 percent--so that money is automatically set aside, union dues are about 150 a month--which most teachers pay, and we do have to pay state tax, so our take home would be less.
And--I totally agree about community college! I and both of my sons went to community college first. I have been teaching 19 years, and both my sons graduated from four year universities in finance--easily transferring from junior college. My older son has a masters in taxation and is completing his CPA exams, the younger is working in accounting. I don't understand why so many people find it important to overspend for college.
Hey Christine - what you forgot to mention...was the 8.25% that TRS removes - so 60K salary becomes 55,050 a year....I'm a teacher in Dallas...and I forget this...all the time...I currently make $65K and receive $4K a month...that is with all of things are removed...health insurance, and pension...etc
I second that! I live in NJ and rent/mortgage is astronomical & I live in a not so great area in a 1 BR that’s 715 sq ft. on one income. I do the best I can as a teacher & budget & cook at home, no debt, but as a teacher here the apartment expense is what kills my budget.
@@l.m.2710 correct. The next step is to just stop eating. There literally is no where else to cut it and moving out of state is NOT an option. Excuse me while I get more comfortable in between a rock and a hard place......
Exactly!! I literally cook every meal at home from scratch & shop at Lidl/Aldi & Dollar Tree- my budget is $200 for the month & my friends think I’m starving myself lol- moving to a different state isn’t an option due to pension & whatnot.
When I started with the state (and I know it was almost 20 years ago) I made just over $26000 and I was able to make it work. I had to budget very good but I did it. I make a lot more now but still budget. I try to save majority of my pay check each month. I was able to stay on my mom's insurance until I was 26. I use several free streaming services. I pay for 2. Festival season is starting in NC so I am planning to go to some. All are free and you just have to pay for food. I use to charge $10 a day when I would babysit. But that was ages ago. I was in high school and college
Love and War in my town is now called Texas Music City Grill:) My first year teaching in Texas in 1994- $17,500. After 29 years I've hit $62,000. New teachers are making as much or more then I do.
I would put extra income all towards knocking out debt (credit and student loan) THEN put towards down payment. I would try to knock out the student loan while single and before taking on any other debts.
I'm with Dave, everyone I know who was a teacher worked summers at least their first 5 years teaching, 40 years ago. Heck I ran into someone last year who lives and works in Vermont now who used to spend most of the summer with family in PA working. Now with a family he cherry picks a few busy weekends and comes down. He works as a registered Gettysburg Battlefield Guide. A highly specialized and unusual side hustle he started as a college history major. Once he passed the grueling test, it was his college weekend job.
I would be really interested to see this budget with a one income family with 4 kids. Just wondering if its feasible. My husband and I did this. We married 10 years ago and started a family right away. We were both hitting our 30's and didn't want to put it off. However, we both graduated college later in life and I had over 50 grand in student debt. Its was tough but we managed. My husband was a high school Agriculture Science teacher and with his summer Ag pay we would hit roughly 60K a year. It was lower when he first started though. We didn't hit the 60K range until, maybe, his 5th year of teacher. During this time we also payed for 3 c-sections, 2 ER visits, a totaled car, and payed off our debts in 6 years. Totally possible but man was it challenging at times. Now we have 4 kids and he's about to graduate with his masters degree. We are still a one income family and I homeschool. I'm looking at the economy and wondering how the heck we are going to make things work this time around.
My husband is working full time right now they just told everyone that no more over time so he is looking for a new job we can't live on that. We use to cause he was able to do over time but now it like we can't. Our monthly bill is 1,500$ for everything. My husband said that we some times spend more then what he makes.
Been a stay at home mom since about 6 months after my hubby & I got married. At the time my 10 year old was excited about that because it meant he could come right home & not have to go to a sitter’s house (one of my friends ~ 3 total ~ had watched him for me while I worked 2 full time jobs … though thankfully my 2nd full time job I could take him with me… since he was 6. He’d never had me full time at home with him & he was stoked… fast forward almost 18 years later… that 10 year old is 27 (28 this December) & we homeschool his 9 year old little brother. I can’t even imagine how crazy our life would be if I worked outside of our home. As it is, it feels as if we’re rarely home. But being able to do all of the everything that we/I do would be impossible if I didn’t stay at home (lol 😂 RARELY stay at home, we’re on the go most of the time). Hubs started back to 2 days at the actual office this week… That has been crazy wrapped in a hurricane! No way could we have figured out how to handle that all on the fly if I worked outside the home (had notice less than 5 days beforehand that they were going back to 2 days a week at the physical office rather than remotely).
