Living Mainly on One Income While Raising Young Children

Living mainly on one income while raising young children has been both a deliberate choice and, in some ways, a circumstance that shaped us early on. When I was pregnant with our oldest, my husband was unexpectedly laid off.

As her due date approached, we had to decide: would we send her to daycare once I returned to the office part-time, or save that cost by having him stay home? That decision set the foundation for how we continue to manage our lifestyle today—proving that with careful planning and intentional choices, a one-income family can thrive.

Of course, life isn’t entirely limited to one income.

Throughout the year, my husband occasionally picks up extra work—offering lawn services to neighbors or doing small handyman jobs thanks to his electrical background. These are supplementary, but the foundation of our household budget and lifestyle revolves around one primary income.

Why Managing Fixed Costs Is Key for One-Income Families

One of the biggest factors that allows us to live mainly on one income is keeping our fixed costs manageable. Back when we purchased our home—before the housing market skyrocketed—we intentionally bought below our budget. That decision gave us breathing room, and thank goodness we did, because it’s worked in our favor.

While today’s housing market looks very different and affordable mortgages are out of reach for many, the principle still applies: keeping big, recurring costs (like housing, cars, or insurance) as reasonable as possible creates stability and reduces financial pressure. For us, it just so happens that timing was on our side with our home purchase, and that honesty is part of our story.

Lifestyle Choices That Help Families Live on One Income

Over the years, we’ve made conscious decisions to align our lifestyle with our budget. Here are some of the ways we do that:

Personal Care at Home

I usually do my own nails, and my husband takes care of most of his grooming needs himself. An occasional pedicure is nice, but 95% of the time, we skip the salon and save both time and money.

Clothing

Homeschooling eliminates the back-to-school frenzy. We typically buy only two outfits at a time for each child. Most days, T-shirts and shorts in summer or cozy fleece joggers in winter are perfectly fine.

Cooking at Home

While we’ll occasionally order meals through DoorDash, the majority of our meals are cooked at home. Both my husband and I enjoy recreating restaurant-style dishes ourselves, which keeps dining costs down and makes meals feel special.

Eyewear Splurges Reconsidered

My one “splurge” used to be designer eyeglasses. I never went for handbags or shoes, but I loved nice frames. Over time—between growing our family, working from home, and discovering all the stylish and affordable options online—I’ve shifted. Honestly, I think some of the cutest glasses I own now are the non-brand pairs that cost a fraction of what I used to spend.

Poshmark & Secondhand Finds

I’ve also started shopping more on Poshmark. While their shipping fees can feel a little steep, I’ve found that if you buy multiple items from the same seller—especially someone whose style matches yours—it really stretches your dollar. It can take some hunting, but there are definitely opportunities to score great deals and build a more affordable wardrobe this way.

Furniture on Facebook Marketplace

Over time, I’ve found myself leaning more toward secondhand options for furniture. Facebook Marketplace has become a go-to for us—sometimes you can find nearly new pieces at a fraction of the cost. It’s not only budget-friendly, but I also like knowing we’re giving something a second life instead of always buying brand new.

Home & Pet Care

We handle household chores ourselves. I’d be lying if I said I’ve never thought about hiring a cleaner—especially with a Bernese Mountain Dog who keeps our baseboards dusty—but this is just the season we’re in. My husband also handles all the dog grooming, which saves us quite a bit.

Intentional Planning

We’re planners and homebodies by nature. Trips are booked several months in advance, we take advantage of matinee movies, and we often opt for group or at-home activities instead of pricier outings.

How Avoiding Daycare Costs Supports a One-Income Household

Another major factor in living mainly on one income is avoiding daycare entirely.

My husband being a stay-at-home parent eliminates this cost, which can be staggering. According to Child Care Aware of America (2024), the national average cost of center-based daycare for one child is $11,582 per year, or about $966 per month. For families with two or three children, those costs could easily exceed the cost of a mortgage.

Of course, avoiding daycare wasn’t our only motivation for homeschooling—it was about wanting one parent at home—but the savings can’t be ignored. Having thousands freed up each year has allowed us to put money toward savings, family activities, or intentional splurges.

Affordable Extras and Special Experiences on One Income

Even on one income, it’s possible to enjoy some extras:

Vacations & Family Getaways

Careful planning allows us to splurge occasionally without straining the budget.

Special Experiences

We take advantage of local opportunities like museum homeschooling days, which are often free or discounted. (I’ve also written about making homeschooling more affordable here because homeschool extracurriculars can quickly add up since you’re not tied down to traditional school hours.)

Supplemental Income Opportunities

Occasionally, my husband does small side projects. While not essential, these extra dollars give us flexibility without making them necessary for daily life.

Final Thoughts on Raising Kids on One Income

Living mainly on one income requires intentionality, creativity, and a focus on what truly matters to your family. It’s about making choices that align with your values: prioritizing time with children, managing expenses, planning ahead, and being thoughtful about what you spend on.

While it’s not without challenges, we’ve found that this lifestyle gives us financial stability, meaningful family time, and the ability to pursue homeschooling and enrichment activities without financial stress.

For families considering a similar approach, remember: it’s possible, especially when you focus on what matters most and make intentional choices about spending and lifestyle.