Being a stay-at-home mom is a rewarding and challenging role that requires a lot of dedication and sacrifice, but can also include some financial benefits. In fact, according to a survey from Salary.com who surveyed over 19,000 moms to track real-time prices including all the “work” moms do, an average salary would be $184,820 which is $6,619 above pre-pandemic median. Why is that? Moms wear so many different hats doing so many different jobs. But stay-at-home moms are not getting paid, but there are still many financial benefits besides the actual salary. In fact, staying at home can often be a smart financial choice for families, especially when you consider childcare expenses and other expenses that come along with working outside the home. To find more resources about the financial benefits of being a sta-at-home mom, contact me or visit my website at www.connectingmamas.com.
In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the key financial benefits of being a stay-at-home mom. From saving on childcare costs to taking advantage of tax benefits and entrepreneurial opportunities, we’ll discuss how staying at home can contribute to a family’s financial well-being in both the short and long term. Whether you’re currently a stay-at-home mom or considering making the transition, this post will provide valuable insights into the financial benefits of this important role as well as key ideas to consider.
Savings on childcare costs of being a Stay-at-Home Mom
One of the most obvious financial benefits of being a stay-at-home mom is the savings on childcare costs. Childcare can be incredibly expensive, particularly for families with multiple children or infants who require full-time care. According to the Care.com 2021 Cost of Care Survey, the average weekly cost of childcare in the United States is $226 for a single child in a daycare center and $694 for a nanny. These costs can add up quickly, leaving many families struggling to make ends meet.
For me, when I finally made the decision to stay home, it was after we moved states and I got a teaching job again. After having two kids in daycare, we barely had anything left from my salary by the end. Plus, it was more work to juggle all of it at that moment in my life that choosing to stay home was the right choice for my family. My husband had put it the only reason to stay working was if I was truly feeling fulfilled from my job. And when I really looked inside myself, I was feeling so miserable.
Thus, by being a stay-at-home mom, you can avoid these costs entirely. Instead of paying for daycare or a nanny, you can provide the care yourself, saving thousands of dollars each year. In addition, staying at home can help your family avoid other childcare-related expenses, such as transportation to and from daycare, snacks and meals, and extra fees for extended hours or late pick-ups that inevitably happen.
Of course, it’s important to acknowledge that staying at home comes with its own costs and trade-offs, such as reduced earning potential and limited opportunities for career advancement. However, for many families, the savings on childcare costs alone can make staying at home a financially smart choice. By avoiding these expenses, moms can contribute to their family’s financial stability and use the savings to cover other essential expenses or to build up their savings for the future.
Lower Transportation Expenses for being a Stay-at-Home Mom
Another financial benefit of being a stay-at-home mom is the reduction in transportation expenses. When moms stay-at-home with their children, they can avoid commuting to and from work, which can be a significant source of expenses for many families.
When I lived in California, my husband and I commuted 45 minutes and 45 miles each way which worked well because we did it together. I dropped him and my son off about half way into my commute, but the time spent in the car felt so long. And it never failed that half way over the toll way the baby would throw up. One time we pulled over to clean up and a policeman stopped and then gave us that knowing look only another parent could give you. When we did move to Wisconsin, I felt like I got back two hours of my life every single day not even mentioning the gas prices, the milage, and toll road costs.
Commuting costs can include gas, car maintenance, parking fees, tolls, and other expenses that can quickly add up. According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the average American household in 2021 spends over $10,961 per year on transportation expenses. This is the second largest household expense after housing. By staying-at-home, moms can significantly reduce their transportation expenses. Additionally, by reducing the number of cars used in the family, moms can lower their carbon footprint and contribute to a healthier environment.
While these savings may seem small in comparison to the cost of childcare, they can add up over time and make a significant difference in a family’s finances. By staying at home, moms can free up more money for other essential expenses or for saving towards long-term financial goals, such as a down payment on a home or retirement.
