When A Two-Salary Income Fails

While this may not apply to everyone, you may find that a second salary brings in substantially less than you thought it would. In the beginning, Rachael thought that since she and her husband were just about breaking even as a couple, that staying home with the new baby would not work -- infant needs seemed endless. So she went back to her old job.

After a few weeks, they decided to actually calculate their bottom line with and without her weekly pay. This should not have been a surprise because there was still no extra funds at the end of the month. Rachael's second income necessitated extra expenses resulting in a near-breakeven budget once again.

When you consider the hidden expenses of a two-income household you must include the obvious ones like child care and commuting costs. Add to this -- order-out lunches, and those quickie dinners like take-out or prepared heat 'n serve selections. Office clothes and dry cleaning will apply to some.

Increased exposure to common illnesses for the child in daycare caused Rachael's absence from work more often than her single co-worker taking another bite out of her weekly paycheck. Rachael's second salary pushed them into a higher income tax bracket bringing an added burden at tax time.

If a two-salary income doesn't work any better than the one-salary did, then your answer has to be the Internet. To accomplish this without household friction, you must have three things going for you: (1) partner's cooperation: he/she must be willing to share some of the household duties without complaint. (2) your flexibility: to be able to work odd hours like when the baby sleeps, and (3) the biggest of all, sacrifice: working at home will mean giving up a few things until your Internet income equals what you earned offline.

When new mothers were asked what they would be willing to sacrifice to stay at home and work, some of their answers were:

• Selling the second car to save on taxes, ins, and loan payments

• Cable TV

• Wal-Mart weekly stops

• Cigarettes; a costly as well as unhealthy expense

• Dinners out

Some added their willingness to shop for baby clothes at the thrift-store (they were surprised at the bargains). And almost all have begun coupon shopping; a big savings on the food budget.

The latest research states that 8,500 new home businesses are started every day in the U.S. So if you have been lifting couch cushions looking for loose change, get in on the Internet opportunities but you must be open to all possibilities. When you limit your focus, you limit your choices of income.

Opportunities such as Clickbank or Payaah are two popular avenues that can set you up in a heartbeat with multiple programs under one umbrella. You can hit the ground running, and explore other offers at your leisure.

Works for me.

© 2004 Esther Smith

About The Author

Esther Smith is editor of Partners-For-Profit Newsletter; always a good read, and publisher of http://thepermanentventure.com

editor@thepermanentventure.com

---

Communicate What You Feel: How to be Understood By Those You Love

Good communication is of fundamental importance in intimate relationships. The... Read More

The First Ninety Days

A friend of mine recently commented on the amazing number... Read More

When Are You Ready to Move onto a New Relationship?

Breakups can be painful and difficult on so many difficult... Read More

Importance Of Background In A Relationship

Should coming from the same background be a major issue... Read More

Emotional Investments

It is a given truth that there are people out... Read More

Are You Really Ready For a Relationship?

So often I hear, I want a boyfriend, I'm married... Read More

The Womans Guide to Younger Men

I often awake to find Beverly, my older wife, wrapped... Read More

The Revenge Affair: Characteristics of the Adulterer

"I Want to Get Back at Him/Her" is one of... Read More

One of The Main Reasons Why Relationships Fall Apart

I had the priviledge to try out a BMW M5... Read More

Get Lucky In Your Love Life

Whether you are single or married, we all need luck... Read More

Zodiac Love Match ? Can the Stars be Right?

As a somewhat older gentleman (but still fairly good looking... Read More

Do You Love Reading The Daily Horoscopes Part II

How many time have you felt an instant attraction to... Read More

How to Communicate Constructively

Destructive communication erodes self-esteem and harms relationships. Such communication patterns... Read More

Relationship Conflict - Blow Up or Blow Through

Every now and then I hear a "relationship expert" say... Read More

Did Casanova Really Need the Oysters?

Scientists are rubbing their hands together with glee. A recent... Read More

7 Things You Must Know About Women

Most men find women mysterious and confusing. You find us... Read More

Build your Social Support Network

A social support network is a group of people who... Read More

Romantic Tips - Keeping Romance Alive

You've been in a relationship for quite some time and... Read More

Are You Chasing Dollars or Your Kids?

Striking a perfect balance between work and home today can... Read More

Five Tips for Breaking Free of The Drama Habit and Developing a Healthier Arguing Style

We all feel angry from time to time, but feeling... Read More

Romance Matters

You are never too old and it is never too... Read More

Is It Love or Money?

What do women or men want out of a relationship?... Read More

When A Relationship Goes Bad

What do you do when a long term relationship goes... Read More

How Not to Compromise With Your Partner

Do you ever disagree with your spouse? Or your boyfriend... Read More

10 Red Flags In Dating Relationships

When starting a new relationship, many women (and men as... Read More

The Three Levels of Soul Mates

From my own personal experience of being involved in certain... Read More

Home For The Holidays: Start That Conversation

Annie waited too long to have that talk with her... Read More

Relationship Advice: Closeness and Connection

In my work with couples, certain themes have emerged that... Read More

8 Reasons Why Your Man Isn?t More Romantic On Valentine?s Day

What is supposed to be the most romantic day of... Read More

Love Problems

Often times when a couple gets married, things get pushed... Read More

If You Cannot Make Friends, Make Foes

There are few desires (if any) stronger than the deep... Read More

Relationship Spring Cleaning by Susan Sheppard

History doesn't belong in a relationship that is presentMy friend,... Read More

Lovers Quarrel

One minute you seem like lovesick turtledoves teasing, laughing and... Read More