Even when you have a fulfilling career, life is about so much more than work. The time crunch of two full-time careers may lead couples to wonder if—and how—they can live on one income, especially if they have young children or other hefty responsibilities.
Becoming a single-income family can introduce a need for careful spending, but it also frees up valuable time for managing the household, spending time with your children or taking care of family members. It also can remove the expense and mental burden of finding and paying for quality childcare and other assistance.
The ideal way to shift from two incomes to one is with a clear idea of what you want to accomplish and a firm financial footing. Taking these steps could lead to a purposeful and joyful transition, grounded in what matters most to you.
Fill in the budget gaps
While you're looking at the potential gains of one person giving up a paid job, you also have to keep the financial realities in mind. You'll want to revamp your
Some questions to tackle include:
- Will you need to change your health insurance when one person leaves their job? This could result in different coverage, higher premiums and higher out-of-pocket expenses, so ensure you're including these extra costs in your budget.
- Do you expect to face new expenses this year (i.e., a new baby, education costs, etc.)? Factor in buffer room to cover additional expenses that come with lifestyle changes.
- Should you refinance or alter debt payments or regular bills? While this may help you decrease spending on a monthly basis, also consider how this would impact any debt repayment long-term, in terms of interest and timeframe. In certain cases, it could be more advantageous to make a big push on any high-interest debt before switching to a single income.
- Can you forgo convenience costs or other lifestyle choices in favor of budgeting elsewhere? Depending on your circumstances, you could consider more budget-conscious meals, fewer transportation costs and fewer paid home care services like housecleaning or yard work.
Start
"Learn to be content with less," says Heidi Spence, coach with Thrivent's
Dual‑Income vs. Single‑Income
$8,000
$4,500
- Expenses
- Savings