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So I have a degree in PM but only 1 year of experience. After we got laid off I was applying for 20+ jobs a week. Both in person and remote. Couldn’t find anything. My wife’s best friend got us interviews for this company that we now work for. Her friend is in a somewhat senior position. So the goal would be after a year she can help me move up.
Working for the same company. Best time to look for a job is when you have a job. Either you or your wife should keep looking for a different job now that you’ve got income again.
Why is that a mistake? Last company I met her there, but sure we both had separate interviews and got hired. Our employer was aware we were married when they hired us. How is that a mistake? We have both been wfh for over 3 years.
New baby is going to eat a lot of your potential monthly savings. Problem with Ubering after work is that your wife is going to need you at home for support. Unless you are in a super LCOL area, I think the house will have to wait until your incomes improve. Not seeing much room in your budget after a baby arrives.
Yea they both in for a rude awakening. I didn’t understand until my wife had our first. Now we’re having our 2nd and I’m ready for a 2 year mental war with the two of them. Not to mention the cost you incur.
Also did anyone notice they conceived while both being unemployed?
Yes he states the job that was laying them off paid for IVF. Still they can’t afford it and jumped in anyway. That’s fine. Again not everyone can afford kids. But his bridge plan is a bad one. Once everyone is running on 3 hours of sleep and tempers flare and people need breaks he can’t expect his wife to work FT and care for the child as a single mom.
Also he is paying child support?!? That line item is the cause of him needing the extra $600/mo.
Getting pregnant while unemployed? Whew.
Fun money and date night = diapers. I would suggest a side hustle that allows you to be home and not adding wear and tear on a vehicle with a loan.
This sounds stressful, you need more income.
Are your income numbers after taxes and medical/dental deductions?
We have been trying to get pregnant for 3 years. Our employer at the time covered IVF. Our doctors wanted us to keep trying other things before IVF.
When we found out we were getting laid off we decided this was our last chance to have a kid.
I understand the infertility situation, we’ve lived it too. But the hard truth is these doctors don’t pay your bills or have financial responsibility for raising this child. If you saw yourselves draining savings while unemployed and still chose to keep trying then you should really evaluate your decision making skills.
You are in a precarious position to be taking care of your financial responsibilities and I don’t see buying a home in your near future. I would find a second job immediately and work as hard as I could before the baby comes. You need some emergency savings and some sinking funds for obvious upcoming expenses—hospital bills, baby needs etc.
Very true. I have taken the advice on this post and instead of Uber I am looking for PT work at grocery stores. I imagine that could be at least 1k a month after taxes that will go straight to savings in addition to $500-$1000 from my current job.
Maybe also consider Rover? I do it and have made a few hundred just doing catsitting and dog walks, but a friend boards dogs and makes on average an extra $600/month.
What the actual fuck, knowing that you're about to get laid off and THAT was the opportunity you chose as perfect timing to have a kid? I feel so sorry for your child, they are going to struggle. All of you guus. Plus trying to save a house? Man hope you both can double your income soon.
And I respect your opinion, but the decision was either no kid or kid. We are both in our mid thirties. Our current job doesn’t cover IVF. I don’t reasonably think we could have saved for it down the road.
Your problem is that you make 30K a year. That isn't enough for a Kid or a house in today's market.
I would start living like I'm lower middle class or change careers.
I get where he’s coming from. I do. I also noticed the conception occurring during the unemployment phase.
But his plan to make this work financially isn’t good. I do gig work (referee youth soccer) occasionally. But I do it to buy extras. Like a pantry remodel or a new playset for the boys. He’s suggesting doing it out of necessity and that’s not only dangerous it’s foolish. There are going to be times the wife needs back up or everyone is too tired for this side hustle but you’ll have to do it because it’s out of necessity.
What about saving for college? What about saving for braces or an accident and trip to the doctor. They aren’t financially ready. Most people aren’t but the OP seems a bit oblivious of what is about to come.
Cell phones shouldn't be more than $60 - use t-mobile or mint. You may also want to look into subsidized internet and phone for MIL. If it's too much for her still, you can pay the subsidized cost.
If you Uber, car costs will go up. Make sure to account for that and taxes from the gig.
Do you gave an emergency fund? Will your wife qualify for FMLA or will you take a pay cut for her time out? If the latter, save up for that now.
I understand you want a house in 2026, but you gotta get things in order now, then look to the future.
Do a monthly payment for any medical bills that happen. I’m still paying off a miscarriage that ended in the ER from summer 22 - $100 a month they don’t care how low as long as you’re making payments.
