Winter brings a lot of time spent indoors, and with it, a lot of looking around your home, wanting to make some changes. But before you upgrade your space, how will you know if it’s really worth it?

“The rule of thumb is to think about how personalized the upgrade you’re making is,” says Amanda Pendleton, Zillow’s home trends expert, citing a kitchen renovation with very specific features as an example. “These renovations typically yield some of the worst returns on investment—about 50 cents on the dollar.”

While you’re always welcome to upgrade anywhere in your home, if you’re looking for resale value, there are a few places you should look first. We asked home pros for their best tips on where to spend your money (and which places you should definitely skip).

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Invest in an outdoor TV

Outdoor spaces have become increasingly popular over the past few years and the more opportunities available outside, the better for resale. Outdoor spaces that include a TV can sell for 3.1% more than similar homes without one, Pendleton says.

“Not only has outdoor space become increasingly valuable to home buyers, they’re looking for functional outdoor space,” says Pendleton. “A space that feels like an extension of their home where they can entertain friends or relax with family.”

Not a big TV fan? Other features such as an outdoor shower, kitchen, pizza oven or shed can also add value, she says.

Check your light bulbs

Sometimes the smallest upgrades can make the biggest difference, and that includes light bulbs.

If you’re on a tight budget, making sure the color temperature of each light bulb in your home fixtures is one of the first things you can do that makes a difference, says Charley Pugh, head of local services at Matriarchy Build.

If you have a little more budget, you can play more with the lighting, but don’t overspend.

“Upgrading bathroom and kitchen fixtures that look really dated can also go a long way, but they shouldn’t be too high-end or there will be no going back,” says Pugh.

Paint your walls in neutral shades

If we’ve said it once, we’ve said it a hundred times, but color can do wonders in any home.

“A fresh, neutral color makes a place feel new,” says Pugh.

While we’re known to favor a bold color palette, the more neutral the better if you’re concerned about resale value so you can appeal to the most buyers.

“Painting the walls in a neutral palette is almost always the quickest and easiest way to get your home ready for sale,” says Pugh.

Add a coffee bar

Have you dreamed of a coffee station in your kitchen? Now is the best time to add it. Zillow estimates that a coffee shop can add up to a 1.4% sales premium when it comes time to list your home.

If you want to spend a little more, wine fridges are out, beverage centers are in. Adding a beverage center or under-cabinet refrigerator for any type of beverage can increase the increase by 2.4%, Pendleton says.

Replace your hardware

Not every home upgrade needs to take weeks. Replacing outdated hardware is a small weekend project that can increase the value of your home and result in a cohesive look. But don’t just buy old hardware, says Pendleton.

“Replacing legacy hardware with matte black hardware could contribute a 2.9% sales premium,” says Pendleton.

2 places you should skip

Built-in cabinets, according to Pendleton, and really high-end lights, according to Pugh, are two things you should avoid in your next DIY for the best value. Pendleton recommends connecting with a local real estate agent for advice before committing to remodeling to increase value.

“They have extensive knowledge of the market to make sure you’re investing and highlighting the right features that will appeal to buyers in your neighborhood and maximize your sales price,” says Pendleton.

While you may not get the most bang for your buck on every home project, that’s no reason to stop yourself from adding a feature you know you’ll love.

“So many people do a ton of work to sell their homes, and then they’re shocked at how great the place looks,” says Pugh. “Don’t wait until you move to get that upgrade.”

With 2025 fast approaching and new trends emerging in the home space, it can be challenging to know which pieces of furniture are actually worth investing in, especially if you’re remodeling your space. To find out, we spoke to a few interior designers who share six furniture trends that are sure to catch the attention of consumers.

Organic and textured elements

Expect to see deeper wood tones, colorful stone and textured fabrics in 2025, says Danielle Chiprut, founder of Danielle Rose Design Co. Chiprut explains how these elements will create a feeling of warmth and connection with nature.

