Reply to How much would DH have to earn for me to SAH?

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]OP here. Thanks PPs for the great advice. Good call on reminding me about the cost of classes and such...didn't even think of that!

Here's an issue I've had with the main advice (living on one salary to test that waters), though:

How do you try out living on one salary, really, when you work? Most of the eating out and even some of the expense of groceries (buying pre-made food) comes from the fact that I just don't have time to cook (and also do all the chores and then work more at night -- yes, I have that sort of job). It's been impossible for me to truly pilot a SAH budget when the time constraints of working make things like cooking for each meal almost impossible (and yes, I've tried cooking for the week on Sunday and not had enough time to do that, even!) Other things like transportation expenses can't just disappear for the pilot period either. Am I being dense or is there some easier way to pilot living on the single salary?

Finally, I should have mentioned that about $10K of my yearly intake is from freelancing, which I will continue to do. [/quote]

For meals and miscellaneous, I would use a joint account that is only replenished by your husbands salary.  If your parking is paid for by your salary, then it is a wash because you won't be parking every day and you won't be getting paid.  BUt for lunches, coffee, etc. use a credit/debit card that is from your DH's salary.  Have him pay for all meals out or always put it on that card. Buy all gifts for family off that card.  You will probably eat out less but maybe start tracking that too.  I know it is hard but I think you and DH should starting trying to cook more.  I am a SAHM and I did cook before staying home but doing it after being home was an adjustment anyway.  It is not "hard" for me to cook now but it isn't just a breezy thing.  I am tired from taking care of the kids (I still get up at 5:45 so I can shower before my DH leaves for work) and the kitchen is very "lived in" and I have to clean up to start prepping food.  So, if you get the family in the habit of cooking and eating and cleaning up together now, it will be easier later.  I know SAHM's who hate cooking and are too tired and order in a lot and that is something you will not be able to do on your budget.  You will want to eat out occasionally. [/quote]

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