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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]The OP asked at what HHI does it make sense to be a SAHM.  I think that depends on the individual situation.

My DH makes $155,000, which is technically enough for me to be a SAHM to my 3 kids as I had once hoped.  However, there are a couple of reasons why I still work.

First, my mom had a high-powered career and she always really valued her financial independence, even though my parents have a good solid marriage.   I currently make a slightly higher salary than my DH ($165,000 plus bonus) and I am able to get a solid 401(k) plus invest.  I feel secure financially and know I’m not dependent on anyone, even though I love my husband.  When I was a child, I missed my mom a lot when she was working long hours, and so I dreamed of being a SAHM for at least a period of time to be there more fully for my kids.  But I realize that I am more at peace when I am earning my own money, just in case anything happened to my marriage (which I don’t anticipate).

Second, my husband has a mild drinking issue (which he disputes), and I worry that he may not be able to hold onto his job for another 20 years (we’re in our early 40’s).

Third, and this is unique to my marriage and may not apply to others, my DH and I seem to get along better when I work too.  The marriage seems more balanced.  For example, now that I make more than he does (compared to when I worked part-time), he completely understands the need to relieve the nanny at 6pm sharp (rather than assuming I will do it since I was only part-time.)

I think it’s a nice thing for the kids to have a SAHM if the SAHM is at peace with her place and if the marriage is strong.  But if that is not 100 percent there, then I think it's best for the mom to WOHM.  
[/quote]

In your case staying at home would negatively impact the family's standard of living because you both earn nearly the same.  It generally makes a little more sense to have one partner stay at home when the stay-at-home spouse's income does not cover the cost of outside childcare.[/quote]

I don't see many professionals marrying people whose income would barely cover childcare though, at least not in the 45 years and under crowd.[/quote]

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