I am an elementary school counselor and have always worked full-time. After we adopted our second son in December, he developed some health problems that have left DH and I with the decision that I should stay home part-time. We are still sending our 3 year old DS to preschool part-time and getting a nanny (hopefully) for the baby so he won't be exposed to too many illnesses.

Anyway, we were talking again this morning about the new budget and I am really nervous about it. Unfortunately, we have quite a bit of credit card debt and we have a loan that we used to adopt both of our boys. My question for you wise mommies is this--what areas can I save in? We have cut all the extras (alarm, cleaning lady, lawn, etc.) and have what I think are just basics now. There has to be something else to cut, but I can't come up with it.

Also, while I'm thrilled to be able to stay home with my boys part-time, I am a little sad about the things we'll be giving up--not just for me, but the things that I won't be able to do with the boys. How do you deal with the major change that comes with cutting your household income?

TIA!

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From the sound of what you are cutting you are cutting luxuries that many of us couldn't afford even before kids.
So the biggest area is groceries and food. I am convenced that most people spend too much here. So you need rules in place like. Going out only once a week, not buying things because you want them.
Gift budgets are another easy thing to cut back on.
Have a relitive watch your children Nannys are really a spendy form of child care.
Just cut back where you can, don't buy new clothes for yourself, skip the latte, buy DCs clothes 2nd hand when possible, avoid brand names, down size your home or your cars. There are tons of ways to cut back

For us what helped the most was we bought a home we could afford on one income a little planning for us is why we can make it(just barely) on 40K and still have me stay home full time

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Kimberly Proud Mommy to Bethany Rose April 2006 &

Organizer of the Coupon Clippers of Tacoma

I would look through the How to become a SAHM thread at the top of money matters forum. I would look through old posts and see what might apply to u.

Otehrwise, You need to reevaluate what u think are basics. Are they truely basic or just what u think u must have. Only u can determine that. some people think the internet is a luxury for others this may not be the case b/c they aren't close to a library with free internet service. A nanny is expensive. can u share a nanny with someone? Better yet, I agree with Amber15, and find a family member or small home based day care. we have one mom on here who usually only watches one child as a way to make extra money. that would be ideal for u. I would put a feeler out at your church or another local church if u don't go to church.
Looking at groceries there can be alot to save. coupons and working with sale ads are the first thing. Generics are another way to go. what about stores that do rebates like walgreens/CVS. Making your own cleaning products can save a bundle. I do alot of freebies. even with sample sizes I haven't had to buy dh deodorant in about 6 months. With rebates I get almost all toilerties and cleaning supplies free. I even get sanitary supplies free. If u want to go the coupon route then I would suggest signing up for a coupon train.
HTH,
allgirls

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allgirls, mom to 3 girls

I agree with the previous posts. I have recetly cut my income in half and am absolutely amazed at how things can be cut out. I'm not saying it is easy and it certainly isn't stress-free, but I think it can be done. Ember15 is so right that groceries are the first thing that can be cut. In fact, working part-time you may find that you have more time to cook and do without convenience foods. That is what I have found since I stopped working. Working full time left me exhausted and looking for any short cuts possible when it came to eating. Now I have more time to put into it.

Also, it is all in attitude. Try to make this a game, a challenge for yourself. I am in transition as well ( and totally FREAKING out I might add... ), but I try to remain focused on why I am doing this (my baby!) and see it as an adventure. Hopefully this will be a time we look back on and smile. We'll say "wow, we were so broke and it was such a great time when our children were small." Challenge yourself to finding things to do for free. Go the the library, parks, botanical gardens, find free movies etc. I am not sure where you live, but there is quite a bit of that stuff where I live if you look for it.

Good luck!

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Thanks for the advice. I really like the idea of thinking of it as a challenge to see what other ways can I save money. I do love it at the grocery store when I see how much I have saved!

I wish I could leave my DS#2 with family instead of a nanny, but we live away from all of our family. It would put my mind much more at ease if I knew he was with family, but I have to accept that at least I'll be home 2-3 days a week. It could be worse! I am still looking for that perfect someone to keep him.

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Like the others posted about the grocery budget- I totally agree! I also am an advid couponing, rebate, freebie girl! I also have stockpiles of stuff (food and personal products). There is also little things that add up that you can go without for a while until things are looking better! Quit buying paper products (besides toilet paper)- use kitchen towels, rags and don't buy paper plates, platic cups and utensils (they cost a bit of money and not that great for the enviroment!). If you use white vinegar at all- there is many used for it cleaning wise that you may get away without buying all kinds of different cleaners- besides it is healthier for you kids. Another thing is laundry detergent- you really don't have to use to the first line in order to get your clothes clean (I use about 1/2 to the first line)- if the little one is still using baby detergent- basically it is baby shampoo- just grab some from the dollar store- it is just as effective!

I totally understand about preschool and so on- is there a "cheaper" preschool through churches in the area? That is where my youngest goes to preschool- it is a lot cheaper than the normal day care preschool. I agree with the others posting about finding a single person to watch the baby for you! If it would make you feel more comfortable- maybe you can find one person to come to your house and watch the baby and maybe do a few little chores.

It can be overwhelming at first but eventually- you will become accustomed to how things are and eventually you will be able to "get ahead". Good luck!