How do you afford childcare?

Question

I always see women posting about how they wish they could be a SAHM, but they can't afford to. This makes me extremely curious as to how being a SAHM is the more costly option. Do you have a really well-paying job? Is childcare inexpensive where you live? Do you have help with childcare from family/friends?

For me, I was only making $11.45 an hour at my job. Once you take out taxes, insurance, SS, etc., I made about $8/hr. Childcare where I live costs WAY more than that & I don't have family or friends nearby to help. So, until/unless I can get a job that pays AT LEAST $20/hr, it will not make financial sense to work.

How do you all do it?

Answer

Daycare for us is $900/month. My husband brings home $3000/month after taxes and I make about $2600/month after taxes, so it makes much more sense for us to both work. We also agreed that as long as we could afford all of our bills+daycare+one small vacation a year, that we would both work because even if money is tight there is value in the work experience to get further ahead in your career, as both of us will likely make quite a bit more money as we get older and more experienced.

Answer

We could afford to sah but money would be tight and I love my job and only work 8hrs a day, no commute. I'm salaried but earn the equivalent of about $75/hour obviously a lot of tax comes off that. I pay my nanny about $15/hr. Daycare is cheaper, but as I work from home I like to see my son for an hour lunch and when I have a break during the day. Works great.

Answer

I only work 4 days a week so we spend those nights together and we both have mondays off so thats family day. I make way to much money to quit and at least we don't have to worry about the baby being with strangers all day. Plus I like second shift and he likes first.

Answer

I am a SAHM..and my husband and I put ourselves on a strict budget and cut costs where necessary and have to work at only buying what we need not what we want..Takes hard work and not easy but we do for my Son so I can stay home with him..He will be 5 in Nov.and I have stayed home with him since he was born!!

Answer

I always feel like it's a loaded question when I'm asked if I'm going back to work. I literally made as much as childcare would be. Me and SO are both happier with me staying home with the babe.

Answer

I don't pay for childcare. My husband and I usually work different days/shifts. When we have to work at  the same time, we find a family member to watch our son. Thankfully we are blessed to have good families.

I am a social worker at a Head Start center. Some people who have low income qualify for free day care or for vouchers to assist in paying for day care.

Answer

I work three nights a week making 13.40 an hour. I work full time (12 hour shifts), so I only need care for the time I need to sleep after a shift. I work every other weekend, so my husband cares for her on weekends, and that leaves me needing help about 3-4 times per 2 week period. I am super fortunate and my family helps out the days I need it. I wish I didn't have to work,  but since I hold the insurance (and our benefits are amazing and inexpensive!!) it's not an option. Hopefully soon enough I can cut back to part time or as needed...

Answer

Where i live daycare is 7.75/ day

I make 13$/hr so it definitely makes more sense financially to work

Answer

I just found a home care provider who charges $80/week for kids of all ages. Baby won't be here until September, but she's making room for me in October already lol. Maybe you can use Head Start or use government vouchers for another center.

Answer

My husband and I both work fulltime but opposite shifts(3a-12p and 3p-12a) so we don't need child care thank god because it $300-$400 so he'd have to be a stay at home dad.

How do you afford childcare?

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