Bringing Home the Bacon

 I've always had the odd job to add to our income, but most things involved being with my kids. I worked at the local YMCA for several years. It was great because I was able to have my kids with me while earning a paycheck. For the most part, I've babysat from my home. It's hard work for little money, but it's worth it to be home for my kids. Now, I don't want to get in the ol battle between working moms and stay-at-home moms. Some women have  to work, some want  to work. You aren't a better mother because you choose one thing or another.
My mom had to work, which left me home taking care of my two younger siblings. When we had parties or field trips at school, my mom couldn't chaperone. If one of us were sick, she couldn't call in to be with us. She feels bad about the hard times we had growing up, but you gotta do what you gotta do. No hard feelings, Mom. These experiences shaped who I am today and play a part in why I choose to be home. If I worked it may ease some financial burdens, but then again, maybe not. I know plenty of two-income families that are struggling.
We have a small cleaning business that supplements our income and that's a huge blessing. The Lord continues to provide for our needs and  for my desire to remain in the home.
My husband is the main bread winner in our family but as I shared in a previous post, I am finding ways to contribute to the finances by learning how to cut costs with couponing, gardening and re-evaluating our expenses.
I have saved hundreds with coupons. Those little slips of paper really add up!
Growing some of your favorite herbs and vegetables in your backyard also saves valuable dollars on your grocery bill.
Take the time to really, and I mean really, go over your budget. If you can't afford it, don't buy it. If you can do without it, do away with it. By downsizing some "extras" in your budget, you may be able to save as much as a part-time job would bring in.