September 5th, 2008

I’m a WHAM (Emphasis on the “Work”)

When we decided that it was worth it- me giving the web design business a real shot- we also decided that it would behoove us if I did not work outside of the home. After all, it was way too expensive to pay for child-care and my hubby understood that I was not happy under the circumstances.

The plan was as follows:

(1) I would work part-time (1 day a week) outside of the home at my current place of employment just to ensure a steady income on my part.

(2) I would bust my butt to build my business.

It was a simple plan, right? But hubby and I recently had a little spat about the roles that we would now play. Specifically, th “you’re home now so you do the housework,” comment sent this Mom on the Rise down a war-path.

After I managed to keep from ripping my hubby’s heart out, I decided to explain the difference between a WAHM and a SAHM.

“Let’s get this straight. A SAHM does not find ways to bring money into the house. She works with what the family has and takes care of the domestic duties. A WAHM cannot do both alone. She cannot focus on bringing money in AND take care of all the household duties. It’s unfair to assume that would be the way things will work. We are both working Parents and we are both responsible for the housework. If you want me to do it all, that is fine- I will be a SAHM, but don’t look to me to being in any extra money- that is all on you.”

It did not sit to well with him, at least I don’t think it did. But what I know is that WAHM cannot and should not be expected to carry such a heavy load on their own. When we got married we both agreed that if we work then we would split the household responsibilites 50/50. Why should that change? Yes, I am home. But I am home trying to build a business while taking care of a 29 month-old while he is at work. Is it too much to ask for him to help with the laundry? The bathroom? I think not.

June 28th, 2008

What do you use to create your budget?

One of the biggest problems that we face as a family is keeping track of our expenses. With the accessibility of on-line banking and the creation of the Check Card comes an almost lax attitude towards following the money. After all, when all you have to do is swipe a card it is easy to forget to check prices and logging into a website to check balances makes it almost unnecessary to keep receipts. Before you know it you are in overdraft and that $6.00 purchase can cost you $10.00 in fees.

Now that we can no longer depend on my steady income, I have decided to create a budget and stick to it- no questions asked. I used to use programs like Microsoft Money and Quicken, but they are not personal enough for our needs. One of my friends uses a simple notebook and pen to track bills for a year. But my ability to do math is funky and I need something to help me with calculations.

So what do you use to help keep track of your household finances? Please let me know.