Is one income sufficient?

[Christianrkchk89]

In today's economy, do you think it's possible for a family to survive on one income? Back in the day all women were housewives...but these days, about 70% of mom's (or so), are in the work force, along with their husbands. I think alot of children are getting the bad end of the stick in this situation..because they are stuffed in day cares and such. I think it's important for the parents to do the loving and disciplining of their children. Anyway, if it is possible to survive on one income... is it smart? Do you have to cut a lot of corners? I'd like everyone's opinion.

Originally Posted by Christianrkchk89

In today's economy, do you think it's possible for a family to survive on one income? Back in the day all women were housewives...but these days, about 70% of mom's (or so), are in the work force, along with their husbands. I think alot of children are getting the bad end of the stick in this situation..because they are stuffed in day cares and such. I think it's important for the parents to do the loving and disciplining of their children. Anyway, if it is possible to survive on one income... is it smart? Do you have to cut a lot of corners? I'd like everyone's opinion.

Hi Christianrkchk89, yes it can be possible to live on one income and have a family. But it depends on your spouses job. We cut alot of corners, and do alot of home cooked meals and we don't get to go out much... In fact this recession is starting to squash us... but I keep it in prayer and ask God to let his will be done, and help provide and meet our families needs...

[Matthew]

I think in some ways it might actually be better than a two income family, there would be less money for luxuries and so that might help a family to form bonds with eachother rather than escape into fantasy via television, computer games etc.. that happens a lot these days.

I am one of 5 children and while my mother had occasional part time work for the majority of my childhood we survived on my fathers income as a school teacher and so they were lean years, I look at people I've known who had less financial struggles within their family growing up and sometimes they are more selfish and generally driven by material desires, to the point where the idea of simpler things strikes them as boring because when younger they always had something better to do or to play with.

You do need to cut corners but there's nothing wrong with that, it's character building, some modern parents might consider getting some welly boots on and growing their own vegetables cutting corners but to me that's the way it should be done.

Kids are definetly suffering by being put in childcare through their younger years, without trying to be judgemental or make a balnket statement I think it is wrong to have a child and then go back to a career, that commitment goes far into the future and I think coroprate daycare only assists in the dismantling of a family because it gives parents who should be at home with the kids a way to essentially avoid that and let someone else do it, why have kids and then let somone else raise them for 8 hours a day, it's crazy, one parent should always be at home, whichever one it is.

[Christianrkchk89]

Thank you very much, you two!! That's some good information! I definitely agree with you about childcare, matthew.

[Kathleen]

okaii so i know i am young but i would definitly say yes.
my dad isthe soul earner in my house, my mum is a full time house wife.
i have 5 brothes.

[Cako53]

I say yes as well, but it does depend on the husband's job to be honest. It might be a bit tight on budget, but it's possible. My family owns our own business, and my dad runs it, my mom doesn't really to much there, she might run the odd aeron or to, but other than that my dad brings in the money. We honestly aren't that tight for money. Like we aren't rich. But We have enough to get by and still have some luxaries. So yes, it is quite possible.

[iitywyhm]

My father is the only one that works in my family. We live comfortably, and we can even afford more than most families in my area that have more than one person in the family that works. It all depends on the job.

[tryingtofindhim]

Originally Posted by Christianrkchk89

In today's economy, do you think it's possible for a family to survive on one income? Back in the day all women were housewives...but these days, about 70% of mom's (or so), are in the work force, along with their husbands. I think alot of children are getting the bad end of the stick in this situation..because they are stuffed in day cares and such. I think it's important for the parents to do the loving and disciplining of their children. Anyway, if it is possible to survive on one income... is it smart? Do you have to cut a lot of corners? I'd like everyone's opinion.

It depends on your job and if you pay your tithes. Our family is finically blessed, but I strongly believe that our family has more problems than families that don't. I know for one I'm the only Christian in our family, and I'd rather be poor in a Christian home than rich with a family without God. I believe poor families with God has his blessing. IMO.