We just canceled all our streaming services as well except TH-cam music, because we split that with my brother in law and we get Disney as part of our Verizon plan.
I can not imagine a car note at 175.00!!!! That is mot realistic unless it a used car that must be fixed on a regular basis 🤔 I've been there done that
I absolutely love your channel and most of this budget is realistic. As someone who graduated with low student loan debt the only things that feel off are the debt repayment and entertainment. My debt repayment was over $300 month right out of college unless I went on an income based repayment plan. As a teacher this person should get their student loans forgiven after 10 years of service and in my state would have a great pension plan. I’d bump a single person’s entertainment up a bit because everything is super expensive now. Years ago I struggled with $50 a week and that was way before inflation. And I’m super frugal! I wouldn’t cut retirement in favor of rushing to owning a home. You can build so much more wealth by starting early.
Hi - I just looked up the USDA average costs for food for 2024. Thrifty plan for one person is $242. So, Texas may be cheaper - but I don't want folks to be discouraged.
Indiana just passed legislation last year that beginning teacher salary shouldn't be lower than $40,000. With 21 years experience my local district was $63,000.
We are supporting a family of 3 on a single 82,000 income in an expensive East Coast city. Paying 20k a year for basic childcare here to only make 39k in my field wasn't it. I'd rather take that cut and raise my own child. We've saved money by me being at home and our "lifestyle" is better. A safe clean home, home-cooked food, time with family.
I think your are right that the value of having a stay-at-home parent is difficult, if not impossible, to quantify. How do you put a number on the comfort and confidence that kids experience when they know mom is always available to help them? Definitely not saying this lifestyle is perfect, or without challenges and sacrifices. But, after 21 years as a stay-at-homeschooling mom, I wouldn't have missed this for any money or career prestige!!
I babysit for 5$ a hour ( last summer)plus my food and I took the kid to zoo ( I bought him a toy ofcourse in gift shop) To public pool (only 4$ per person but ) and to local ice cream place. No extra charge. Ofcourse for parent is a lot 5$ for 9h is 45$ a day. But I think I did really cheap ( for some that I know)
Hello, I am making 35000 a year, paying taxes, etc but managed to buy my apartment, sold it and bought a little house in a small city. Am Belgian. To be honest, nowadays, I wouldn't be able to buy a house.
Even with 2 years of community college + 2 years state university, I’m not sure how realistic $150 for student debt would be. A lot of new grads drowning in student loan payments sadly.
The sad part is if you go to the inflation calculator 40,000 would be worth like 67000 today so the person is functionally making less money even with the better raises. :(
My daughter is a special education teacher in Augusta, GA. After 5 years teaching with a Master's degree she is only earning $57,000. Her rent is $1400 per month. Half of her take home pay. Add in electric, water, trash, exterminator, food, insurance, student loans and she is left with very little for food. She is becoming a respite care giver for special needs children so she can earn extra money to actually have money for entertainment and clothing. It is a shame how little teachers make.
Does she have to pay an exterminator? We have never paid for one in our lives, we just buy stuff and use it ourselves if necessary and usually it isn't thankfully!! Actually I take that back. We paid one once and had more bugs when he was finished so we fired him 😅
And even as a single person 200 a month is not realistic either unless you eat a dollar tree and end up in hospital with bad health from shopping there
I’m a single mom (by choice) and so I work because that’s how it goes! 😅 even if I was married I would choose to work. I think it’s good for you, however I wouldn’t work full time or probably anywhere near full time. 1-2 days a week would be great. I am college educated and have a high paying job so I would never be able to stay home and not use my skills.
It bothers me when I hear that teachers aren't paid much. 60k starting out no experience? Thats fantastic! I work alongside those teachers for a third or less than their pay, and if I chose health insurance I'd take home just $2000 per YEAR. And the teachers get different plans that are actually affordable. Sorry for the rant...
