Let me start by saying this: being a stay-at-home mom is one of the hardest jobs in the world. It’s also one of the most rewarding. But when you’re trying to manage a household on a single income, money can feel tight—really tight. For years, I felt like I was barely keeping my head above water. Between diapers, groceries, and the occasional “treat” to keep my sanity, I found myself relying on credit cards more than I’d like to admit. Before I knew it, I was drowning in debt.
It wasn’t just the numbers on the statements that weighed on me; it was the guilt, the stress, and the feeling that I was failing my family. But here’s the thing: I didn’t stay stuck. With a lot of hard work, creativity, and determination, I climbed out of debt—and I’m here to tell you that you can too. This is my story.
The Wake-Up Call
It all started one chaotic morning. My toddler was throwing a tantrum, the baby was crying, and I was trying to make breakfast while simultaneously searching for my missing coffee mug (turns out, the dog had claimed it as his new toy). In the middle of the chaos, I opened my mailbox and found a stack of bills. Credit card statements, medical bills, and a reminder that my car payment was due.
I sat down at the kitchen table, baby on my hip, and started adding up the numbers. The total was staggering. I felt a pit in my stomach as I realized how much we owed. How had it gotten this bad? I knew we weren’t living extravagantly, but between the rising cost of groceries, unexpected expenses, and my occasional “retail therapy” trips to Target, the debt had crept up on me.
That was my breaking point. I knew I had to do something—not just for myself, but for my family. I didn’t want my kids to grow up in a home where money was always a source of stress. I wanted to set a better example for them. So, I made a decision: I was going to get out of debt, no matter how long it took.
Facing the Numbers
The first step was the hardest: I had to confront the reality of our financial situation. I waited until the kids were in bed, grabbed a notebook, and started writing down every single debt we had. Credit cards, medical bills, the car loan—everything. Seeing the total in black and white was terrifying, but it was also empowering. I couldn’t fix what I didn’t understand.
Next, I looked at our monthly expenses. I was shocked to see how much money was slipping through the cracks. That daily Starbucks run? It added up. The subscription services I forgot to cancel? Another $50 a month. Even the little things, like buying name-brand groceries instead of store-brand, were costing us more than I realized.
Creating a Budget That Worked for Our Family
As a stay-at-home mom, I knew I had to be creative with our budget. My husband’s income was our only source of money, so every dollar had to count. I started by using the envelope system for our variable expenses, like groceries and entertainment. I withdrew cash at the beginning of the month and divided it into envelopes. When the money was gone, it was gone. This forced me to be more intentional with our spending.
I also looked for ways to cut costs. I started meal planning to reduce our grocery bill, and I learned how to make homemade versions of our favorite snacks and meals. I canceled subscriptions we didn’t use and switched to cheaper alternatives for things like cable and internet. Every dollar I saved went toward paying off our debt.
Finding Ways to Bring in Extra Income
One of the biggest challenges of being a stay-at-home mom is feeling like you’re limited in your ability to contribute financially. But I quickly realized that there are ways to earn money from home, even with little ones underfoot. I started small by selling things we didn’t need—old clothes, toys, and even furniture. It wasn’t a lot, but every little bit helped.
Then, I started looking for ways to earn money online. I took surveys, tested websites, and even started a small blog about my journey to financial freedom. I also discovered the world of freelance work. I started doing freelance writing and virtual assistant work during nap times and after the kids went to bed. It wasn’t easy juggling work and motherhood, but it was worth it to see our debt shrinking.
The Debt Snowball Method
I decided to use the debt snowball method to tackle our debt. I listed our debts from smallest to largest and focused on paying off the smallest one first while making minimum payments on the others. Once the smallest debt was paid off, I rolled that payment into the next one. It was incredibly motivating to see those balances disappear, one by one.
One of the first debts I paid off was a small medical bill. It wasn’t much, but it felt like a huge victory. That momentum kept me going as I worked my way through our debt.
The Hardest Part: Staying Motivated
Let me be honest—there were days when I wanted to give up. It’s hard to stay motivated when you’re dealing with tantrums, sleepless nights, and the never-ending demands of motherhood. But I reminded myself why I was doing this. I wanted to create a better future for my family. I wanted to be free from the stress of debt.
I also found ways to make it fun. I created a debt-free chart and colored in a section every time I made a payment. I celebrated small victories, like paying off a credit card or reaching a savings milestone. And I leaned on my husband and friends for support. Having a cheerleader in my corner made all the difference.
The Turning Point
After about a year of sticking to our plan, I started to see real progress. Our credit card balances were shrinking, and we had paid off a few smaller debts entirely. I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment that I hadn’t felt in years. I was finally taking control of our finances.
One of the most transformative moments came when we paid off our largest credit card. I had been chipping away at it for months, and when I made that final payment, I felt like I could breathe again. It was proof that we could do this, that we were stronger than our debt.
Life After Debt
It took us three years to become completely debt-free. Three years of hard work, sacrifice, and discipline. But it was worth it. Today, we have an emergency fund, we’re saving for our kids’ futures, and we’re even planning a family vacation. More importantly, I feel free. I’m no longer controlled by our debt, and I’ve learned valuable lessons about money and self-discipline that I hope to pass on to my kids.
Tips for Stay-at-Home Moms (or Anyone) Trying to Get Out of Debt
If you’re struggling with debt, here are some steps that helped me:
Face the Numbers: Ignoring your debt won’t make it go away. Add up what you owe and create a clear picture of your financial situation.
Create a Budget: Track your income and expenses to see where your money is going. Cut back on non-essentials and redirect that money toward debt repayment.
Find Ways to Earn Extra Income: Whether it’s selling unused items, freelancing, or starting a small side hustle, every little bit helps.
Use the Debt Snowball Method: Focus on paying off your smallest debt first while making minimum payments on the others. The momentum will keep you motivated.
Stay Disciplined: It’s not easy, but remind yourself why you’re doing this. Celebrate small wins and lean on your support system.
Involve Your Family: Talk to your spouse and kids about your goals. Even little ones can understand the concept of saving and spending wisely.
Final Thoughts
Getting out of debt as a stay-at-home mom wasn’t easy, but it was one of the most empowering things I’ve ever done. It taught me that I’m capable of more than I ever imagined, and it gave me the confidence to take control of our family’s future. If you’re in debt right now, I want you to know that you’re not alone, and you’re not stuck. It’s not going to be easy, but it’s possible. Take it one step at a time, and don’t give up. Your family—and your future self—will thank you.
You’ve got this, mama. 💪