I am saying no..
This is based on the fact that I live in NZ. We are just a tad isolated and currently Australia is beating us in higher standard of living and incomes not really catching up with the price increase of basic food essentials like milk and bread in relation to recession.
But the culture here is awesome. We are not a poor country at all and although its getting expensive (by our standards), I think we as a country enjoy being put to the test. We're hardworking and innovative and a lot of people here hate that our youth is turning to North America for answers, which is stupid really cos the materialistic and "I want it now" culture over there is rediculous and stupid.

[grace]

I sure hope so.....because I am the only adult in this house with three little ones, and we are making it

[iraasuup]

Well here in Australia it depends.

If by one income you mean 'one person actually going out to work and earning and income to support a family' then I'm gonna say no! If however you mean 'one person never working a day in their lives and continually have children to receive Gov't benefits' then I'll go with yes!

I know countless single mothers in this country who make more living off handouts from the Gov't then a couple who both work full time jobs. The system is a joke!

However, I know from experience (being a young childless married couple) it is simply IMPOSSIBLE to survive on ONE income, and meet all your needs. I'm not talking about luxury needs either, just simple, basic, fundamental needs, ie: rent/mortgage, electricity, water, phone, food etc etc.

We we're flat out paying those bills when we both had full time jobs. There were some weeks we didn't know where our next meal would come from. We moved, and for the last 3 years have been battling on one income between us...and it is by far NOT SUFFICIENT.

[Matthew]

I think there are lots of variables that make key differences, in my household costs were cut in a lot of obvious areas to make ends meet, we had a large allotment where we grew lots of fruit and vegetables and without that option the additional food costs for a family of 7 would have meant a regular second income would have been essential, we were lucky to be able to do that and some other families in a different place would not have that option so probably wouldn't survive on one income alone.

[Christianrkchk89]

Yah when I say family ... I mainly mean husband, wife and at least one kid. And yes, i figure you cant have the one working person be at mcdonalds as a cash register person and still support a family...but if they have a reasonable full time position in a salary job.. i figure (at least in the U.S.) it's do-able?

Thanks for all the input so far!

[aprilrenee1]

it all depends on the income

[susi]

I truly think that if your husband earns enough to have all your families basic needs (no luxuaries) its much better for the woman not to work if she has children, this sounds old-fashion nowadays and some ppl may even find this offensive but I think its better in the long run in many ways...it would avoid many problems with the upbringing of your children and i would even say in marraige as nowadays our roles as woman are a bit cofusing..but its just a personal opinion as we r all different cause there arent universal rules for marrage except for what the bible says

[MahogonySnail]

I think God provides even if just one person works. You would make it work I would imagine Eg live in the country in a smaller house.

[ProdigalSon]

Well not to state what has already been said but I think that it is possible if you are able to get by with just a little bit less than what you are use to then it will work, but if you just have to have the latest and greatest then it wont work. If you need any advice or inspiration on this matter a very good person to talk to is Jesinfl. She is a kind of new member here but she is awesome and she is good with this sort of thing so talk to her if you need advice about this. Tell her I sent you, you wont get a prize or a discount on anything but it I dont know just say it. Why did i write that?

[Christianrkchk89]

Originally Posted by susi

i would even say in marraige as nowadays our roles as woman are a bit cofusing..but its just a personal opinion as we r all different cause there arent universal rules for marrage except for what the bible says

I definitely agree!!

[Christianrkchk89]

Originally Posted by MahogonySnail

I think God provides even if just one person works. You would make it work I would imagine Eg live in the country in a smaller house.

thanks i definitely think you're right!

[Christianrkchk89]

Originally Posted by ProdigalSon

Well not to state what has already been said but I think that it is possible if you are able to get by with just a little bit less than what you are use to then it will work, but if you just have to have the latest and greatest then it wont work. If you need any advice or inspiration on this matter a very good person to talk to is Jesinfl. She is a kind of new member here but she is awesome and she is good with this sort of thing so talk to her if you need advice about this. Tell her I sent you, you wont get a prize or a discount on anything but it I dont know just say it. Why did i write that?

thank you!