Two incomes aren't always the obvious choice. Most households today consist of two incomes. Stay at home parents are less and less common. Part of this is due to the increase in housing costs in many areas. Houses are larger, fancier and more expensive than ever. But have you thought of the costs associated with two incomes? When both parents work, there are more auto costs -- double the auto insurance, gas and maintenance. There is also day care, an increased level of taxes, more for clothing and even lunch. You have to spend money to make money, after all. Two income homes are often more risky than one income homes. When there are two incomes, a level of spending is reached that is comparable with the two incomes. If one wage earner is laid off or can no longer work, the family may find it is in financial trouble. In a one-income family, if the wage earner is no longer working, the partner can go to work and provide approximately the same level of living for the family. Yes, there may be a gap in the incomes, but it usually isn't as severe as when a two-income family loses one income. It's not that two income families aren't great. They are just as wonderful as one-income families. But you should consider all of the costs when looking at the extra income. It is often more sensible and increasingly frugal to consider becoming a one income family. Even if you are a two-income family, you can reduce your risk by simply working your budget so that you are living off of only one income, not both. That way, you are able to cushion yourself against any unforeseen occurences. The income from the second income should go directly into savings each month. You will be amazed how quickly your savings will grow by doing this. It can be difficult to go from two to one, but if you adjust yourself gradually, you should really notice the difference. The changes can start as simply as no longer eating out for lunch. For two people, that can save around $100 a week. That's $400 a month! Then, consider carpooling. Lots of families arrange it so that one person goes on and off work fifteen minutes before and after the other person. That way, they can ride together. This can save a lot given today's rising gas expenses. Find ways to cut your monthly expenses. Start paying off all of your credit card debt. If you have no credit card debt, start paying off your other debts. You should make sure that you have emergency savings that will cover up to three months of expenses. This will cushion your budget from unexpected emergencies. Look to ways to cut your utilities, grocery spending and entertainment costs. You will be surprised what you will cut and never really miss. One or two incomes, it is up to you. But make sure you base the decision partly on the math involved, not just what others are doing. |
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