Don’t be afraid to take these special materials outside, explains Paige Dick, founder of Paige Designs.

“I foresee an increase in luxury materials used outdoors, such as velvet and other textiles typically reserved for indoor spaces,” she says. “This trend will further blur the line between indoor and outdoor living.”

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Colorful marble

As for marble specifically, it’s time to think beyond the basics, explains Ciprut, noting that colorful marble will make a big splash in furniture design. Go ahead and weave emerald, burgundy and pastel marble into your home, shares the designer.

“These bold marbles bring a fresh, artistic quality to spaces, turning functional pieces into show-stopping elements that feel both luxurious and modern,” she says.

Statement Pieces

Don’t be afraid to let your furniture do the talking as you look ahead to the coming year. By no means is 2025 the year to stick to plain pieces; instead, get involved with colorful and eclectic options that will tell a story in your home.

“We require furniture with bold prints and patterns that feel custom and unique, allowing homeowners to express their individuality and make a statement in their space,” says Chiprut.

Unusual Pieces

That being said, the less ordinary a piece of furniture looks, the more popular you can expect it to be next year. If you’re someone who likes to really make your home your own, this is great news.

“My clients don’t want what their neighbors have,” says Fiona Leonard, founder of Fiona Leonard Interiors. “They want to have something unique, different and something to talk about.”

In this case, Leonard especially likes to source antiques and vintage pieces that won’t appear in every home on the block. You can experiment and have fun matching different pieces to suit your style. Chiprut agrees and expects to see an increased mix of vintage and contemporary pieces in 2025.

“There is a growing appreciation for craftsmanship and timeless design, with more homeowners mixing antique or vintage-inspired pieces with modern elements to create layered, eclectic spaces that feel both personal and enduring,” she says.

Sustainable Pieces

In addition to buying used, people will look for other sustainable home improvement solutions next year, adds Chiprut.

She explains that furniture made from eco-friendly materials and sustainable practices will be in demand – think reclaimed wood, recycled fabrics or locally made items.

Bespoke Pieces

On that note, custom pieces will also grow in popularity next year, shares Dick

“Custom pieces designed to fit into a space are becoming a big thing,” she says. “Homeowners aren’t just looking for something that looks good, they want furniture that truly reflects who they are and how they live.”

Best of all, custom furniture can truly meet all your needs and wants. Dicks explains how custom pieces are all about making every detail work for you and your space, whether it’s a crafty corner or custom shelving.

She also appreciates that such handcrafted pieces blend function and timeless design and are meant to be a real investment.

Most of us struggle with keeping a tidy home because we have too many things. We’re not talking about things that are easy to throw away or recycle like spoiled or expired food, empty rolls of paper towels, or cracked and broken dishes. The sentimental or “I might need this one day” are what make us give up and ignore the clutter.

We spoke to an organizing expert to gather the best questions you should ask yourself before you toss or get rid of an item.

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Will I regret not having this one someday?

“People often think that organization is the hardest part of what an organizational professional does,” says Carson. “The truth is, however, that the cleanup process is far more emotionally and mentally draining for everyone, including clients and organizers.”

Regret is a difficult emotion to resolve and almost impossible to respond to. Hoarding items or a “better safe than sorry” mentality can derail the goal of a clean home. Carson reminds clients that you can’t predict what you’ll feel or need in the future. Instead, she recommends asking yourself these important questions when deciding whether an item should stay or go.

Can I save memories while playing this item?

Carson said that she keeps two sentimental pieces of clothing that she will never wear again: her wedding dress and the dress she wore to bring her son home from the hospital. Since there are only two dresses, the collection is strong. However, you can’t hold on to every piece of clothing, book, or piece of china.

She recommends these methods to retain the memory but let go of the subject.