1st year here ( as a teacher) Illinois is 37,000 . Wow! I would have loved having 60,000! Holy cow no tax! Very Jealous here!! Just my personal perspective renting is not a way to go. Rent here 1200 and up. Comed is the electric and outrageous! Summer bill can run $200-$1,000 a month
If you're buying a used car, you need to budget for repairs/maintenance...oil changes, new tires, unexpected (but really...this should be expected) odd stuff...maybe a bit more toward the purchase of a different car a few years down the road. I would set aside at least $50 for car maintenance...another $50 savings toward a future vehicle would also be prudent. Also, where do you put personal care stuff? Most people are going to need a professional hair cut ($25 for cut and tip at a place like Great Clips) every six weeks or so. Shampoo, deodorant, toilet paper, fem hygiene products, makeup, etc. If your apartment has a washer/dryer, you will need laundry products. If you don't have the W/D, using a laundromat adds up, too. At least $50 a month, to prevent looking bad and smelling worse. You've got some healthcare...but what if a person has prescriptions, they need regularly? Dental care? Eye exams? Contact lenses? New glasses? Again, at least $50 per month. Holidays...gifts for family and friends for birthdays and whatever celebrations your culture celebrates. Another $50 a month for that. So...maybe another $200-$300 per month needs to be allotted for the sake of day-to-day stuff that adds up over time.
My husband is a stay at home parent and homeschool dad, and he’d totally agree with you. We have 4 kids and we do lots of activities in the evenings. We felt like we were sprinting to bed each night between two jobs, kids in school and daycare, pets, and home responsibilities. You really do need someone to hold down the fort - kids need full-time care even if they are in school. You have house repairs, dog vet visits, kid dentist appts, car oil changes, scheduling, meals, etc … it’s never ending when you have a home and a family!
Once he started to stay at home, the kids were happier and my income skyrocketed because I wasn’t distracted. I went from $80k per year to $210k.
How? What do you do?😲
We're also a 1 income household with an income that is inconsistent. I homeschool and do things to make our income stretch. We try to live off of 40% of our income and I save the rest for the months that my husband is not working. It can be done, but has to be done with organization, home management, budgeting, and frugality. You have to have a plan to do it or it will not work.
Hi, Dave. Hi Christine! I rarely make comments, but since you asked... I've been a stay at home wife 25 years. No children. 56yo. Married 34 years. Husband is a minister/preacher. We spent 11 years in ministry overseas. During the early years of doing that, I came to the realization that serving our household was just as valuable to our family, and to God, as whatever "contribution I could be making by working outside the home. Especially in the foreign culture, it was so helpful to my husband to not have to spend his mental energy on meal planning, shopping, bill paying (always in person and with cash!), cleaning, etc. I learned that maintaining an environment for him to excel made his service, our service. That began the best years of our lives. We are a team. Even now, back in the US "we" accepted the current preaching job, even though he is the preacher. Similar to what Dave says and the end of the video, we love the flexibility of me not working a traditional job. When needs arise in our community we are both available to serve together. It is wonderful. We live on one income and accept the limitations that brings. We still have more than we need. It can definitely work! I enjoy your content!
Beautiful!
My husband is the only one who works. Last year, our gross income was 41k. He actually makes $300 a month to much to qualify for food assistance. I would love to see a budget breakdown for 45k or less.
I love this because breakdown! We’re a family of 4 making less than $60k and we’ve got no debt and are currently saving for a house. If we can do it others can too!
Curious if you would share what state/region of the US you live in. My guess is mid-west.
I'm on the west coast (western Oregon) and we're the same. Except we own a home and are 40k from it being paid off.
I worked full time for 4 years on second shift while my husband was finishing school. During that time, we had our oldest child. It was then that i knew that once he graduated, i wanted to be home. I didn't want to miss out on time as family anymore. I didn't want to miss milestones. So many positives came from me being home and us being one income family. Being able to plan around one schedule is absolutely wonderful. I'm thankful every day to be with my 3 kiddos.
I love how Dave says, when we had our first teaching job ...my husband and I have that level of partnership too.
Yes it's possible!! The American dream is not having all we want, where we want it, immediately. It's about working hard and ultimately fulfilling your dreams❤
Great breakdown of how this can be done. My husband and I were in debt to our eyeballs because we had the "keeping up with the Jones" mindset when we were first married. My husband ended up going back to school and stayed home with our kids for 5 years. It was such a blessing to have him home. I am a nurse so the overtime was always there for me to bring in extra income. It was really unmanageable for us for years when he went back to work. I quit working last year and haven't regretted it one bit. Our house runs so much better and we dropped the "spend" mentality. It can be done with some sacrifice, but the sacrifice is worth it.
