Moms Talk: To Stay Home or Work?

Question: I had a baby over the summer and am on the fence about going back to work. My husband says he can't imagine us winging it on one income, but I know plenty of moms that make it work. I'm willing to cut coupons and hit sales to stay home with our son; can we make this work?

Answer: I'm living proof that you can make it work. I left the workforce nine years ago after the birth of our third child. My husband and I both realized that paying for childcare for three kids would eat up the money I made teaching, and we decided to give the one-income thing a go. I cut coupons, hit up yard sales and consignment stores for clothes, used buy one get one free coupons for dinners out, swapped babysitting with friends and found free events, like library storytime, to attend. Every stay at home mom I know says this: "If you try to work it out on paper, it doesn't look good, but somehow, it always works out." Does it mean you might have to part with extras? Maybe. But is it worth it to cut out fancy dinners in exchange for spending time with your son? Absolutely. You might find something to do from home to make extra money, like tutoring, direct sales or freelancing. I've been on all ends of the spectrum as a working mom, a stay at home mom and a part time working mom, and the bottom line is, you have to do what's best for family.