Being a Stay-at-home mother/father...

I dont think I've ever mentioned this on the blog but about 2 years ago, my wife and I decided that if we were to ever have children that I would stay at home for the first couple years and then she would alternate. And in life, things change and plans change. With my recent job change and over 255% increase in salary, the tables have turned. I would now cast my vote for her being the better candidate for staying at home. Our ultimate goal was to have one of us be there, so really it didnt matter. At least once a day, maybe more, I'll crunch the numbers to make sure that we are on track, if not ahead of the track in dropping to one income. Every time the numbers work out the same. Infant childcare is expensive. We dont really trust anyone to watch the child on a long full-time basis,yet (even parents). We can afford to have one of us stay at home. We have budgeted appropriately. Ultimately my wife would like to return to work. Simple as that.

The reality for both of us is that our main "Priority One" financial goal of paying off the house in 2-3 years is now stretched to 4-5 years. Way before we started blogging or getting on the debt reduction train, I'm sure we envisioned a path much quicker and simpler. One step into "baby zone" and we have fallen back financially almost 2 years. Of course, our child is the most IMPORTANT priority now and we realize this, however again just financially, its difficult to swallow those 2 years of numbers. Hmmm maybe I should get a second job... posted by The American Dollar at 11:45 PM