We are a single income family, and I can't agree with you more. Not having to worry about who is going to stay home with the kids when they are sick, or who is going to drive them to all of their activities is such a relief. My husband is able to focus on his job and I am able to focus on running and taking care of our home. We support each other and as a result I feel our marriage is stronger and we have a stronger family unit. We certainly have to be more mindful of a budget since we only have one income, but I have the time to shop deals and make our meals from scratch. I know we are very blessed, but it does take a level of sacrifice to live on a single income too.
I did have a job outside of the home after our oldest went to preschool.
But I always struggled to stay on top of the house work.
We since have 3 more children and I have always been home.
When we calculated daycare and all the things that go with it, it just didn't make sense to us and I would have missed out on so much in their lifes.
Great video ❤
Loved this episode! We're a single income home. Both my husband and I have side gigs. I worked outside the home until my oldest daughter was 14 months old. It's been sanctify being a SAHM, but we love the freedom you talked about to take of our home and children. It also helps my husband a lifestyle that includes home cooked meals and not having to take time off work for sick k8ds, etc
I love this one. I’m going to sit down with my high school senior and have her watch this with me and spark a conversation about life after college and what to expect. It might even help during college if she thinks about living off of campus. ❤
After the 2018 recssion ended i went back into work in my field for a lower amount than usual and lived in London. I had to rent a small room go keep rental costs down. Cook at home for breakfast lunch dinner for work and home. I did go out but for walks, free art galleries etc on my Saturdays. I managed to save but who knows how in London...but i think by renting using the cheapest option and i was taught how to save on travel by taking a bus closer into city and then take the tube (all with a weekly or monthly travel ticket for zone 1 and 2 only)
Love being a stay at home mom. Love the freedom. But it is sometimes hard if you have no one to talk to but your kids. But I find myself learning how to budget better, how to homemake better etc. Very grateful that I can do this
Your kid can stay on the insurance until their 26th birthday. My 25 year old is still on ours until October. It’s been great as they’re in a starter job that doesn’t have the best insurance option.
I'm currently looking to rent a one bedroom and it's not just rent anymore. I'm not looking at expensive places either. You have your county fees for EMS and police to come out. You have valet trash (can't opt out), you have extra rent if you sign less than 15 months, you have required Internet fees, water fees, etc. my $950 base rent now turned into $1,200.
😢
Really appreciate your tip about TH-cam for movies, I've been watching that a ton!!!
We are a one income household. With SIX people. And our take home is the entry level teacher salary you are using as an example. 😮
It is extremely important to us to spend as much time with our children as we are able to while they are still "wet cement" so to speak. I homeschool our youngest 3 and our oldest goes to a hybrid 4 days a week.
Another reason (besides that i spend hours homeachooling) that if I worked outside the home I would be completely unable to maintain my home.
Great numbers.
It can be done.
Discipline required.
My husband and I have been living on a single family income for 12 years now. Our income is actually a few hundred off from the example you gave. I had an Etsy shop for 5 of those years working maybe 10-15 hrs. a week with that. Besides for that and a very minimal babysitting, dog sitting etc. little gigs we didnt bring in anything else. Being a stay at home mom was my dream since i was a teenager. My husband knew this is what i wanted before we got married, and he loved that. We are also part time homeschooling our kids at a hybrid private school on that budget. On that budget I am also finishing up my college degree. In a year, when i am done with college, I am planning to work part time, and continue to homeschool 2 days a week.
Finances have been TIGHT all these years but we have still managed to take some epic NP camping trips all over the country, stay out of debt, and save some for emergencies and retirement. Its a matter of rearranging your priorities, to make it happen.
I love how my husband and I have set up finances for me to primarily be at home. I work 2 days a week as an X-ray tech to help me feel like a human and keep my skills up and it helps me feel like I’m contributing but I also don’t feel bogged down by my job because we don’t need my income to be able to afford to keep living. We have no debt and teach FPU at our church. My husband is a federal fire fighter so he’s home with the kids on my work days. I feel bad for coworkers that feel they can’t stay at home with their kids but they also always have the nicest SUV and pay to eat out everyday. I choose to pack my lunch and I don’t need the nicest things and I never feel like I’m going without.
