As I mentioned earlier, our decision for me not to return to work after the layoff would require a full trust in God for our supplies.  Not only would our income be dropping by 40%, but I was 2 months pregnant at that time. 

We also do not use any unsecured credit (a feat almost unheard of among today’s 20-something crowds), so our income stream was it.  Period.  Not that we can’t use the cards (my credit score is currently 725, and my husband’s is 705), we have just chosen to no longer live with the stress of being a slave to debt.  And letmejustsay, unsecured debt can be the worst slave master on earth if you allow it to!

Budgeting and household finances were tops on our list of arguments throughout the first year of marriage, until we finally realized a solution had to be put in place for both of us.  Around the time of the layoff, we were working together to develop a formal household financial management tool that worked for us.  (You can read about it here!).  Thankfully, that plan has worked beautifully!  For the first time, we are “on the same page” (literally and figuratively) when it comes to the yummy green stuff. 

Our household financial notebook has also allowed us to track - and immediately correct - nuances and troubles in our spending.  This has allowed us to maintain our same quality of life we had before the layoff, without spending quite so much.  We discovered that on Kevin’s salary alone we have plenty enough money to ensure all of our bills are paid on time and food is on the table.  We even have money left over, a growing savings account, and a growing retirement fund.

My only regret is that we didn’t track our money while I was still working - because it appears that it was wasted foolishly on things neither I nor Kevin can remember!   It’s very strange, but neither of us has felt deprived after taking a 40% cut in household income, and bills are still getting paid with money to spare.

On the baby front, when we made the decision for me to stay home, both of us had our secret sadnesses that there were certain things we would be unable to afford for our new baby.   Prices were so outrageous that we could not imagine having the money for any of it!  

I had even resigned myself to putting my baby in a makeshift drawer “crib” as my parents had done with me on my first night home. :) 

But God has come through with flying colors!  I am 2 days shy of being 26 weeks pregnant - and everything we need for our baby has been taken care of.  Our nursery is completely done, with adorable bedding, curtains, and fresh paint.  In the corner, there’s a gorgeous, sturdy oak crib with Winnie the Pooh mobile gently swaying above it.  Beside that, you’ll find an antique rocking chair (my Granny’s chair that I inherited when she died), ready for gentle rocking.  Looking around you’ll also see a stroller, two carseats, a high chair, blankies, toys, shelving, wipe warmer, a portable playyard, bath supplies, bathtubs, clothing, and more.  The only thing my husband and I have paid for are the huge stack of different sized diapers and wipes covering one wall!

We have asked for nothing - and expected nothing - so we are continually shocked at the multitude of ways God continues to bless us when it comes to our needs for not only ourselves, but for our baby.  It is quite amazing!

We’ve also always believed that when you are following God’s lead in life, He makes paths straiter and doors are opened more easily.   That certainly seams to be true for us!

Tagged: housewife

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