How We Make One Income Work as a Family of Four

People sometimes ask (and I even ask myself), “How do you make it on one income while you stay home?”

First, praise God. Without Him, we couldn’t do this. He’s been so faithful. Second, thank you to my husband for working hard every day to provide for our family.  I’m grateful he has a career he truly loves, which helps him to be happy with his work.  Third, thank you to the friends and family who’ve shared their wisdom along the way.

Here are a few of our favorite money-saving tips, by room:

Laundry Room:

• Wash on cold, use half the soap, and skip dryer sheets (vinegar works instead if needed- and those dryer sheets are toxic anyway).

• Cut dryer time short (the dryer usually over dries clothing), or hang dry inside or outside.

Kitchen:

• Cook double and save leftovers.

• Buy in bulk, especially meat.

• Don’t waste leftovers, save even 3 bites (perfect for toddlers or homemade pizza night).

• Stretch soap with a foaming dispenser (1 part soap, 5 parts water).

• Switch to vinegar + water for cleaning (less toxic, and and often cleans better than store-bought cleaners).

• Use cloth napkins and towels instead of paper.

• Turn off the oven or burners a few minutes early to save energy.

Living Room:

• Watch less TV, play games, read, or just be together. You’ll save energy consumption, but also you won’t be distracted by companies pushing ads in hopes that you will spend your money on their products.

• Use what you have instead of upgrading, if it’s still working.

• Turn off lights and water when not in use.

These aren’t complicated changes, and they add up over time. Living simply has made us more thankful for what we already have.

👉 I want to encourage you to look at what things in your life aren’t adding value—and start letting them go.

What’s one money-saving habit that works for you?