Wow, that's a high teaching salary! My husband's first job teaching in 2008 he made a little over 30k (private Christian school, Charlotte NC). He finally broke 60k in year 10, after getting a master's degree and becoming assistant principal and then high school principal at a different school.
To your question about single income... I had always wanted to be a SAHM like mine was. I went part time after our 1st was born in 2011, making 15k (husband making like 34k at that point + numerous coaching side jobs).
After our 2nd born in 2012, I tried to work from home with no childcare with an 18mo and colicky newborn while husband finished his master's, coached varsity basketball and was asst principal. I about broke and decided to quit my job entirely. Stayed at home for 1 year and found out I hated being a SAHM of a toddler and baby. It was soooo hard, so I went back to work part time, paying more than my salary in daycare for awhile just for the mental break 😂. I've worked part time ever since, first from the office, then from home after my kids were out of the house in school.
Losing my job was actually a huge blessing. My kid’s behavior is so much better now that they’re home with me. I can’t imagine going back. Also I will say that here in SW MI 60K is plenty. That’s about what my husband makes and we’re comfortable.
That’s a huge increase! I started out in rural Texas at $29k in 2012. Starting out in the district where I live now in Texas is $40k.
Hope you guys post more budget breakdowns soon. 😢.
This reminds me of when i first started out after college. My husband also drove a chevy cavalier when we met.
I drove a Chevy cavalier when i met my hubby. We babied that sucker til we were able to get out of debt & pay in cash for our new van. 14 years later, I’m still driving that same van!
Great epi guys!!! I love that you guys discuss the frugal life and a nice basic budget that will afford a person great retirement and savings! Starting out, your salary may be lower but it is soooo much easier saving vs as you grow older and grow your family. And your money compounds much more when you save younger! Also, that part of TX is CRAZY affordable! Here, new build homes start at like $1.7 mill- jealous of tx lol!
I spent two years at Orange Coast College in the early 2000's. $11 dollars a credit -for real. My first year teaching in Terlingua, TX, I made just about $29,000 base a year. and I still managed to save $12K by eating bean burritos and teaching summer school. I also bought a vintage travel trailer to live in and paid $50 dollars a month it park it. Did I have an outhouse? Sure. Did it matter? Not really. This was a life time ago and I am STILL proud of myself.
Have been a stay at home mom (very, very part-time instructor) and now my kids are in their 20’s and I’m struggling to find my identity 😢. However, with the flexibility you described, I was able to be there when my MIL was terminal, on hospice and then when my mom was having treatment for cancer. Money only good for so much. Time may be the greatest resource of anyone!
I am in the struggling with identity place as well. Last child is homeschooling high school, mainly online.
I turned off my DirecTV in2016 and have not paid for TV or streaming or anything since. Renting free dvds at the library and then free TH-cam movies had been it for me, and I've not missed it.
Just a small disclaimer, if you have military health insurance, Tricare, kids are only till 21 unless a full time college student then it is till 23.
This past year I have worked a traditional M-F 9-5 job. It is a wonderful job but I agree with your soul sucking statement. I am miserable being in the same 4 walls all day long. I am grateful that we have always kept our spending within my husband’s income and I have the freedom to walk away from a job that doesn’t make me happy! Because of my job we will all be going to Italy this summer😉
My husband is a music teacher as a private school. And he makes a lot less than a public school teacher. I am a stay at home Mom. We own a home and have no debt. The only way I am able to stay home is because of that. Next year we are going to save to switch to public school because we decided that I was going to stay home with our kids. I cook every meal at home and I shop sales.
I'd like to know where the $2.25 gas is...$2.89 at Sam's in Dallas.
I thought that sounded awfully low. I'm in TN and 2.89 at Sams sounds about right lol. $2.25 was off the charts lol😅
HI! SUCCHHH a great episode, thank you for being so open and sharing. I have been at home since our 7 month old was born and I feel like I'm getting dumber too lol! Also, it really hit home for me that you didn't care for the traditional things that moms go gaga over too. I am not one to "dress up" my little girl in the cutest outfits or enjoy making all the baby food recipes, and do ALL of the tummy time crafty things..But I am 28 and maybe I am too immature at this point to realize how much this time will mean to me some day as well. Thank you for sharing
Also, can you guys do a video of a reverse of a budget breakdown? Currently, we are deciding if we are making enough money for me to continue staying at home. Can you do a video of how much you would have to make to live comfortably in the Richardson/Dallas area as a family of 3 with no debt other than a mortgage, would greatly appreciate your input!
