So I was perusing Craigslist out of curiousity to see how much babysitters are charging per week. I happen to see one quote for $125 per child. This got me thinking about how much I am spending. Of all the budget analyzing I do, I have never broken down our babsitting bill. So here goes...
Total monthly bill for 2 children = $1180
Per Week = $295
Per Day $59 (5 days a week, 8-5)
EPIPHANY!!! I really don't mind the fact that I'm paying about $25 more per week than that one babysitter's quote on Craigslist because my kids really like our babysitter. Since they are the only two at her house, they get lots of attention, NEVER get sick, and they get along much better than ever. BUT, when I think about $59 per day, I want to throw up. What would I do if I had $59 in my hand right now??
I do remember that I have to work to pay debt and bills, so my children have to be cared for during the day. But here's the kicker...DH only works 3 days a week! The problem is that those three days fluctuate, meaning it's not the same 3 days from week to week. It's up to him to talk to his employer or to get a new job.
We could save so much money if we only had to pay for 2 or 3 days a week. I feel like this problem is out of my control and that I should just chalk it up to money wasted. Excuse me while I go cry...
Am I wasting money?
September 17th, 2007 at 04:50 pm
September 17th, 2007 at 05:01 pm 1190048495
September 17th, 2007 at 05:26 pm 1190050012
My advice (not asked for) ... let DH have kids one day a week (save the $60 per week) and get a cleaning lady once a month to get the cleaning done (we pay $60 for two hours of work every other week), and all that you need to do is the daily up-keep and then all of cleaning wouldn't fall on DH. Save the rest of the money. He'll have time witht the kids, you'll have more money, your house might be cleaner. Just an idea ...
September 17th, 2007 at 05:53 pm 1190051608
I believe DH must work. He gets paid twice a month. One of those paychecks goes to the babysitter, while the other is needed for bills and debt. The kids are on his health insurance which saves us about $500 a month. The district I work for charges and arm and a leg for dependents on health insurance. DH works at a hospital so health benefits are really good.
I feel like I'm coming up with lots of excuses to keep the situation the way it is. Like I'm complaining on one hand, but not trying to help myself. I'm not sure why I'm doing this.