Why a Stay-At-Home Partner Actually Makes Financial Sense

The world has grown tremendously economically. In the mid 20th century having a homestead where the man went to work and the woman was the homemaker was almost the norm. However, fast forward to the 21st century, this is not the case. There are many reasons for this but one of the major reasons is the changes in economic state. 

In the current times, it is difficult to support a homestead sufficiently on one person's income. Hence home management from a financial point of view has become a concerted effort of the two people in a relationship.

That does not mean we still do not have situations where one of the partners is staying at home. While in the 1970s it was typically the woman staying at home, today it can be either gender.

But does having a stay-at-home partner make sense financially? That is what we shall explore in this article.

Read Also: Navigating Finances as a Stay-at-Home Mum: Rachael Butembu’s Story

Earn From Home

Technology has revolutionized how we do things including the concept of work. The proliferation of mobile phones, and high internet speeds, enables people to stay connected, and through this earning from home is now possible.

Hence having a stay-at-home partner does not mean that they would not make any financial contribution to the family. 

Working from home allows one to generate income while enjoying the flexibility and comfort of their own space. This makes them technically stay-at-home partners despite them adding to the family basket. 

Stay-at-home partners can be engaged in any of the following economic activities, online writing, remote tasks, social media marketing, or various other opportunities. 

If this is the case then it makes financial sense to have a stay-at-home partner. 

Reduced Costs

The COVID-19, Russia-Ukraine War, and Israel-Palestine war among other global disruptions have led to economic volatility. Leading to an increased need to cut costs for individuals, families, entities, and government. 

Hence, it is a financially viable idea to have one of the partners stay at home. While both partners are working there are many things they have to commit finances to. However, if after analysis you realize that one partner staying at home is tenable then it might be a good idea.

The ideal situation is when the stay-at-home partner makes some money even when at home. However, even if they do not, costs such as childcare, and home maintenance can accrue costs that would strain the home even when the two partners are working. 

You can also regulate expenses such as buying work attire expenses, daycare fees, reduction of wear and tear of vehicles, and eating from home hence saving money that would have otherwise been spent on eat-outs among others.  

Commuting

A stay-at-home partner contributes significantly to substantial savings in commuting costs. When a partner opts to stay at home and assume stay-at-home duties the household enjoys a significant reduction of expenses related to daily travel.

Savings are made on fuel or public transportation expenses. Additionally, the wear and tear of the family car is reduced and the aftermath of this is lower maintenance and repair costs of the vehicle.

Food 

A stay-at-home partner greatly influences the quality of food the family has. The family can enjoy fresh ingredients, a balanced diet, homemade meals, reduced food wastage, and customized meal preferences. 

This might not seem like a direct financial decision but it is. To a great extent, our health is our most expensive asset. Dedicating one of the partners to ensuring that the family is eating healthy, is a massive investment healthwise. 

In addition, sharing a meal, especially a homemade meal is a priceless activity for the family. These are some of the things that contribute to the stability of the family hence the earning partner is able to go out and even make more money with peace of mind.

Health

Looking at it from a wholesome health angle, being a stay-at-home partner allows you a chance to spend more time with your children. The time spent together allows one to notice abnormal developmental and behavioral challenges at their onset and take the necessary precautions. Noting such issues earlier on can be a save towards hospital bills it would have taken to treat the issue if it advanced.

A stay-at-home partner is also able to pay keen attention to those in the household who require special attention, such as supporting those who have chronic conditions and reducing exposure to illness by observing hygienic conditions.

Having someone on top of health matters in the homestead by keeping track of how everyone is faring and arranging doctor appointments saves a lot of worry, inconveniences, and money.

House Maintenance 

House maintenance is an expensive affair. Just think about it, if you were to pay for everything that needs to be done in your house to keep it clean and operational. The costs are outrageous. 

Stay-at-home partners undertake regular cleaning, repairs, and organizations, do home improvement projects, implement energy-efficient practices, devise safety measures, and prepare for emergencies among others.

Childcare

Admittedly, it is easier to hold a full-time job when your partner takes care of the children. It makes job-related demands such as traveling manageable without worrying about home affairs. 

The stressful negotiation of who will pick kids up from school or feed them is manageable. 

However, don't get me wrong, this does not mean that the working partner neglects their duties entirely, both parties should play a role in the child's upbringing.

A stay-at-home partner reduces childcare expenses significantly in the following ways

• Daycare costs are eliminated - With one partner staying at home the expenses incurred for getting childcare services are eliminated and subsequent costs.
• Transportation costs associated with picking up and dropping children from daycare school are also eliminated.
• Less need for hiring babysitters who can be costly

Essentially, a stay-at-home partner not only provides emotional and educational support to the children but also delivers substantial financial benefits by reducing childcare expenses.

Read Also: Common Money Mistakes That Parents Make

Increasing Savings and Investment Capabilities

A stay-at-home partner bolsters savings and investment capabilities not only as a financial strategy but as a testament to the value they bring to the family's financial well-being. 

They do this by:

• Expense management – Stay-at-home partners have sufficient time to draft family budgets. Through a budget, they will reduce expenses and identify areas of cost saving channeling the extra money to investment options.
• Do a home-based business or work from home which will generate additional income for the family thus an increase of saving and investment capabilities.

Better Work-Life Balance

A stay-at-home partner can offer crucial support that allows the working partner to pay attention to their work, which can result in career growth which comes with salary growth. The working partner can also create a side hustle that can increase the amount of money they bring in. 

Having more time on one's hands together with the peace of mind that comes with the support from the stay-at-home, can allow the working partner to pursue much more demanding opportunities that have more returns.

Wrapping Up

It is important to recognize there is no one-fit solution, the decision to stay at home is a personal choice fueled by preferences, circumstances, and mutual agreement. Open and candid conversation is necessary to address concerns centered around this idea. When adapted it offers a wide range of financial benefits as seen above.

The contributions of a stay-at-home partner can be financially direct or indirect. However you choose to look at it, it can have a positive financial impact but you have to understand that there is much more to consider apart from the financial viability of staying at home.