The truth is, after taxes and other work related expenses including clothing, daycare, automobile expenses, takeout meals and so on, most second incomes add little if any real dollars to a family’s bottom line. 

In The Four Laws of Debt Free Prosperity, author Blaine Harris makes this statement: “Your level of expenses will always rise to your level of income unless you protest to the contrary.” That’s simply a fancy way of saying, “You spend what you make.” It has been my experience that most families can, in fact, make it on one income. Now, occasionally, I do meet a couple where it just isn’t possible because the income is simply too low. But, those are the exceptions rather than the rule, and the reality is most two income families could live on one income. In fact, most want to but just don’t see how they can. The problem comes when the line between true needs and wants begin to crumble, and families find themselves falling into the “two income trap.” Below are some of the dangers we find in the trap:

1.   Because we spend what we make, we grow accustomed to a certain lifestyle that is predicated on two incomes. Once we have settled into a certain lifestyle, it seems impossible for one parent to stay home. But, very rarely would the decision to move to one income result in having to cut into providing for the basic needs of our families. 

2.  Working mothers often share with me that they spoil their children out of guilt for working. So, they end up spending money to make up for lost time. That never has - and never will - work. 

3.  The most overlooked cost faced by double-income families is the physical toll it takes on mothers

My good friend Brant Hanson has this to say about the stress working mothers face:

If she's stressed out every night, because of her job, let her quit her job. If you can't afford it, afford it. Sell stuff. Move. Rent. Forget the college fund. Don't buy dumb cars and houses and stuff to make yourself feel cool, and miss out on a joyous, stress-limited marriage. She can take care of herself. It'll give her time, and energy, to love her children, her neighbors, and you.

So you bought her a nice car? Who gives a rip? She'd rather drive an old mini-van and have you around, living life together at a sweet, beautiful pace. Even if she doesn't think she wants this, she does.

Quit buying junk and live in a trailer if you have to.