How Wealth and Motherhood Intersect

In honor of Mother’s Day, we are focusing today’s Thrive For[e]ward episode on how wealth and motherhood intersect. There are so many factors we face and decisions we need to make as mother’s. As mother’s, we tend to put ourselves last. I’m here to say it is important to fill your cup first before you can give to others, especially as it portrays to your children and your family. As a mom, you have the right to make your own decisions. What is it we as mother’s truly want to achieve for ourselves and for our family?

Today we are focusing on three areas …  childcare, budgeting, and not getting caught up in comparing what others are doing as you make your decisions.

One of the main pieces that set women apart from our male counterparts or partners, is often that of childcare. Making the decision of how childcare will be provided once we become mothers is personal. What are some of the things that you should be thinking of as you make the decision? You need to be grounded in what it is that you want to do, but also need to understand that if you do decide to stay at home, maybe that’s a complete lifestyle change for you and your family. You might be saving money in the short term on daycare, but what is it that you are sacrificing in the long term?

Economists say that the stay-at-home parent who gives up a career may lose about $1 million over the years. While I didn’t lose $1 million, I have lost 5 years of wages, 401(k) contributions (and growth), and that many years of employer contributed social security benefits. (Source: Moneyning)

Now, in reading that statistic don’t feel discouraged. Remember, staying home to raise your children is personal and could be one of the most rewarding and best decisions you make. Which is why budgeting is key. Planning for the what if situations and also not forgetting to plan for the things that are important to YOU.

• Check out this tool to calculate impact of staying home vs working.

And, if you are a working mom, take that into account. Maybe you’re traveling a lot for work or running a team, don’t be afraid to understand as a part of your compensation packages, negotiating raises to account for someone to help clean around the house, someone to help with grocery shopping or meal prep, assist with kids activities and commitments. We need to start thinking about these things when we come into negotiations – its more than your salary and compensation. In addition, budgeting and savings are key to understanding your cash flow and is even more important, so be empowered around those pieces. Don’t ignore what comes in and what goes out these are key pieces in your financial journey.

As we conclude today, here are three action items to consider and be sure to check out the resources below!

1. Financial stability

   Create a level of financial stability by having a healthy relationship with your money

   Create family decisions and involve your kids in conversations

2. Education & Communication

   Find resources to educate you and your family

   Tip: Check out The Four Money Bears

3. Mindset

   Remember what you learned about money & wealth is what your children will learn from you, if you haven’t rewritten your narrative. Think about your story and how it will impact going forward.

Resources:

• The Financial Price of Being a Stay at Home Mom

• Here’s How Much It Costs To Be A Stay-At-Home Parent

• The Hidden Cost of a Failing Child Care System

• 3 Biggest Barriers to Women Reentering the Workforce

• The Cost of Childcare and What it’s a Problem

• The Childcare Crisis is Keeping Women Out of the Workforce

• What Motherhood Taught me About Money        

   

If you are interested in learning more about Forethought Planning and how we can help you on your journey, please schedule an appointment to our complimentary 30 min Wealth Assessment session to learn more about how we incorporate these strategies and others to assist you through the financial planning process. 

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