At first, this was tough for me. But now clipping coupons, carefully laying aside money for rent every month and “shopping” our closet for “new” outfits is our new normal. I’m actually surprised by how much we can do without and not really even miss the little luxuries. We don’t subscribe to cable, we don’t buy movie tickets, we don’t buy new clothes (unless they are deeply discounted), we limit eating out and have “date night” at home with ice cream and a DVD (often one we already own!).

Instead of mourning the loss of our more lux lifestyle, we try to see the fun in shopping bargains and spending as little money as possible. Staying home with my precious daughter is worth above and beyond the little sacrifices we have to make!

I am also blessed to be a SAHM, although I do tutor a few hours a week (in my home usually and sometimes away, while my children are either with me or with dad/grandma for a short time!)

My husband and I have chosen to live *below* our means, which is why I can stay home. My husband is blessed with a job that provides great health insurance and benefits, and we are grateful for that. Part of living below our means is having only what is needful.

A few years ago we, like Michele, sold our second car (which we owned outright) in order to pay down more or our mortgage. We have no debt (other than our mortgage) which is due to my husband’s self-sacrificial “15-year plan” for college (work and save for school, go to school till you run out of $$$, go back to work, etc. repeat until degree is earned). That wasn’t easy, but now we don’t have to worry about college debt.

We own a very small, modest condo which we bought a few years ago. It’s less than 900 square feet, hardly fit for a “growing family”, but like Michele, my husband and I sleep out on a futon in the living room so our kids can each have their own rooms (to better faciliate sleep!)

We don’t take vacations and our entertainment is home-based (books, knitting, games, family time). We have only cell phones, no “land line” (which I don’t necessarily think is better, but it does totally save not paying for both). We walk as much as we can to parks, to church, to the store. We save car trips for a few times a week only in order to save on gas.

All clothes are second-hand, I don’t get my hair done; I keep a style that doesn’t require regular “maintainance”. I avoid stores in general (unless it’s for groceries) so that I’m not tempted.

I constantly try to make my space work for our family. My only complaint is my small kitchen, but I make it work. I just try to be thankful for all things and consider that what I have is so much more than most of the world !

I am so inspired by Michele and all the other bloggers like Lindsay who are living this way of life out! I totally believe God empowers and inspires women to do this life-giving work in the home!

I did not say that insurance was unnecessary (in fact, I mentioned that there are some inexpensive plans available, for such issues as you mentioned). However, during extremely lean times with no income (such as unemployment), we have had to cancel our insurance plans at times. The cost of your daughters’ health insurance is half the amount of our monthly income!

Whether or not we have insurance, we still feel that focusing on prevention (for typical health problems) is a good form of stewardship, while we faithfully add to an HSA (health savings account) when possible.

Blessings to you and your children, and my condolences on the loss of your husband.
Michele

Blessings,
Michele

My only disagreement with the author is on health insurance. At 15, my son with diagnosed with non-hodgkins lymphoma. Without health insurance, we would still be paying hospital and doctor’s bills. I know that health insurance is expensive. A year before his death, my husband left the company he had been with for 10 years to start his own business. Our COBRA health insurance payments were $813.00 per month. We did NOT drop them. We cut back in other ways. Currently, health insurance for me and my two daughters at home is $480.00. I just don’t see how I could drop that. Also, speaking from experience, life insurance is a necessity. I am a Christian, as was my husband. We prayed daily that the Lord would bless us with long life and help us to raise our children. The Lord, however, had other plans and took my husband at the age of 47. It was an accident. It had nothing to do with his health. He was incredibly healthy – he ate right, exercised, slept, had regular check-ups. He prayed daily, several times a day. But, he was killed by being crushed by a flatbed trailer. If he had not had life insurance, my children and I would not only have had to deal with the horrific loss of my husband and their father, but I would probably have lost our home, had to return to work, stop homeschooling my children, etc. Our life would be so different that I’m not sure we could have handled it as well as we have. It has been hard enough, but, thanks to my husband’s foresight and planning, I do not have any financial worries.

I am so proud of all the young women who decide to stay home. There truly is no higher calling. I just want to make sure that all of you are hoping and praying for the best, while planning for the worst. It is sobering and not something anyone ever wants to think about, but it does happen.

This is such a fun blog. I really wanted to do something like this, but my organizing interests were calling me. Thanks for this. I love hospitality. We have enjoyed the hospitality lifestyle for almost 18 years of marriage. Blessings to you.

I really enjoy your blog. I’m always learning something new!