Provident Mom

Provident Moms are moms like you. They’re moms who want the best for their kids, not only for today but also for tomorrow and the next day. They’re moms who look past the desires of the day to make sure that the needs of tomorrow are met.

This requires self-control because on all sides we’re told that we “deserve” new cars, facials, Stearns & Foster mattresses, maid services, etc., etc., etc. Deserve it or not, we have limited resources and great responsibility. This website is intended to help Provident Moms keep their eyes on the prize and to find the satisfaction that comes from taking care of their families well.

Our Goal

The U.S. federal government recently calculated how much it costs to raise a child from birth to age 18 (not including college). They came up with $160,140. Well. All we can figure is that whoever did the study is shopping at the wrong stores and wasting a lot along the way. We sincerely hope that anyone spending that much will read on. We have so many ways to help you save money on this website.

Our goal is to help families have more time for each other and build a secure future. When families practice provident living, one parent can be at home with the kids. Stay-at-home moms can do so many things to cut down on expenses and to create a wholesome atmosphere where kids learn and grow and feel safe.

Cleaning up your finances can seem like an overwhelming task. But just start with one area. Maybe you want to start with cutting back on your food bill. Make a few changes that turn into habits, and you’ll see your food bill go down. Next, take a look at how (or if) you’re investing. You don’t have to be bringing home a paycheck yourself to invest. In fact, if you’re a stay-home mom you can be instrumental in getting your family on the road to investing. You can save money here and there so you have more money to invest, and you are home during business hours and can research companies to invest in. Start simple, and soon you’ll be feeling more secure and financially savvy.

Think you need fancy toys?

Before I had children of my own, I equated children with toy stores. For some reason, I supposed children’s happiness was directly proportional to the number of toys in their bedrooms.

Now, after two children and many many plastic containers filled with various blocks, dolls, trucks, Disney figures, stuffed animals, plastic food, and anything else you can find in a toy store, I know it isn’t true.

This morning my three-year-old wandered forlornly into the living room. “I’m bored,” she said. Since it was a beautiful morning and I could feel winter threatening to steal outside playtime from us soon, I packed the kids up and headed for the playground.

Joy! Exultation! The kids squealed as they ran down the hill to the slides. A worldly-wise preschooler had brought a deflated yellow ball with him to the playground. He enjoyed his instant popularity as the kids bopped each other on the head with it and then quickly lost interest.

They ran. They screamed. They exercised their tiny legs until their stomachs told them it was time for lunch.

A child with a bedroom that looks like FAO Shwartz could walk around with that same, “I’m bored,” look on her face that my daughter wore this morning because joy doesn’t come from shiny toys.

I could take a lesson from my kids. Shiny toys won’t make me happy or “fulfilled” either. But I imagine that an out-of-control, hair-flying run down a grassy hill could.