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early. We decided to buy a used minivan to haul around kids instead of a new car to impress clients. We bought an older model, fixer up of a starter home instead of a brand new one with a high payment. We filled in our pool to cut the constant monthly expenses of maintenance and upkeep. We adjusted our spending before I quit working so we could put a little back in savings in case of emergency.

One of the reasons I was able to successfully leave the workplace and stay home was the fact that I love cooking and cleaning and caring for others. Especially when that is my primary job and not something I have to do after working 8 hrs on my feet! When I worked I had to out source a lot more of those duties, and my house was never really clean. Now that I am a homemaker it is, and I don't send out dry-cleaning anymore. So that saves money. So does not making the two hour commute every day to an office. We also figured out what daycare for 2 kids cost and what we felt about daycare vs parents time with kids on a personal level. I hated my youngest being in daycare, I hated missing the first time he did anything. I missed him losing his first tooth. I wasn't there to kiss his boo boos or share his world with him, and I cant put a price on any of that. I misses priceless moments.

Food costs became a huge part of our financial planning. We hardly ever eat out anymore except for the occasional birthday or anniversary. We always ate lunches out when I worked. Now I pack my kids healthy lunches for school and my husband eats leftovers or comes home for a homemade lunch. When we figured out the difference in food costs it was a substantial savings. Especially when you factor in the savings from the coupons that I now have time to clip! I also plan all my meals for the week by what is on sale and I have coupons for. I only buy things we will need and use this way. And we also avoid all the unhealthy convenience prepackaged processed foods that are More expensive and not as good for you. I save a lot of money growing my own organic vegetables like lettuce and tomatoes too.

Another reason I have not gone crazy staying home is the fact that I still get out of the house on a regular basis. As much as I love the kids and hubby I still needed other adult conversation and interaction so I started volunteering at church and at the kids schools. There are so many ways you can be an active member of your community, and it makes a real important influence on your kids to see that you care

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