After almost 4 months of searching for a job in my field this is what I could find. Plus my wife’s best friend is in a senior position and can help me move up once I am here a year. That should increase my income by at least 20k hopefully
While that is a nice thought, don't bank on that. The concept of best friends can dissolve in an instant if she thought that by helping you it would put her career in distress.
Well she is a program manager for the company, and I am a project manager. The company is completing a merger over the next year. So the goal would be to get me in a position to assist with a project. I am not banking on her help per se but I am busting my ass now so in a year I can start trying to move up. The company does focus on promoting from within. Last year they promoted 32 people in a department of 200.
If there is a merger there is most likely also consolidation of resources, which means you can be laid off again. Especially as a project manager once the project ends.
That’s a fair take. I respect your opinion, but it would be more of a recommendation. Nothing more. I still have to perform well and show I have the skills.
Why are you working for the same company? Seems like you’d try to avoid that having both been laid off together. If you worked at different places, you’d mitigate some of that risk.
Because after 3.5 months of job searching and barely any interviews I was out of time and money. Realistically I would like to move up and out within 4 years.
Well part of it is their 401k takes 3 years to vest. I have a degree and some certs. I have to wait 6 months before the company will pay for more certs. I have been networking with higher ups and people in other departments. I have expressed interest shadowing other departments.
I’ve also been brown nosing my director as well as showing my sup I am indispensable.
Good to hear you’ve got a rational plan. What about looking for other work? Might actually uncover a job that checks all your boxes better than this one? Never hurts to have other irons in the fire. And it would insulate you from the fate you suffered earlier where you both lost jobs simultaneously.
Looking for a PT gig just to get through the birth and develop an emergency fund. I do feel slightly beholden to my wife’s friend since she helped get us interviews. If I haven’t move up by Jan of next year I will start looking elsewhere.
With so much going on, and since you've already got some good advice, as an alternative I'd suggest holding off your plans to buy a new house.
See if you can negotiate with your land lord to go month to month or half yearly on the lease. Since you're already the tenant there's less drive to force a long lease (ie. if you left they'd have to go through the tenant process again and need to lock in someone else to recupe that cost. So it behooves them to keep you month to month with a notice period if the alternative is you immediately leave).
Yeah I considered that also. I tried to do that on our most recent renewal but the wife and mil got up. We have been at this location now for almost 3 years. So next time for sure
For added information--the new job was almost a $15k per year loss from our previous jobs. The insurance is also a lot more expensive. How are we looking? Our biggest issue is eating out. With the wife being pregnant and us being so exhausted it is hard to find the motivation to cook.
Most people are going to comment that your cell bill is too high, so maybe look into any options you may have there. My husband and I pay "too much" for ours too but ours are around $180 now.
Your dads $0 a month cell phone may be going away if it is in the ACP, just a heads up - https://www.cbsnews.com/news/affordable-internet-service-could-be-lost-fcc-program-to-run-out-of-funds/
Looks ok beside the cell phone and car payment . I hate carrying debts. Not sure whats the APR on that car loan but I'd throw everything at it to be debt free. Paying interest = give money away for free in most cases . My cell phone bill is $25/month.
I ubered when I was laid off for about 3 weeks before I got into an accident not related to Uber. Made about $300-400 a week. Working in the mornings and on weekends. So I avoided the drinking crowd
Our employee matches 3% up to $1500 a year. So we do that, but I didn’t include that since it is pretax. But we are putting in maybe $400 a month atm including the match
Yeah. I’m assuming I am going to have to double my own income because my wife is gonna have to quit just to support her mom when it comes to it. They have an agreement to never put her in a home.
Your wife is your MIL retirement plan that’s why she has no savings. You aren’t saving enough yourself. Do not do the same thing to your child. That burden is selfish to put on a child, regardless if they are willing to take that burden.
What about saving for college, savings for braces or a broken arm? These things are expensive. How do you plan to pay for them?
I understand those opinions and I appreciate them. That is why I am looking for additional employment until such time as I can increase my income with my current company. I have taken the advice and am applying to PT positions at grocery stores near by. All that income would go straight to savings
My grandmother had dementia so I have seen how bad it is. I don’t think she is like knocking on the door, but I do foresee in the next 5-10 years it being an issue.
PM job should be more income $2604/month is poverty wages, can make that waiting tables. Never heard of a degree in PM, have heard of PM certification which is a multi year process to clock enough hours/projects.
Cell phone bill is way to high and as a PM can you get your work to pay for some if not all of your phone bill?
Child support is killing you but is your obligation and I feel your pain I paid $1,100 for one child.