I live in a tiny townhouse, which is less than 1100 square feet in size. A virtually identical property in our neighborhood with the same floor plan sold for $300,000.00 last year.
Hi! I am not in Texas, but in California we also are required to pay into our pension about 9 percent--so that money is automatically set aside, union dues are about 150 a month--which most teachers pay, and we do have to pay state tax, so our take home would be less.
Love these breakdowns! Please do every week!!!
And--I totally agree about community college! I and both of my sons went to community college first. I have been teaching 19 years, and both my sons graduated from four year universities in finance--easily transferring from junior college. My older son has a masters in taxation and is completing his CPA exams, the younger is working in accounting. I don't understand why so many people find it important to overspend for college.
Hey Christine - what you forgot to mention...was the 8.25% that TRS removes - so 60K salary becomes 55,050 a year....I'm a teacher in Dallas...and I forget this...all the time...I currently make $65K and receive $4K a month...that is with all of things are removed...health insurance, and pension...etc
This was great. I would love to see you do an income review of the East Coast/ New England. $$
I second that! I live in NJ and rent/mortgage is astronomical & I live in a not so great area in a 1 BR that’s 715 sq ft. on one income. I do the best I can as a teacher & budget & cook at home, no debt, but as a teacher here the apartment expense is what kills my budget.
@@l.m.2710 correct. The next step is to just stop eating. There literally is no where else to cut it and moving out of state is NOT an option. Excuse me while I get more comfortable in between a rock and a hard place......
Exactly!! I literally cook every meal at home from scratch & shop at Lidl/Aldi & Dollar Tree- my budget is $200 for the month & my friends think I’m starving myself lol- moving to a different state isn’t an option due to pension & whatnot.
I was 301, gas in Texas for me is 2.89 and with a shared vehicle we put in 18 gallons a week granted I need a oil change and probably a tune up lol😅
When I started with the state (and I know it was almost 20 years ago) I made just over $26000 and I was able to make it work. I had to budget very good but I did it. I make a lot more now but still budget. I try to save majority of my pay check each month. I was able to stay on my mom's insurance until I was 26. I use several free streaming services. I pay for 2. Festival season is starting in NC so I am planning to go to some. All are free and you just have to pay for food. I use to charge $10 a day when I would babysit. But that was ages ago. I was in high school and college
I enjoy these breakdowns. How do I submit my budget for you to review?
Missed these!
Love and War in my town is now called Texas Music City Grill:) My first year teaching in Texas in 1994- $17,500. After 29 years I've hit $62,000. New teachers are making as much or more then I do.
That has got to be infuriating!!!
I would put extra income all towards knocking out debt (credit and student loan) THEN put towards down payment. I would try to knock out the student loan while single and before taking on any other debts.
I'm a teacher in Ohio with 7 years experience. I make 52k. I'm in the highest paid district in my area as well 😅
Yeah... Ohio teacher absolutely don't make that
I'm with Dave, everyone I know who was a teacher worked summers at least their first 5 years teaching, 40 years ago. Heck I ran into someone last year who lives and works in Vermont now who used to spend most of the summer with family in PA working. Now with a family he cherry picks a few busy weekends and comes down. He works as a registered Gettysburg Battlefield Guide. A highly specialized and unusual side hustle he started as a college history major. Once he passed the grueling test, it was his college weekend job.
Beginning salary at our district is only $32k 😩
Once again, a great video!
I would be really interested to see this budget with a one income family with 4 kids. Just wondering if its feasible.
My husband and I did this. We married 10 years ago and started a family right away. We were both hitting our 30's and didn't want to put it off. However, we both graduated college later in life and I had over 50 grand in student debt. Its was tough but we managed. My husband was a high school Agriculture Science teacher and with his summer Ag pay we would hit roughly 60K a year. It was lower when he first started though. We didn't hit the 60K range until, maybe, his 5th year of teacher. During this time we also payed for 3 c-sections, 2 ER visits, a totaled car, and payed off our debts in 6 years. Totally possible but man was it challenging at times.
Now we have 4 kids and he's about to graduate with his masters degree. We are still a one income family and I homeschool. I'm looking at the economy and wondering how the heck we are going to make things work this time around.
