She Strengthens

Embracing My Reality: A Stay-at-Home Mom’s Reflection

Growing up, I always dreamed of getting married young and starting a family. It wasn’t just a passing fancy; it was a deliberate plan. I attended a private Catholic college in Philadelphia, where I met my future husband during my junior year. We got engaged three days after my graduation and tied the knot a year later. Six months into our new life together, we discovered we were expecting our first child.

Financially Fortunate

We were fortunate to have our parents cover most of our wedding expenses, keeping costs under $10,000. We had also been saving since before our marriage, with me putting away around $6,000 and my husband building up his savings over two years. His recent promotion to an advertising job, earning $53,000 a year, provided us with a comfortable financial cushion.

A Degree in History, A Life in Motherhood

I earned a degree in history, which I used to teach fifth grade for two years after college. However, when our son was born, I knew I wanted to dedicate myself to raising him full-time. My mother had stayed home with my siblings and me, and I wanted to follow in her footsteps. I don’t regret my decision, but I do have one major concern: my student loans.

The Weight of Debt

We owe $20,000 in debt from my education, which I’m no longer using. My husband is shouldering the burden of paying off my loans, working overtime to cover the expenses. I contribute what I can, but as a stay-at-home mom, my income is limited. To make ends meet, I babysit other children, earning $15 an hour. It’s not much, but it’s a way for me to contribute to our family.

No Regrets, Just Reflection

While I have no complaints about my life, I do wish I had been more mindful of my financial situation before taking on debt. I value my education and the experiences I had in college, but I realize now that my degree could have been better utilized by someone else. My only regret is the debt that I brought into our marriage.

A Fulfilling Life

Despite this, I’m grateful for the life I’ve built with my husband and son. We may not have the perfect financial situation, but we have a loving home and a strong support system. My husband works hard to provide for us, and I’m proud to be a stay-at-home mom, dedicating myself to raising our child. In the end, it’s not about the degree or the debt; it’s about living a life that’s true to who I am.