Tax Benefits for being a Stay-at-Home Mom
Staying at home can also provide financial benefits in the form of tax credits and deductions. While stay-at-home moms may not have traditional income, they may still be eligible for certain tax benefits that can lower their family’s tax bill.
One common tax benefit for stay-at-home moms is the Child Tax Credit, which provides up to $2,000 per child under the age of 17 for families that meet certain income requirements. Additionally, stay-at-home moms may be eligible for other tax credits and deductions, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit, the Child and Dependent Care Credit, and deductions for home office expenses or contributions to a retirement account.
The other aspect I didn’t think of was the tax bracket you are in. When I did work for a period, we actually went to a higher tax bracket which took even more out of our pocket. Also, pay attention to tax brackets with raises as well because the raise may be much less when you switch brackets. It’s always a good thing to look at before assuming you have more money to be spend because April 15th might take it all back.
If this sounds confusing, talk with a professional many of them do free or cheap consultations to help make sure you are on track. The key is to find the right person to help you figure out your financial situation and make a plan. Currently, I am figuring out business taxes for the first time and have found refuge in other moms who are comfortable with their books. Many are willing to teach and make you feel comfortable with business or personal finances. We mamas need to stick together and support each other.
Lower Eating Out Expenses for being a Stay-at-Home Mom
Cooking meals at home instead of eating out will reduce the household expenses. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American household spends over $3,000 per year on dining out. By cooking meals at home, stay-at-home moms can save money on groceries and also ensure that the family is eating healthy and nutritious meals.
Though don’t get me wrong, this can feel like an overwhelming burden at times. The mom has to manage all this stuff to keep the costs down and then make sure dinner is on the table every night. But again, this is when it is time to reach out to other moms to get ideas how they manage their meals. And ask yourself would batching meals work, would a planned week with a specific shopping list work, more crock pot meals, pressure cooker meals, or do your kids like going to the grocery store and have them engaged in a “field trip.” Explore possibilities that will make this task manageable and maybe even a little enjoyable then a source of pain, and then this can really add saving to your household.
Entrepreneurial opportunities of being a Stay-at-Home Mom
For stay-at-home moms who are interested in entrepreneurship, there are a variety of opportunities to start and grow their own businesses from home. This is where I have been lead as I’ve been going inward to see what are my true passions. I want to support other mamas who felt lost and unsure of who they are wanting more but unsure how to get it. I’m not going to lie and say it’s a piece of cake, in fact, it requires some soul searching and really looking at what you want. That was the hardest part because as a mom I felt the guilt in even asking the question.
But what I learned this process is so much easier when we have like minded women supporting us in this process which lead me to create Connecting Mamas. When you decide you want something more, the people around you might not understand which might make you second guess that decision. Instead, get the support you need to rise to your full potential. Because Mama you deserve it, you deserve to set the example you want your kids to follow.
For me, I thought I’d be taking away from my kids. I never foresaw the genuine connection it would create because my kids saw me working to something I truly believed in. In this process, my son has discovered his passion for cooking and food wanting to teach other kids about nutrition. And even wanting to start his own microgreen business and sprouts selling around the neighborhood. He’s been researching and figuring it out as he plans to start sales this summer with already three interested neighbors by simply explaining what he wanted to do. It’s a high market according to his research at the local market that can’t keep them on the shelves.
My 9 year old daughter, was sponsored to speak at the Voices of Women’s Summit for Woman’s Day being the youngest speaker there. My youngest wants to create a podcast that supports the 365 Give mission. They are learning through my modeling which in my head when I started my question was, “What will my family lose” never was it “What will my family gain?”
It starts by figuring out what you are passionate about. Some popular home-based business ideas for stay-at-home moms include selling handmade goods on platforms like Etsy, starting a blog or YouTube channel, offering freelance services such as writing or graphic design, or becoming a virtual assistant. And it’s not about doing it all at once, but It’s about planning out the 15 minute pockets you will get here and there and how to use them. Check out the 15 Minute Formula by Cara Harvey, you will see what can be done when you put intention behind it. It won’t happen overnight, but it will happen if you don’t give up. You have the power, now come get the support.
