Is managing family finances a "job?"

peacelovemom · **Is managing family finances a "job?"**

I am curious...do any of the stay at home mothers on this site feel that it is their "job" to manage the finances and make their money go as far as possible? I feel like the money we have coming in, has already been taxed, and by stretching it ( and saving it ) we come out ahead, rather than have me work, pay taxes on my salary, pay childcare, etc. I have stayed home for over 10 years now, and I am proud of my "job", but many moms I know do not think of managing a family as a job. Any thoughts? PS. My husband works for the gas company and we are not "well off" but we have no debt.

LuvMySoldier · 12-26-2007, 08:04 AM

I, personally, think of managing a family - and the finances - as not only a JOB, but a FULL-TIME JOB!! (And one that doesn't pay well, either!!

)

I guess everyone is different, so it depends on your situation as to how you look at it. I think some Moms find it their "duty", and maybe others think of it as either a "chore", or not their responsibility at all. For me, I DO feel like it's my job, because I'm the one who buys the groceries, clothing, etc. for our family. I just feel like if he is out earning it, it's my job to make it stretch. That's just my opinion, and the way I see it.

I wish my DH would give me more control over our finances though, because I honestly think I could make it stretch a heck of alot farther than he does. He's not a saver - he's a spender. The opposite of how I am. So, I'm still waiting on (and praying for) that to change. I only see what money he gives me, and I don't have an ATM card like he does.

He pays the bills, etc. and I never really know how much is in the bank at any one time...Frustrating, to say the least.

aleise02 · 12-26-2007, 08:20 AM

I think it depends on each family! When my DH and I decided I would stay home I took on all of the household responsibility as my JOB!!! When I worked/attended college we did like 1/2 and 1/2 of laundary and cooking and somethings we did seperatley on our own ... I did cleaning he did all outside work.

But I think that it is MY JOB to manage the finances, pay the bills, etc and I feel like I can constantly improve. I spend about an hour to two hours everyday managing money or reading posts on here, making lists or menus, shopping for bargins, etc!! And I LOVE my job!! I find it rewarding

melsb · 12-26-2007, 09:54 AM

Interesting question. Even before I started staying at home with the kids - I always managed our money. Part of it was just our personalities and I was better with money and that's not to say that I don't have my faults with money ... I just don't have as many as my husband!

I have truthfully thought about returning to work and might even pick up something part time in the spring - this will be a special position if I do it. Honestly if is cheaper for us if I stay at home right now because we don't have daycare (something we never wanted to do), we don't need two cars (which is good as our one is in the shop), and I don't need new clothing -- which when I finally return to work, I'm going to have to invest in.

Staying at home also allows me to prepare a lot of our food, which includes our garden and any canning I do during the early fall. I figure our food bill is at least a 1/3 less expensive during the summer months and a lot healthier. And we still have a fair amount of food leftover from my canning -- my peaches and spaghetti sauce should last us until summer and our blueberries will run out in early spring.

And it also keeps our lives a little more relaxed. My husband is a high stress / high energy person and if my life was as hurried as his (with outside work) I know that would have a huge negative affect on our children.

Hmmm, I'm starting to talk myself out of that possible job that I know is coming up ... but it is a part time position and it sounds like I will be able to work from home and chose some of my own hours! Plus, it is something that I know I would enjoy!

cathleeninnh · 12-26-2007, 11:50 AM

Yes, and No. It was a choice to stay home. He said it was my choice, but I knew it would cut our income in half. I thank him by making his life as easy as possible. Sort of like it is my job to spoil him. Being frugal and penny pinching is just my way of keeping on track to meet our goals. I see retirement or a new car down the road and don't mind eating beans today to have them.

Cathleen

prettyfeet · 12-26-2007, 01:00 PM

It is hard to answer that. I do feel like I am putting as much work into my family as my husband does at his job. I feel like it is a challenge to make our money go as far as possible and I think I do a pretty dang good job at it. I don't feel like I am not earning my keep, so to speak.
I do sometimes do wish that I was making more money to bring into our family. Recently I started working VERY part-time writing free-lance and my very tiny checks do make me feel like I am contributing to our family in a different way and it makes me feel good about myself. My husband told me that he is proud of me, if it makes me feel good, but that he doesn't view me any differently than he did when I wasn't making a single penny, that I do a bigger job than him (although I would have to disagree with that, maybe because I love what I do, I don't know, it doesn't feel like work, work).

Adda15 · 12-26-2007, 02:21 PM

Most definitely. Part of the luxury of being a stay at home Mom is ensuring that our finances will allow me to do this. It's one I am very proud of, since so many people say they "can't afford" to stay home, when they really could. Don't get me wrong, I know that there are people out there that truly need to work to make ends meet and that's a different story all together.
Making sure that our money does double duty, that we spend within our means, and make every dollar count is something I did before I stopped working, however now it is much more important, and much more rewarding.

jmhouck2001 · 12-26-2007, 04:30 PM

I definitely think that is a full time job! I also try to get the most out of our money by shopping sales, always finding ways to reduce costs and spending. It can be just as stressful as any "paid" job.

Happymom · 12-26-2007, 04:44 PM

I don't think of it as a job. It is just part of the responsibility of being an adult. I have always managed our money to the best of my ability, whether I am a sahm or work outside the home mom. It is just part of what a responsibile family does (it does not matter if the husband, wife or both do it)

Kim · 12-26-2007, 05:34 PM

When I first became a SAHM, the only way we could make ends meet was if I took my role as a saver very seriously. I certainly had more time than money, so my time went into clipping coupons, planning meals, shopping garage sales, etc.