My husband is working full time right now they just told everyone that no more over time so he is looking for a new job we can't live on that. We use to cause he was able to do over time but now it like we can't. Our monthly bill is 1,500$ for everything. My husband said that we some times spend more then what he makes.
Fort Worth gas is $2.89 right now
Been a stay at home mom since about 6 months after my hubby & I got married. At the time my 10 year old was excited about that because it meant he could come right home & not have to go to a sitter’s house (one of my friends ~ 3 total ~ had watched him for me while I worked 2 full time jobs … though thankfully my 2nd full time job I could take him with me… since he was 6. He’d never had me full time at home with him & he was stoked… fast forward almost 18 years later… that 10 year old is 27 (28 this December) & we homeschool his 9 year old little brother. I can’t even imagine how crazy our life would be if I worked outside of our home. As it is, it feels as if we’re rarely home. But being able to do all of the everything that we/I do would be impossible if I didn’t stay at home (lol 😂 RARELY stay at home, we’re on the go most of the time). Hubs started back to 2 days at the actual office this week… That has been crazy wrapped in a hurricane! No way could we have figured out how to handle that all on the fly if I worked outside the home (had notice less than 5 days beforehand that they were going back to 2 days a week at the physical office rather than remotely).
We're trying to live on that amount as a family of 5 in Ohio. With this inflation, it's not cutting it anymore. 😔
Family of 6 here on that income. It's so hard!
If you can...start a garden. Eat from the garden and when there is more than you can eat...preserve it. :) It will help with the food aspect.
love you guys, you are so funny. We pay 16 per month for Amazon Prime
I’d like the link to the side hustle video you mentioned at the end of the video. You said you would put it in the show notes but it isn’t there.
We just canceled all our streaming services as well except TH-cam music, because we split that with my brother in law and we get Disney as part of our Verizon plan.
I can not imagine a car note at 175.00!!!! That is mot realistic unless it a used car that must be fixed on a regular basis 🤔 I've been there done that
I absolutely love your channel and most of this budget is realistic. As someone who graduated with low student loan debt the only things that feel off are the debt repayment and entertainment. My debt repayment was over $300 month right out of college unless I went on an income based repayment plan. As a teacher this person should get their student loans forgiven after 10 years of service and in my state would have a great pension plan. I’d bump a single person’s entertainment up a bit because everything is super expensive now. Years ago I struggled with $50 a week and that was way before inflation. And I’m super frugal! I wouldn’t cut retirement in favor of rushing to owning a home. You can build so much more wealth by starting early.
What about utilities?
I miss the podcast 😢
Hi - I just looked up the USDA average costs for food for 2024. Thrifty plan for one person is $242. So, Texas may be cheaper - but I don't want folks to be discouraged.
My husband is such a TV addict. The four or five streaming services are killing me!
Indiana just passed legislation last year that beginning teacher salary shouldn't be lower than $40,000. With 21 years experience my local district was $63,000.
Can u make something on getting into shape and eating healthy
We drove a cavalier in the 80’s. There’s a reason there are no old Cavaliers on the roads now.
We are supporting a family of 3 on a single 82,000 income in an expensive East Coast city. Paying 20k a year for basic childcare here to only make 39k in my field wasn't it. I'd rather take that cut and raise my own child. We've saved money by me being at home and our "lifestyle" is better. A safe clean home, home-cooked food, time with family.
I think your are right that the value of having a stay-at-home parent is difficult, if not impossible, to quantify. How do you put a number on the comfort and confidence that kids experience when they know mom is always available to help them? Definitely not saying this lifestyle is perfect, or without challenges and sacrifices. But, after 21 years as a stay-at-homeschooling mom, I wouldn't have missed this for any money or career prestige!!
I am fortunate to work from home so I can really enjoy homemaking.
Eliminating pre existing conditions is A life saver ! Glenda
Thank God for Obama
I babysit for 5$ a hour ( last summer)plus my food and I took the kid to zoo ( I bought him a toy ofcourse in gift shop)
To public pool (only 4$ per person but ) and to local ice cream place. No extra charge.
Ofcourse for parent is a lot 5$ for 9h is 45$ a day. But I think I did really cheap ( for some that I know)
We are a 1 income household. Very hard in NY ( not NY city, think mountains lol)
Is it possible to get the link for the side hustle video in the show notes? I’m going to go try and dig for it now.
