Have you ever heard the saying, “The more you make, the more you spend?” That was true for us as a family. When I worked full-time and both my husband and I were earning steady incomes, I operated with an unspoken sense of entitlement: “I’m contributing, so I can spend how I please.” I rarely felt the need to check in with my husband about small purchases—which added up over time. Truthfully, we both did this. With money flowing in weekly from one job or the other, there didn’t seem to be a reason to think twice.
But everything changed once we had kids and I felt called to come home.
Cutting Back with Purpose
When I decided to step away from my career and focus on home and family, I knew something had to give—and that something was my spending. I began letting go of habits that once felt normal or necessary: the daily Starbucks run, bi-weekly manicures, and those impulsive (and often emotional) shopping sprees.
I didn’t stop spending altogether. Instead, I started spending smarter.
Small Changes That Made a Big Difference
As a new stay-at-home mom, we had to make significant cuts to our lifestyle—but that didn’t mean sacrificing quality. I simply had to become more intentional about where our money was going.
I learned to shop in bulk, compare prices, and plan ahead. Costco and Walmart became regular stops, and I quickly learned which stores offered better deals on specific items. Yes, it took more time and planning—but the savings were real, and every dollar stretched further.
I also challenged myself to make do with what we already had in the fridge and pantry. Reducing the number of grocery trips made a big impact. We all know how easy it is to run in for two or three things and walk out with a full cart—especially if we’re hungry, tired, or stressed. That’s when the comfort items sneak in, and we let our emotions (or appetites) lead the way.
One surprising change that helped us save in the long run was switching to a monthly meat subscription service. At first glance, it seemed more expensive per pound than the grocery store. But the real value came from always having high-quality proteins on hand. It drastically reduced our last-minute trips to the store—or worse, last-minute takeout orders. Having a well-stocked freezer helped me cook more nutritious meals at home, save time, and stay on track with our budget.
Cutting Back on Food Expenses—and Gaining More Time
Eating out is an area where two-income households can easily spend a lot of money. When both parents are working outside the home, there’s often little time—or energy—left to prepare meals consistently. We were no different.
But becoming a stay-at-home mom gave me the time and space in my mind to plan ahead, strategize, and do more with less. With some thought and a little preparation, I found that we could cook more meals at home and feel less overwhelmed in the process.
Some of the simple strategies that helped:
- Keep ingredients on hand for quick and easy favorites.
- Cook larger meals on weekends to enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
- Stock a few frozen items for those extra-busy days. (We always keep a frozen pizza or two ready to go. Delivery adds up quickly, and this way, we’re prepared. To boost the nutrition, I’ll add veggies from the fridge and protein left over from earlier meals.)
- Batch cooking! This one has been a game-changer.
One of my favorite batch-cooking methods is making a big pot of shredded chicken. I simmer chicken with olive oil, onion, tomatoes, salt, and pepper—simple but flavorful. It takes about thirty minutes if the chicken is defrosted, a little longer if frozen. That one pot of chicken becomes the base for three or more meals: Caesar salads, chicken taquitos, chicken Alfredo, or even extra protein on pizza. It saves both time and money—and gives me peace of mind knowing I’m prepared.
There are different things like this you’ll pick up over time. Yes, there’s a learning curve, but before you know it, you’ll be managing your resources more wisely, spending less, and maximizing your time and energy.
Progress, Not Perfection
Now, I don’t do this perfectly. Life as a stay-at-home mom is still very full—managing the home, shuttling kids to and from activities, pouring into my people, and remembering to nourish my own soul. Some days, despite my best efforts, I forget to defrost the meat or start dinner before we leave the house. Suddenly, it’s 6:30 p.m., everyone’s hungry, and we’re pulling into a drive-thru.
I’ve learned to give myself grace during busy seasons. An occasional takeout meal isn’t going to break the bank these days, but I do try not to rely too heavily on convenience. With a little bit of planning, learning, and effort, I know I can serve my family healthier and more affordable meals right at home.
There’s so much helpful content out there now—meal planning tips, simple crockpot recipes, even five-ingredient dinners you can throw together in a pinch. Investing in a crockpot and keeping a few staple ingredients on hand has helped me make better choices on the busiest days. I’m still learning, and my crockpot journey is fairly new—but I’ll keep you posted as I experiment with recipes and find what works for our family.
If You’re Dreaming of Coming Home…
If you’re dreaming of coming home or already adjusting to life on a single income, here’s what I want you to know:
Communicate with your husband. Agree on your priorities. Make cuts for a season. Know that this gets easier with time.
At first, it takes discipline and sacrifice. But soon, you’ll find yourself getting excited about finding a good deal. You’ll resist the shiny impulse buys and instead choose what matters most. Over time, these small acts of stewardship will become second nature—and you’ll be surprised by how little you miss the things you thought you couldn’t live without.
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