That age old debate, to be a stay at home mom or go back to work.  I recently came across a poll on a pregnancy website.  The question: Will you go back to work after the baby is born?  One of the options was ‘Yes!  I would get bored’ while at the other end was ‘I can’t afford to leave my job’.  I would venture to say those at the latter end would choose to stay home if they could.  It is amazing how many things can be cut from the budget to accomplish this (also, figure in crazy daycare costs).  It does take some sacrifice (what part of motherhood doesn’t?).  If it is important to your family, you CAN do it!  Our family certainly has for the last 7 1/2 years and we make below the average income for our area.  The following ideas are ones we use.  If you have some (other than coupon clipping because my bored meter goes through the roof), please share!

Here are some ideas:

- Become a one car family ( we were one for 7 years until recently).  Add up the cost of gas to and from work, insurance, up keep i.e oil changes, car payments, etc for that second car.  Also, the money you could make if you sell it.

-Cut back on cable.  I know what you are saying; WHAT?!  I WILL MISS _______(fill in the show)!!  There is netflix and the vast world of online viewing (fancast.com for example).  Trust me when I say, I don’t miss it much.  I find myself much more productive.

-Eat at home more.  What a gift to your kids to eat together with them in a calm setting where you don’t have to worry about how long they can be entertained.  Also, they can become more involved in the cooking process and possibly eat healthier because they get to help pick and and prepare the ingredients.

-Plan meals.  This is such a saver because you aren’t making those last minute trips to the grocery store for one item while coming out with a few bags full.

-Make your own coffee.  Not only cheaper but healthier because you control what goes in.  You can even get a variety of sugar free syrups.

-Buy children’s clothes second hand and shop Craigslist (it’s amazing what people sell and the deals!).

-Remember we want to raise well adjusted kids, so having all the latest and greatest isn’t the best for them anyways.  Teach them how to save and earn things they really want.  They will appreciate what they DO have more and will more likely be givers.

-Start a garden and plant those foods that are a little more spendy like blueberries and tomatoes.  It’s a perfect way for your kids to have an appreciation for healthy food and they understand where food comes from.  If they are a little older, perfect weed pickers (and a great way to earn some extra money)!

-Did you know that many generic items have the same ingredients as the name brand?  Want an amazing example?  We need seasonal allergy medicine in our house.  The name brand was almost $21, the generic brand (with the same ingredients and dosage amount) almost $6!

-If you have a gaming system, find some friends with the same one and trade games.

-Go to your local library and search out book on the subject of money/budgets to become an expert on your personal circumstances and goals.

Above all, remember your kids spell love T-I-M-E.  They won’t say you were the greatest because you gave them everything, they will say you are the greatest because of how many kisses, hugs, and games you played with them. When you start looking for creative ways to live a full, frugal life, they will find you! I promise because we are proof.