Save Money By Working From Home

I am constantly seeking new ways of becoming more frugal. It occurred to me that the biggest way my family practices frugality is something we have already been doing for quite some time.

My husband was a full time student for 2 years until an amazing job opportunity landed in his lap early last year. At the time, we were actually living with his parents while hubby worked part-time and went to school. The job involved a home office, which I never thought he would embrace.

Much to my surprise and delight, he accepted the job and we moved into our very own home a few months later. The house we selected has a fourth bedroom separate from the others that hubby uses as his office.

I realize this is not an option for many families, but if there is a way to implement a home office, I highly recommend it!

Save Money By Working From Home

Consider these frugal benefits:

• No commute. This is by far the most obvious benefit, with gas approaching $4 a gallon. It also allows for more family time.
• No lunches out. I do have to keep the fridge and pantry well stocked for hubby, but we save a bundle over the convenience of fast food.
• No office coworkers. How is this frugal? Well, when I worked in the corporate world, there was always a birthday to contribute to, or peer pressure to eat out, etc.
• Fewer cell phone minutes. With easy access to a land line all day, and without a commute, cell phone usage was greatly reduced.
• Fresh brewed coffee at home. Commuting can lead to the inevitable drive-thru Starbucks run. I am guilty of this in the past.
• No office wardrobe to purchase and maintain. Every day is casual Friday at home! And we never use the dry cleaners.

And other perks:

• Baby naps, I go shopping!
• Hubby helps ME get out the door in the morning.
• His lunch break can be an impromptu lunch date with ME!
• He deals with the pesky door-to-door salespeople.
• Occasionally, the lawn gets mowed or other honey-do’s are completed on his lunch break.
• With a home office, he is also able to continue his education online at Liberty University.

Working from home requires a great amount of self-discipline, so it is not for everyone. A strong marriage is crucial, and opportunities for my husband to get out of the house occasionally keep things balanced.

If you or your spouse work from home, what benefits or drawbacks have you noticed?

To read other ways I practice frugality, click here.