How to Afford to Stay Home: Practical Tips for Moms Wanting to Make the Leap

I remember the moment I knew I wanted to be a stay-at-home mom. I had just had my baby, and the thought of leaving them for a full-time job felt unbearable. But reality hit—our finances weren’t in a place where it seemed possible. Bills, expenses, and the fear of not having enough kept me up at night.

That’s when I turned to what I knew best—thrifting. I had always loved finding beautiful secondhand pieces, and I realized I could turn that passion into a business. Reselling allowed me to stay home, homeschool my kids, and create a life that feels both fulfilling and financially stable.

If you’re longing to be home with your children but feel stuck because of money, I want you to know—it is possible. It takes creativity, planning, and a shift in mindset. And I want to help you every step of the way.

Before we dive in, two things will make this journey easier for you:

My Thrifting Budget Planner – If you're serious about making the transition, start tracking your spending, setting financial goals, and creating a plan. I made this journal specifically to help you stay on top of your thrifting expenses while making a profit.

Step 1: Embrace a Cottagecore Lifestyle

One of the biggest fears moms have about staying home is, “Can we really afford this?” The answer isn’t just about making money—it’s also about shifting how we live.

Cottagecore is all about simplicity, resourcefulness, and finding beauty in everyday life. When I started living this way, I realized I didn’t need to spend money the way I used to.

Here’s how a Cottagecore lifestyle can help you afford to stay home:

✔ Etsy shop. Sell handmade or vintage items, digital printables, or home-sewn linens.
✔ Baking & cottage food sales. If your state allows it, you can sell homemade bread, jams, or baked goods.
✔ Writing & blogging. I turned my passion for Cottagecore into a blog, and you can too! Writing about what you love can eventually bring in income through ads, sponsorships, or digital products.
✔ Freelancing. Virtual assistant work, graphic design, or social media management can be done right from home.

Step 2: Find Ways to Earn from Home

Even though we cut back, I still needed to contribute financially. That’s when I realized—why not turn my love for thrifting into a business?

How I Built My Reselling Business (And How You Can Too!)

I started by selling a few pieces from my own closet. Then, I learned what brands and styles sell well, and I began thrifting with intention—looking for high-quality items I could flip for a profit. Over time, I built a system that allowed me to make a steady income while staying home with my kids.

And now, I help other women do the same! If you want to learn how to thrift for profit, my Reselling 101 guide walks you through everything:
✔ How to spot valuable items at thrift stores and yard sales
✔ Where to sell (Poshmark, eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or even your own website!)
✔ How to take great photos and write descriptions that sell
✔ Pricing strategies so you can maximize your earnings
✔ How to turn it into a sustainable income stream

Other Cottagecore-Inspired Ways to Earn from Home

Reselling isn’t the only way to create an income while embracing a slow, home-centered life. If you love making things with your hands, here are other ways to earn:
✔ Etsy shop. Sell handmade or vintage items, digital printables, or home-sewn linens.
✔ Baking & cottage food sales. If your state allows it, you can sell homemade bread, jams, or baked goods.
✔ Writing & blogging. I turned my passion for Cottagecore into a blog, and you can too! Writing about what you love can eventually bring in income through ads, sponsorships, or digital products.
✔ Freelancing. Virtual assistant work, graphic design, or social media management can be done right from home.

Step 3: Plan Your Transition & Start Now

If you’re still working and wondering “Can I really do this?”—start preparing now.
✔ Try living on one income. Put your second income into savings and see how your budget adjusts.
✔ Start your side hustle now. Whether it’s reselling, baking, or blogging, get it going before quitting your job.
✔ Set realistic financial goals. You don’t need to replace your full-time income immediately—small steps add up.

Money-Saving Tips to Help You Transition to Living on One Income

Living on one income is possible with the right mindset, planning, and adjustments. Here are some tips to get you started:

1. Track Your Spending
   Start by understanding where your money is going. Keeping track of your expenses for a month will help you identify areas where you may be overspending or can cut back. Write everything down or use budgeting apps to categorize your spending.

