Living on one income: Tips for families before making the leap

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.

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 spending plan to fit your single-income budget and anticipate how benefits or coverage might shift.

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 adding essential expenses to a budget and see where a less expensive alternative might be possible or necessary. It could be helpful to start by using a budgeting app, such as Mint. If becoming a one-income household is further down the road, you can use the next few months as a "test run," saving as much as you can while you still have a second income. The more changes you make gradually, the less shocking it will be to develop your new single-income habits.

Switching to a single income isn't without risks, and any safety nets you build in can go a long way. An emergency savings account, for instance, can help single-income families plan for the unexpected. If the earner in your family loses their job or become disabled, your single income source could drop to zero. Having some accessible funds at the ready—ideally about three to six months of living expenses—can add stability amid any potential setbacks. Plus, if you need to adapt your budget along the way, these saved dollars can help you fill the gap instead of adding debt.

On top of your emergency fund, disability insurance and life insurance also could serve as financial fallbacks if something were to happen to the single earner in your family. You may opt to purchase protection for the stay-at-home partner's contributions to the family as well. Some companies offer stay-at-home spouse disability insurance policies, recognizing the immense value and hard work of managing a household.

Do you need life insurance?

From vacations to college dreams, creating life plans with loved ones is one of the many joys in life. But when it comes to more sensitive topics, like unexpected death, it can be tempting to avoid the topic. But self-reflection and a family conversation can help you prioritize what's most important to you.

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While you're working out the best financial strategy for your single-income household, you and your family still have future needs to consider. For instance:

• Are you able to save for your children's future college education?
• Are you able to save for the retirement you've always envisioned?
• Will you still be able to build generational wealth and leave a purposeful legacy for your family?
• Are you hoping to donate more to causes you care about?

Realistically, single-income households often bring in less money, which can mean slower savings toward college education, retirement and charitable donations. You'll need to balance the potential payoff of a single-income lifestyle now with what it means for your family in the long run.

Perhaps there are just too many financial priorities given the amount of your single income. That doesn't mean you absolutely must remain a dual-earner family. There's more than one vision of an income-earning household. You may find you're happiest with essentially a "1.5 income" household, where one partner finds additional income sources that aren't as time-consuming as a 40-hour workweek. Perhaps this looks like passive income, like taking on a renter, or finding part-time work. For others, the financial realities may prompt the single earner to pursue promotions or apply for better-paying work.

Some families envision living on one income merely as a temporary measure. If you add in a side job, switch back to two full-time incomes or have other changes to your income stream, check in with your big-picture plans and readjust.

It takes courage to center your life on what's important to you first and then figure out how your finances support that plan. It's certainly not an easy decision and may not be the right move for everyone. For such a big life change, ensure you and your spouse have considered the arrangement from all perspectives.

A financial advisor can help you see what a single-income household means for you and your family from a financial perspective. Even when you feel like you've talked through all the possible scenarios, a financial advisor can uncover additional important considerations. They can help you prioritize your goals and make the most of what you've been given, all while making sound strategic choices for long-term financial clarity.