Then there is the Dr. Phil show. Parents are encouraged to share the family budget with their children, saying “no” more often to activities and discretionary spending. The silver lining? Less running around will allow us to spend more time with each other. No more living beyond your means, even for our kids.

I’m reassured by the fact that I have been here before. My husband and I had big corporate jobs that were eliminated. For four years, I outsourced myself to make ends meets while my husband stayed home with our daughters, joined the carpool league, and perfected his goulash recipe. Our hard work and determination paid off. I quickly covered both of our lost salaries with my outsourcing gigs and then we decided to start a company. We set a budget and some low expectations but big dreams. The universe cooperated by providing us with a steady stream of work and some other positive signs along the way.

Before we made the move, I did do one more thing, being the conservative creature that I am. I talked to a friend and family counselor to reassure myself that our family could be happy living on much less than our neighbors, peers, and friends. He said something that stays with me to this day. Everyone has an equal chance of being happy; extra money is not a happiness predictor. A little planning and a lot of faith can land you in a better place if you are willing to take the risk.

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