2. Create a Realistic Budget
   Once you’ve tracked your spending, create a budget based on your current income. Prioritize essentials (housing, food, utilities) and set limits for discretionary spending (eating out, entertainment, etc.). A zero-based budget, where every dollar has a purpose, can help you live within your means.

3. Embrace Minimalism and Simplify
   Cut back on non-essential purchases. Consider what brings true value to your life, and eliminate the clutter of excess. This includes clothes, gadgets, and home decor. Thrifted finds, repurposed items, and creative projects can replace costly purchases while enhancing your home’s charm.

4. Meal Planning and Cooking at Home
   Save money on groceries by planning your meals for the week and sticking to a shopping list. Cooking from scratch rather than buying pre-packaged or takeout meals can save a significant amount each month. Consider growing your own herbs or vegetables to further reduce costs.

5. Consolidate Debt
   If you have multiple debts, look into consolidating them into one low-interest payment. Paying off high-interest credit cards first can relieve financial stress and allow you to focus more on saving and living within your means.

6. Cut Unnecessary Subscriptions
   Review your subscriptions (streaming services, gym memberships, etc.). If you don’t use them regularly, cancel them or opt for more affordable alternatives. There are plenty of free or low-cost ways to entertain, stay fit, and meet your needs.

7. Downsize and Cut Back on Housing Costs
   If your home is larger than you need, consider downsizing to a smaller space or relocating to an area with lower living costs. Alternatively, reduce your housing expenses by renting out a room or using a portion of your home to run a small business or side hustle.

8. DIY and Craft
   There are many things you can do yourself instead of hiring out or buying new. Making your own cleaning supplies, repairing clothing, or creating home decor can be fulfilling and save money. Your creativity, especially with a cottagecore mindset, can give you a beautiful and functional home on a budget.

9. Use One Car (If Possible)
   If you both drive, consider using just one vehicle to reduce car payments, gas, and insurance costs. Public transportation, biking, or walking can be viable alternatives if you live in a convenient location.

10. Find Ways to Save on Utilities
    Be mindful of how much water, electricity, and gas you use. Small changes like switching to energy-efficient light bulbs, turning off lights when not in use, and taking shorter showers can add up over time. Look for ways to reduce your energy bills, especially with seasonal changes.

11. Live in Alignment with Your Values
    Redefine what "success" looks like for you. Instead of focusing on consumerism or chasing after material possessions, invest in experiences and memories that are priceless—like family time, homegrown food, and personal hobbies. The cottagecore lifestyle, for example, celebrates simplicity and intentionality, which can help you live richly without the need for constant spending.

12. Plan for Emergencies and Save
    Even with a one-income household, it’s essential to have an emergency fund. Try to save a small percentage of your income each month to create a safety net. This way, you're prepared for unforeseen expenses, without sacrificing your financial stability.

I’m Here to Help!

I know how overwhelming this can feel because I’ve been there. But I also know the freedom and joy of waking up each day knowing I get to be home, creating the life I love.

If you’re serious about making this transition, let me help! Start by grabbing my Thrifting Budget Journal so you can get your finances in order, and then check out Reselling 101 to start making money from home.

Let’s build a life of simplicity, sustainability, and financial freedom—together. Drop a comment below or reach out—I’d love to cheer you on!

Brooke

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Welcome!

I understand the struggles that come with wanting to be a stay-at-home mom while also maintaining a sense of purpose, financial stability, and personal identity. Maybe you’re overwhelmed by the transition, unsure how to make it work financially, or afraid of losing yourself in the process. You might feel isolated, struggle with time management, or worry that your wardrobe and lifestyle will have to be sacrificed. I’m here to tell you—it doesn’t have to be that way. My blog is a space where I help moms like you embrace a sustainable, beautiful, and fulfilling stay-at-home life through Cottagecore-inspired living. From building a timeless, budget-friendly wardrobe to finding creative ways to contribute financially from home, I share practical solutions that allow you to thrive. If you’re ready to step into a life that feels both intentional and magical, you’re in the right place. Let’s build a life you love—one that’s cozy, sustainable, and filled with joy.