• Take a photo of the item. Place the printed photos in an album or digital file with a note about the item.
• Create something new. Repurpose Grandpa’s shirt to make a stuffed toy, holiday ornament, or part of a quilt.
• Frame it. If you don’t have room to keep a full set of china, frame a plate that reminds you of family dinners and hang it in your kitchen or dining room.
• Put it to another use. Use your mother’s prized silver tray to organize items on your dresser. You will see and use it every day.

Is it something I can find online if needed?

This question is especially useful for paper clutter. Owner’s manuals, bank statements, investment information and insurance documents can all be found online. Carson says when it comes to documents, ask yourself: Can I find them online? If yes, throw it away.

Documents that you may need in an emergency or legal documents should be stored in an easily accessible fire and flood resistant box.

The IRS recommends keeping individual tax returns and records for three years. It’s a good idea to keep some documents longer, such as records related to the purchase or sale of a home, stock transactions, IRAs, and business or rental property records. However, if the records are destroyed, you can request copies online from the IRS.

Can this be digitized?

Some documents such as birth certificates, death certificates, social security cards and marriage licenses should be kept in their original form. Carson still recommends making a digital copy and storing it separately in case of disaster.

For sentimental items such as birthday cards, invitations and letters, a digital copy will last much longer than the original paper and take up much less space.

Would I notice this item is gone? If so, how upset would I be?

Carson asks, “If you keep something for sentimental reasons but never look at it, what purpose does it serve?”

She encourages clients to use or display sentimental items until they become clutter. Her number one rule for determining whether a sentimental piece should stay or go is this: If this item were lost to fire or damage, how much would you notice and how upset would it make you? If you would be destroyed, keep it, but keep it right. She advises that guilt or obligation should not affect your true commitment to the subject.

“Your loved ones wouldn’t want their items or gifts to become a burden,” adds Carson.

Who am I saving this for?

Carson’s clients have attics, garages and basements full of things they are “saving for their children or grandchildren” which is often just an excuse because they are not ready to let go.

“The reality is, your kids or grandkids aren’t going to want all of those things,” Carson says. “If you’re really saving something with the intention of passing it on, ask the recipient who wants it. They might just want a few special pieces. They might want everything. You won’t know if you don’t ask.”

Whether you’re keeping things because you’re not ready to let them go or because you haven’t asked others what they want, always be honest about why you have an item.

When the holidays are finally over and it’s time to pack away all the decor until next year, it might be worth sorting through the holiday clutter. After all, no one wants to store broken ornaments or lights that no longer work.

We’ve tapped a designer to help you break down the holiday decor items that minimalists always toss after the season, so you know what to aim for when you’re tidying up and cleaning up after the holidays.

Wrapping paper, gift bags and boxes

If you’ve finished all your gift wrapping for the season, it might be time to part with the paper and bows.

Evelina Juzėnaitė, chief interior designer at Planner 5D, explains how these items can take up valuable space in your home if you don’t have a designated place to store everything.

“I prefer not to take up closet space and throw it away,” says Juzenaitė.

Juzėnaitė explains that she would rather buy something new that actually fits her style and aesthetic that particular year. And by refreshing the wrapping paper, you avoid crumpled wrapping paper or torn boxes, which inevitably happen after a year of storage.

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Torn or broken ornaments and wreaths

We’ve all been tempted to keep torn or broken ornaments or wreaths, hoping to fix them next year with tape or glue. However, Juzėnaitė says it’s more likely to just sit in a box and not be used or even forgotten over time.

“Minimalists don’t put them away thinking ‘I’ll fix it,'” says Juzėnaitė. “If I see the slightest scratch, I throw it away because less stuff means more space.”

Home Textiles

If you’re hosting this holiday season, you may notice that your tablecloths and napkins are starting to look stained and faded from the wash, says Juzėnaitė.

Unless they have sentimental value to you and your family, Juzėnaitė recommends throwing them away—you might not even reach for them next year if they’re not in good shape. This will only lead to a build-up of clutter that you will have to deal with later.