Hello, I am making 35000 a year, paying taxes, etc but managed to buy my apartment, sold it and bought a little house in a small city. Am Belgian. To be honest, nowadays, I wouldn't be able to buy a house.
Even with 2 years of community college + 2 years state university, I’m not sure how realistic $150 for student debt would be. A lot of new grads drowning in student loan payments sadly.
Think I need to move to Texas! 😅
I'd disagree with the need to buy a house immediately - when how much money you'd be compounding by investing early on.
Try Michigan auto insurance I pay 300.00 a month
I stayed home with my kids. No regrets at all.
The sad part is if you go to the inflation calculator 40,000 would be worth like 67000 today so the person is functionally making less money even with the better raises. :(
I almost had a heart attack when I saw the teacher pay. I retired a few years ago with over 30 yrs.and a Masters Degree and I just made that amount.🤪
This was excellent advice that I wish I had when I was young.
by the way was wondering how youer daughter was doin in collage ,i thank i have watched most youer videos .... thanks
My daughter is a special education teacher in Augusta, GA. After 5 years teaching with a Master's degree she is only earning $57,000. Her rent is $1400 per month. Half of her take home pay. Add in electric, water, trash, exterminator, food, insurance, student loans and she is left with very little for food. She is becoming a respite care giver for special needs children so she can earn extra money to actually have money for entertainment and clothing. It is a shame how little teachers make.
Does she have to pay an exterminator? We have never paid for one in our lives, we just buy stuff and use it ourselves if necessary and usually it isn't thankfully!! Actually I take that back. We paid one once and had more bugs when he was finished so we fired him 😅
Almost every one of those teachers(if not all of them) are going to have student loans though
I had a that same car. Oh this is taking me back 😂
I'm on the wrong job
Well I'm a single mom teacher but I make half that. .... :( grrr
I don’t even have prime. I have a kid and there’s free children old movies on TH-cam and Tubi streaming is free and Freevee is free!!
We got rid of prime. It isn't necessary! ❤
And even as a single person 200 a month is not realistic either unless you eat a dollar tree and end up in hospital with bad health from shopping there
I like to see the one income as that’s me. Standard single mom.
I’m a single mom (by choice) and so I work because that’s how it goes! 😅 even if I was married I would choose to work. I think it’s good for you, however I wouldn’t work full time or probably anywhere near full time. 1-2 days a week would be great. I am college educated and have a high paying job so I would never be able to stay home and not use my skills.
It bothers me when I hear that teachers aren't paid much. 60k starting out no experience? Thats fantastic! I work alongside those teachers for a third or less than their pay, and if I chose health insurance I'd take home just $2000 per YEAR. And the teachers get different plans that are actually affordable. Sorry for the rant...
1st year here ( as a teacher) Illinois is 37,000 . Wow! I would have loved having 60,000! Holy cow no tax! Very Jealous here!! Just my personal perspective renting is not a way to go. Rent here 1200 and up. Comed is the electric and outrageous! Summer bill can run $200-$1,000 a month
We don't have state income tax in TN either but our sales tax is very high here. Much higher than other states. Not sure how high it is in TX.
We couldn't afford 3 kids in daycare and I did not want to pay to work, so I gave up my nursing license and stayed home.
Some teachers make way less than that. Sadly. Private school teachers can make half that.
❤❤❤
If you're buying a used car, you need to budget for repairs/maintenance...oil changes, new tires, unexpected (but really...this should be expected) odd stuff...maybe a bit more toward the purchase of a different car a few years down the road. I would set aside at least $50 for car maintenance...another $50 savings toward a future vehicle would also be prudent.
Also, where do you put personal care stuff? Most people are going to need a professional hair cut ($25 for cut and tip at a place like Great Clips) every six weeks or so. Shampoo, deodorant, toilet paper, fem hygiene products, makeup, etc. If your apartment has a washer/dryer, you will need laundry products. If you don't have the W/D, using a laundromat adds up, too. At least $50 a month, to prevent looking bad and smelling worse.
You've got some healthcare...but what if a person has prescriptions, they need regularly? Dental care? Eye exams? Contact lenses? New glasses? Again, at least $50 per month.
Holidays...gifts for family and friends for birthdays and whatever celebrations your culture celebrates. Another $50 a month for that.
So...maybe another $200-$300 per month needs to be allotted for the sake of day-to-day stuff that adds up over time.
Your child can stay on your insurance until 26y/o.