Spousal benefits of being a Stay-at-Home Mom
While being a stay-at-home mom can provide many financial benefits, it can also benefit a spouse’s career and earning potential. When one partner is able to stay at home and take care of the family, it can allow the other partner to focus on their career and take on more work or pursue other opportunities. This can lead to higher earnings and greater financial stability for the family over the long term.
The old saying behind every great man, is a greater women comes into play here. I will admit I try to focus on this, but at times I felt I wasn’t contributing to the house. In my head I knew that wasn’t true, which was partly what made me feel like I was in a fog. But part of that was looking at my own self-worth. I point this out as something to watch for how do you feel in this role. At first, I also hadn’t made the decision to stay-at-home but lack of job opportunities from our move had me in this role. And it wasn’t until I made the decision that this is what I was going to do that being home became more enjoyable.
My husband has been able to take business trips as he needs to excel in his job, but at times, I can tell he also feels the pressure of being the sole bread winner. This is slowly starting to change again but the pressure of transition is something to be aware of and talk with each other. You are giving your spouse an amazing opportunity to grow their career while having a family. It’s about embracing our chosen roles and remember it is a choice.
Ultimately, the partnership between a stay-at-home mom and her spouse can be a powerful force for financial stability and success. By working together and supporting each other’s goals, they can create a secure and prosperous future for themselves and their family.
Long-term financial benefits of being a Stay-at-Home Mom
One of the often-overlooked benefits of being a stay-at-home mom is the long-term financial benefits it can provide. By managing household expenses, reducing the need for childcare, and other cost-saving measures, stay-at-home moms can contribute to a family’s financial stability over time.
In addition, by staying at home, stay-at-home moms can contribute to lower retirement expenses in the long run. When a mom is able to stay-at-home, it can reduce the need for expensive childcare and other services during the working years, allowing the family to save more for retirement. In addition, by staying at home, stay-at-home moms can focus on managing the family’s finances and planning for the future, which can contribute to greater financial security over time.
Now keep in mind this is an aspect that can truly add if you plan out for it. Moms, do not put all this burden on your shoulders. This concept should be something you and your spouse figure out together, and if you are unsure of where to start, that is when reaching out to other moms who have already put these plans into place come into play. It’s time to learn from each other rather than think you have to do it alone. If you want to save time and money, it’s time for a coach or mentor to help you devise a plan that works for your family. There are even coaches out there teaching how to have your kids go to college for free. But regardless of what you choose, do not do it alone enlist your partner to devise how this will look. The key is decide what you two want and how to make that happen.
Finally, staying at home can provide stay-at-home moms with valuable skills and experience that can be applied to future opportunities, whether in the workforce or in entrepreneurship. By managing a household, managing finances, and providing support for a spouse and children, stay-at-home moms develop a range of skills and experience that can be valuable in a variety of contexts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, being a stay-at-home mom can provide many financial benefits, both in the short-term and the long-term. By reducing expenses, avoiding the costs of childcare, and enabling a spouse to focus on their career and earning potential, stay-at-home moms can contribute significantly to a family’s financial stability and success. The most important part deciding what you want and making a plan to achieve it together as a family.
In addition, staying at home can provide opportunities for entrepreneurship, skill-building, and personal growth that can lead to greater financial security and success in the future. And, with the availability of spousal and survivor’s benefits, stay-at-home moms can ensure that they are taking advantage of all the resources available to them to build a secure and prosperous future for themselves and their families.
Of course, being a stay-at-home mom is not without its challenges, and it’s important for moms to plan carefully and work with financial advisors, mentors, and/or coaches to ensure that you are making the most of your opportunities. But for those who are able to make it work, being a stay-at-home mom can be a fulfilling and financially rewarding choice that provides benefits that last a lifetime.