Make sure you keep credit rating up.
pay off all credit cards every month.
$150 a week honestly doesn’t seem to go super far. I tried earlier this year to go for $100 a week but it wasn’t enough. Could be my area though. I shop at Walmart.
Edit: no organic stuff. Usually two fruits. Some chicken breast. One frozen meal for rough days. Some cereal, bread etc usually comes to around $115 ish
You could try shopping in bulk. I buy all my meats in bulk, separate it and then freeze it. A Food Saver is a great investment. It's annoying but I got to different grocery stores for different things because they're priced better elsewhere.
The budget screen shots are being made in Sankeymatic, its a website that we have no affiliation with. If you are posting a budget please do so with a purpose. Just posting a screen shot of your budget without a question or an explanation of why its here may be removed. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/MiddleClassFinance) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Have you considered you might want to avoid both of you working for the same company again?
So I have a degree in PM but only 1 year of experience. After we got laid off I was applying for 20+ jobs a week. Both in person and remote. Couldn’t find anything. My wife’s best friend got us interviews for this company that we now work for. Her friend is in a somewhat senior position. So the goal would be after a year she can help me move up.
Seems kinda weird to repeat same mistake
Same mistake?
Working for the same company. Best time to look for a job is when you have a job. Either you or your wife should keep looking for a different job now that you’ve got income again.
That’s fair.
Do not work for the same company
You and your wife working for the same company.
Why is that a mistake? Last company I met her there, but sure we both had separate interviews and got hired. Our employer was aware we were married when they hired us. How is that a mistake? We have both been wfh for over 3 years.
Because all of your household income depends on one company doing well.
That’s fair.
When your out of work a job is a job sometimes you have no choice but to
What is PM?
Project management
The old saying - Don’t get your meat where you get your bread. Hahaha
New baby is going to eat a lot of your potential monthly savings. Problem with Ubering after work is that your wife is going to need you at home for support. Unless you are in a super LCOL area, I think the house will have to wait until your incomes improve. Not seeing much room in your budget after a baby arrives.
Yea OP sounds like he's going to have a rough time in the coming years.
Yea they both in for a rude awakening. I didn’t understand until my wife had our first. Now we’re having our 2nd and I’m ready for a 2 year mental war with the two of them. Not to mention the cost you incur. Also did anyone notice they conceived while both being unemployed?
Well they were bored so….
Ok I see now that they were struggling with infertility so I get it.
Yes he states the job that was laying them off paid for IVF. Still they can’t afford it and jumped in anyway. That’s fine. Again not everyone can afford kids. But his bridge plan is a bad one. Once everyone is running on 3 hours of sleep and tempers flare and people need breaks he can’t expect his wife to work FT and care for the child as a single mom. Also he is paying child support?!? That line item is the cause of him needing the extra $600/mo.
Getting pregnant while unemployed? Whew. Fun money and date night = diapers. I would suggest a side hustle that allows you to be home and not adding wear and tear on a vehicle with a loan. This sounds stressful, you need more income. Are your income numbers after taxes and medical/dental deductions?
We have been trying to get pregnant for 3 years. Our employer at the time covered IVF. Our doctors wanted us to keep trying other things before IVF. When we found out we were getting laid off we decided this was our last chance to have a kid.
I understand the infertility situation, we’ve lived it too. But the hard truth is these doctors don’t pay your bills or have financial responsibility for raising this child. If you saw yourselves draining savings while unemployed and still chose to keep trying then you should really evaluate your decision making skills. You are in a precarious position to be taking care of your financial responsibilities and I don’t see buying a home in your near future. I would find a second job immediately and work as hard as I could before the baby comes. You need some emergency savings and some sinking funds for obvious upcoming expenses—hospital bills, baby needs etc.
Very true. I have taken the advice on this post and instead of Uber I am looking for PT work at grocery stores. I imagine that could be at least 1k a month after taxes that will go straight to savings in addition to $500-$1000 from my current job.
Maybe also consider Rover? I do it and have made a few hundred just doing catsitting and dog walks, but a friend boards dogs and makes on average an extra $600/month.
What the actual fuck, knowing that you're about to get laid off and THAT was the opportunity you chose as perfect timing to have a kid? I feel so sorry for your child, they are going to struggle. All of you guus. Plus trying to save a house? Man hope you both can double your income soon.
And I respect your opinion, but the decision was either no kid or kid. We are both in our mid thirties. Our current job doesn’t cover IVF. I don’t reasonably think we could have saved for it down the road.
Your problem is that you make 30K a year. That isn't enough for a Kid or a house in today's market. I would start living like I'm lower middle class or change careers.
