The tricky debate of whether to be a stay at home mum, or a working one, has never been so current, as now.  Some believe not only it’s best for their children but also for their finances to stay home rather than sending their offspring to nursery; and the other school of thought?  Two salaries are better than one, so with both parents in full time work, there is no option but to send the baby into nursery and pay up to £700 a month for the courtesy of doing so.

But questions are now being asked, in the current recession, is whether staying at home genuinely does save the family money?  Research by Scottish Widow shows 24% of the women questioned, stopped or reduced their pension payments and savings contributions all together when they left work to start a family.  Although they may feel this is best for the baby, Scottish Widow are suggesting that, without their regular income, savings or pension to support them, by the time they reach retirement age, they could be severely in debt.

I have to say, in conversations I’ve overheard from most women discussing this subject – choosing work over children can often start a new world war, so I’m shocked that Scottish Widow have brought the subject up – but since they have, I thought it very worthwhile to discuss – those of us brave enough to do so.

Being the less sentimental and more logical, 82% of the men questioned in this research (in comparison to just 47% of women) confirmed that between the ages of 30-50, they would be working full time and therefore continue to keep up pension and savings payments.

I think the discussion here needs to be quite clear – it’s not about whether it’s right to have children – or to give up work and be at home mum.  It’s to question your opinion regarding – with so many people susceptible to debt, is taking several years out, or only returning to work part time, the correct thing to do?  Although this may be best emotionally, financially, this couldn’t be worse for those who genuinely are stretching their pennies as far as they can.  So go on, be brave, and tell me…what’s your opinion or experience in this subject?