I was recently reading in a book how the author disliked the word “homemaker.” It made her feel as if she was in a subservient role. Maybe I’m old-fashioned but I tend to see this word in a different light. In fact, I believe it is a time-honored tradition that can still work in today’s modern world.
Any woman who has ever lost her job or has questioned joining the workforce just might find a great deal of satisfaction in being a homemaker. I know, I know…this isn’t the 60’s and June Cleaver isn’t real.
But perhaps we as a society have lost sight of the skills and qualities that make for a good homemaker. In fact, we may have failed to realize how much money the family could even save.
It really does take skill to learn how to live on less money. I know because this is something I have learned to do.
When I first went to my husband and asked if I could stay home, we had a toddler. At first he was dead set against it. We relied upon our money too much, he said.
So I presented him with a challenge. If I could show substantial savings by staying home, he would have to change his mind.
I did just that. I showed him the costs for my transportation to and from work, daycare, my clothing and daily lunches…just to name a few.
Long story short, I was able to quit work. And since then we have raised a total of three children, with me staying home until the last one was in middle school. Even then, I worked part-time and was off when my children were.
I have learned how to manage our finances in such a way that we aren’t spending money we don’t have. I have learned how to live on less. I have learned to cook well but for cheap. I have learned to look for good deals.
In essence, I have developed skills that make homemaking not only an enticing prospect. But one that has actually saved money.