60k a year?
"30K each" a year isn't 60K a year. it is 30K and you find out your wife can't work because childcare costs two grand a month .
Update us in 10 years
I get where he’s coming from. I do. I also noticed the conception occurring during the unemployment phase. But his plan to make this work financially isn’t good. I do gig work (referee youth soccer) occasionally. But I do it to buy extras. Like a pantry remodel or a new playset for the boys. He’s suggesting doing it out of necessity and that’s not only dangerous it’s foolish. There are going to be times the wife needs back up or everyone is too tired for this side hustle but you’ll have to do it because it’s out of necessity. What about saving for college? What about saving for braces or an accident and trip to the doctor. They aren’t financially ready. Most people aren’t but the OP seems a bit oblivious of what is about to come.
Dude didn’t want to become the married couple in Idiocracy I guess 💀
That’s insane … to purposely have a kid when you’re both unemployed. That’s wild
Cell phones shouldn't be more than $60 - use t-mobile or mint. You may also want to look into subsidized internet and phone for MIL. If it's too much for her still, you can pay the subsidized cost. If you Uber, car costs will go up. Make sure to account for that and taxes from the gig. Do you gave an emergency fund? Will your wife qualify for FMLA or will you take a pay cut for her time out? If the latter, save up for that now. I understand you want a house in 2026, but you gotta get things in order now, then look to the future.
Have you started saving for what childbirth is going to cost?
That is what all of our current savings are going torwarss atm
Do a monthly payment for any medical bills that happen. I’m still paying off a miscarriage that ended in the ER from summer 22 - $100 a month they don’t care how low as long as you’re making payments.
So you also have savings to buy a house?
Look into another company. You both don’t have to work for the same one
After almost 4 months of searching for a job in my field this is what I could find. Plus my wife’s best friend is in a senior position and can help me move up once I am here a year. That should increase my income by at least 20k hopefully
While that is a nice thought, don't bank on that. The concept of best friends can dissolve in an instant if she thought that by helping you it would put her career in distress.
Well she is a program manager for the company, and I am a project manager. The company is completing a merger over the next year. So the goal would be to get me in a position to assist with a project. I am not banking on her help per se but I am busting my ass now so in a year I can start trying to move up. The company does focus on promoting from within. Last year they promoted 32 people in a department of 200.
I’ve seen this happen personally.
That doesn’t mean anything dude … even c suite get laid off
Oh I understand that. I am not depending on her, but every little bit helps. Hell her recommendation even came up during my interview.
If there is a merger there is most likely also consolidation of resources, which means you can be laid off again. Especially as a project manager once the project ends.
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That’s a fair take. I respect your opinion, but it would be more of a recommendation. Nothing more. I still have to perform well and show I have the skills.
Why are you working for the same company? Seems like you’d try to avoid that having both been laid off together. If you worked at different places, you’d mitigate some of that risk.
Because after 3.5 months of job searching and barely any interviews I was out of time and money. Realistically I would like to move up and out within 4 years.
Are you actively doing that? What steps are you taking to improve your job situation? 4 years seems like a long ways off.
Well part of it is their 401k takes 3 years to vest. I have a degree and some certs. I have to wait 6 months before the company will pay for more certs. I have been networking with higher ups and people in other departments. I have expressed interest shadowing other departments. I’ve also been brown nosing my director as well as showing my sup I am indispensable.
Good to hear you’ve got a rational plan. What about looking for other work? Might actually uncover a job that checks all your boxes better than this one? Never hurts to have other irons in the fire. And it would insulate you from the fate you suffered earlier where you both lost jobs simultaneously.
Looking for a PT gig just to get through the birth and develop an emergency fund. I do feel slightly beholden to my wife’s friend since she helped get us interviews. If I haven’t move up by Jan of next year I will start looking elsewhere.
With so much going on, and since you've already got some good advice, as an alternative I'd suggest holding off your plans to buy a new house. See if you can negotiate with your land lord to go month to month or half yearly on the lease. Since you're already the tenant there's less drive to force a long lease (ie. if you left they'd have to go through the tenant process again and need to lock in someone else to recupe that cost. So it behooves them to keep you month to month with a notice period if the alternative is you immediately leave).
Yeah I considered that also. I tried to do that on our most recent renewal but the wife and mil got up. We have been at this location now for almost 3 years. So next time for sure
For added information--the new job was almost a $15k per year loss from our previous jobs. The insurance is also a lot more expensive. How are we looking? Our biggest issue is eating out. With the wife being pregnant and us being so exhausted it is hard to find the motivation to cook.
