Fun, kids! When you become a mother, money is probably not the first thing on your mind. But those koters cost money, and a lot of it sometimes. How do you manage that? In Cots & Expenses, mothers therefore lay their finances open and bare. This time, Maartje is speaking.
Everyone is different, and so are mothers! Therefore, our regular column Koters & Expenses features all kinds of moms. Mothers with adolescent children, mothers earning a ton a year, mothers working part-time, you name it. So, stay tuned! Want to participate (anonymously) too? If so, please email evie@thisiselfin.com subject to Koters & Costs.
Hi Maartje! Who are you and what do you do?
‘I am Maartje and I am 35 years old. I live with my husband Stephan and two children aged nine and seven in Apeldoorn. For four years I have been working for myself. I am a freelance communications consultant for various (semi-)government agencies, and I run a co-working space in Apeldoorn with two other women called Gold Works. On top of that I just started – after years of dreaming and planning – a community for moms with a business. It’s quite appropriately called Momtrepreneur. Because of my businesses, I’m always bubbling with new ideas: I said goodbye to a nine-to-five job a long time ago.’
How much do you earn per month?
‘When I was employed, I earned less than I earn now. This is mainly because I have been working a lot on an interim basis for government agencies over the past year. Then about eight thousand to ten thousand euros per month came in. Not that I could spend all of that: as a freelancer, you always have to remit some of it. Now with Momtrepreneur, much of my income also goes back into the business. That’s why I’m glad I had such a good year last year: I have a pot to lean on in this early stage.’
Have your expenses changed since becoming a mother?
‘My children are past the childcare age, so I expected that would save on the monthly bill. But now, of course, they have swimming lessons, go to sports and have children’s parties. If my kids want to make a big purchase, like a Nintendo Switch, they have to save half together. They are very passionate and lucrative about that: they sit by the road with a self-described sign and Pokémon cards, and then try to sell them. Not that anyone stops at the busy road we live on, but at least they have that entrepreneurial spirit.
Do you keep track of your finances?
‘Stephan and I keep track of our income and expenses in a schedule. We don’t do that religiously, mind you. If it turns out unfavorably, we prefer to ignore it. But the idea of an overview already makes us feel peaceful. We also save, including for the children. That savings is largely in stocks and crypto. That’s exciting, though, because the value of that changes daily.
What do you want to support your children financially in?
‘My parents used to help me with my studies and my driver’s license. But I also just borrowed from DUO. I would want the same for my children. That I support them where necessary, but that they also learn to handle money themselves.
What is your financial tip for mothers (to-be)?
‘When your children are still in daycare, sometimes a lot of money is taken out of your account at once. Your mortgage, your health insurance, and therefore child care costs. You then have about two weeks to bridge until the refund. Therefore, at times like that, make sure you have your finances well mapped out. What can I spend and to what extent should I temporarily tap into my piggy bank? That prevents stress, believe me.
Like Maartje, are you an entrepreneur and want to know how to map out your financial goals? On Friday, Nov. 19, Marissa Bonants will give a master class for ELFIN. As a member, you can attend for free; separately, tickets are fifteen euros.
