Family & Lifestyle
Single-Income Sarah
UX Designer (on leave) · Columbus, OH
New mom. One income. Trying to figure out if the numbers work.
About Single-Income Sarah
Sarah ran the numbers on going back to work and discovered that after $2,800 in daycare, taxes, and commuting costs, her UX design salary nets the family $1,100 a month — less than she would save by staying home and cutting expenses. But staying home means Marcus alone carries the mortgage, the retirement contributions, and the career momentum for both of them. The decision is not just about this year; it is about what her resume looks like in five years if she steps away now.
Financial Snapshot
$88,000
Annual Income
$62,000
Net Worth
31
Age
Single-Income Sarah's Story — 6 Episodes
The Bigger House Question
With two incomes again, Sarah and Marcus debate upgrading from their 2-bedroom to a 4-bedroom. The price jump is $180k. They model the true cost of lifestyle inflation versus investing the difference.
Uses: rent-vs-buyThe Return-to-Work Decision
Amara turns 3 and starts pre-K. Sarah gets a UX design offer for $94k — more than she made before. She models the household income boost against the costs of returning: commuting, wardrobe, after-school care, and the emotional toll of the transition.
Uses: one-incomeThe Emergency Fund Stress Test
Marcus's company announces layoffs. Sarah runs a stress test: how long can they survive on zero income? Their $22,000 emergency fund covers 3.8 months of expenses. She models what it would take to reach 6 months — and whether that money should come from retirement contributions.
Uses: emergency-fundThe 529 Decision
Marcus wants to start a 529 immediately. Sarah thinks paying off their car loan first makes more sense. The model shows which path builds more wealth.
Uses: debt-payoffThe Childcare Equation
Sarah's take-home is $5,400/month. Childcare is $2,800. After taxes, commuting, and work clothes, returning to work nets her $1,100/month. She builds a full one-income model — and the numbers tell a story she didn't expect.
Uses: one-incomeThe Real Cost of a Child
Sarah and Marcus model the first year: hospital bills, gear, childcare, and the income gap during leave. The total first-year cost surprises them both.
Uses: having-a-child