Why We Chose to stay in a 2-Bedroom Home—and What It Taught Me About Financial Values”

When I became a mom, my entire definition of “wealth” shifted.

Before, I equated financial security with independence: a steady income, my own space, the ability to treat myself or handle emergencies without help. Money meant freedom, confidence, and control.

Then came motherhood. And with it, a tiny human who made me want to pause everything and soak in every giggle, every snuggle, every first.

But let’s be honest: the world doesn’t pause. Bills still show up. Life still costs money. And our desire for comfort and space doesn’t magically disappear.

So my partner and I found ourselves at a crossroads:

Do I return to work full-time to afford the “ideal” 3-bedroom house… or stay in our cozy 2-bedroom to preserve more time together during this fleeting season?

We chose the two-bedroom.

Not because it was the “easier” choice (honestly, it’s tight sometimes!)—but because we reassessed our values and made a financial plan that reflects them.

Here’s what that looked like:

1. We got clear on what really matters to us right now.

Time with our kids. Lower stress. Slower mornings. We wanted to be present, not just productive. (This part is very challenging to me).

2. We adjusted our goals, not our worth.

Living in a smaller space doesn’t mean we’re “falling behind.” It means we’re investing in a different kind of return. Money is essential, but it isn’t everything. I refuse to allow myself to give into the pressure of “keeping up” at the cost of my family.

3. We built a financial plan that supports this season.

We looked at our expenses, planned for the long term, and made peace with “less” in order to protect what felt like “more.”

4. We gave ourselves permission to change again later.

Values aren’t fixed. What works for us now may not work in two years. That’s okay—financial planning is about flexibility and foresight. You might see me prioritizing my income again, because I get to change my mind at anytime.

This choice—though unconventional to some—has brought us joy, clarity, and a deeper connection as a family. And isn’t that what we’re all working toward, in the end?

Want to explore your own money values and build a plan that aligns with your life—not just your bills?

Start a mindset journal and begin by asking yourself: What truly matters most to me right now?

And if you’re not sure where to start—I’ve got resources, coaching, and tools to help. Check out my Money Mindset Workshop or connect with me on Instagram for more real talk about money, motherhood, and all things mindset.