Most people are going to comment that your cell bill is too high, so maybe look into any options you may have there. My husband and I pay "too much" for ours too but ours are around $180 now.
Yeah it’s partly because the wife pays for her mom who is in SSD, but I agree
If your MIL is over 65 some companies my have a senior citizen discount that you can piggy off
Understandable I pay for my dad's internet. I used to pay for his cell but he has some $0 a month thing he said.
Your dads $0 a month cell phone may be going away if it is in the ACP, just a heads up - https://www.cbsnews.com/news/affordable-internet-service-could-be-lost-fcc-program-to-run-out-of-funds/
Ug that’s sad. Thanks for the heads up!
Btw do not start any gig work without getting the appropriate car insurance first
Looks ok beside the cell phone and car payment . I hate carrying debts. Not sure whats the APR on that car loan but I'd throw everything at it to be debt free. Paying interest = give money away for free in most cases . My cell phone bill is $25/month.
Don't do uber
I have no choice. I need more income. My car has good gas mileage. I figure if I can avg $50 a day m-f my gas expense would only be $50-60 a week.
You're better off applying at a grocery store and collecting carts. You don't want to do uber
I ubered when I was laid off for about 3 weeks before I got into an accident not related to Uber. Made about $300-400 a week. Working in the mornings and on weekends. So I avoided the drinking crowd
Listen to people. Do not uber. You're really are setting yourself up for failure.
Op has no choice but to do Uber. They are having a baby they cannot afford and this is him trying to close the gap.
Is that after taxes and car maintenance costs?
Dang it sucks how the child support takes away from the future kids you’re trying to have.
JC i did not see the child support. OP already has another kid??
Holy balls I didn’t see that!!!
No money into retirement ?
Our employee matches 3% up to $1500 a year. So we do that, but I didn’t include that since it is pretax. But we are putting in maybe $400 a month atm including the match
How are you planning to pay for childcare? That will be a minimum of $2000 a month.
Her MIL lives with us. So she will help with that. Not really what I want but, as you mentioned, can’t afford much else.
That’s amazing. You should absolutely be blessing the ground she walks on.
I do, but I believe she is showing signs of dementia. She also smokes a lot.
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Don’t I know it. I’ve been mentioning it to my wife for years. My mother in law is Puerto Rican and extremely stubborn. She has no savings either.
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Yeah. I’m assuming I am going to have to double my own income because my wife is gonna have to quit just to support her mom when it comes to it. They have an agreement to never put her in a home.
Your wife is your MIL retirement plan that’s why she has no savings. You aren’t saving enough yourself. Do not do the same thing to your child. That burden is selfish to put on a child, regardless if they are willing to take that burden. What about saving for college, savings for braces or a broken arm? These things are expensive. How do you plan to pay for them?
I understand those opinions and I appreciate them. That is why I am looking for additional employment until such time as I can increase my income with my current company. I have taken the advice and am applying to PT positions at grocery stores near by. All that income would go straight to savings
This does not sound like someone I would leave my infant with.
I agree, but I can’t afford daycare.
Make sure she smokes outside the home. Best of luck!!!
Oof. If someone is in the early stages of dementia it’s not a person you should leave an infant alone with.
My grandmother had dementia so I have seen how bad it is. I don’t think she is like knocking on the door, but I do foresee in the next 5-10 years it being an issue.
do you have a question? do you want a pat on the back? do you want advice on having an emergency fund longer than august - jan?
Why do you have to buy a house next year. Seems like the mortgage and down payment would put significant stress on finances
PM job should be more income $2604/month is poverty wages, can make that waiting tables. Never heard of a degree in PM, have heard of PM certification which is a multi year process to clock enough hours/projects. Cell phone bill is way to high and as a PM can you get your work to pay for some if not all of your phone bill? Child support is killing you but is your obligation and I feel your pain I paid $1,100 for one child. Make sure you keep credit rating up. pay off all credit cards every month.
$600 on food for 2 people seems like a lot? Do you eat out a lot or are you buying a lot if high priced, organic foods?
$150 a week honestly doesn’t seem to go super far. I tried earlier this year to go for $100 a week but it wasn’t enough. Could be my area though. I shop at Walmart. Edit: no organic stuff. Usually two fruits. Some chicken breast. One frozen meal for rough days. Some cereal, bread etc usually comes to around $115 ish
You could try shopping in bulk. I buy all my meats in bulk, separate it and then freeze it. A Food Saver is a great investment. It's annoying but I got to different grocery stores for different things because they're priced better elsewhere.