Disposable decorations

Juzėnaitė also suggests saying goodbye to disposable decorations like balloons, paper banners, paper snowflakes and other similar items because you probably won’t use them, especially if you’re only hosting during the holidays.

“Every year there is a different theme for New Year’s decorations and parties, and chances are that only a maximum of 20 percent of what you have will be useful,” says Juzėnaitė.

Completely unknown LANGUAGE 7

– About 23 F-words, 1 obscene hand gesture, 15 scatological terms, 3 anatomical terms, 6 mild obscenities, 1 derogatory term for African Americans, name-calling (subversive, second-rate politician, dustiest, dogmatic, inauthentic, dirty little secret, fancy, drunk , paranoid, baby, corny, Judas, groups, beatnik, freak, jerk, opposite), exclamations (e.g. stop hiding, stop, geez, oops), 4 religious profanities (GD), 13 religious exclamations (e.g. Christ, oh God, Judas, Lord, I am your God, Jesus, Jesus Christ, God said to Abraham). | glossary of profanity |

Why is “The Fire Inside” rated PG-13? The MPAA rating was awarded for “some strong language, thematic elements and brief suggestive material”. Kids-In-Mind.com rating includes kissing and caressing, several discussions about dating, a teenage girl talking about being abused as a young child, a teenage pregnancy, several heavy hitting boxing sequences, a teenage girl punching a man in the face, lots of arguments, and at least 2 F-words and other strong language. Read our parent guide below for details on this sexual content, violence & strong language.

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When a teenage girl (Ryan Destiny) from Flint, Michigan is determined to enter the world of women’s boxing, no one can imagine how far she will go and how much she will achieve. Also with Brian Tyree Henry, Jazmin Headley, Kylee D. Allen, De’Adre Aziza, Chrystian Buddington, Maurice Wayne Anglin, Teanna Weir, Idrissa Sanogo, Taytem Douglas, Olunike Adeliyi, Adam Clark, Shechinah Mpumlwana and Nendia Lewars. Directed by: Rachel Morrison. (Duration: 1:49)

Thanks to its durability and effortless style, stone is a natural choice for fireplace surrounds. From the timeless elegance of marble to the rustic charm of slate, the material you choose not only affects the aesthetics of the space, but also its durability and maintenance.

Ultimately, the best stone for your space will depend on several factors, including your budget, the look you’re going for, and the maintenance you’re willing to put up with.

To help you make an informed decision, we break down the pros and cons of ten of the most popular types of stone for fireplace surrounds. Here’s what you need to know.

Marble

If elegance is what you’re after, you can’t go wrong with the luxurious look and feel of marble. This natural stone is a timeless choice, most prized for its veins that can be seen everywhere. Marble is also known for being very durable. It can withstand high temperatures, making it ideal for wood, gas and electric fireplaces.

However, it is also one of the most expensive types of stone for a fireplace surround, and since it is heavy and difficult to install, installation costs are not cheap either. In addition, marble is not resistant to scratches or stains and requires regular maintenance to keep it looking its best.

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Granite

Granite is probably the most popular natural stone for fireplace surrounds. It is more affordable than marble, resistant to scratches and stains, and is available in many colors and patterns. Certain granite stones can even mimic the look of marble, making them a great inexpensive alternative.

Granite is an igneous rock (formed by volcanic activity), so to say it can withstand high temperatures is an understatement. Although granite is more affordable than higher-end options such as marble, it is still considered expensive compared to other options.

Quartzite

Not to be confused with artificial quartz, quartzite is a natural stone that is similar to marble or granite. It is most often found in shades of white to gray, although shades of pink and red can also be found.

Quartzite holds up well against problems like stains, scratches and dents, unlike granite and marble, making it a great low-maintenance alternative. It is also extremely heat resistant and can be used for wood, gas and electric fireplaces.

However, quartzite is a premium, expensive natural stone like granite and marble. Additionally, due to its weight, installation is complex and should always be handled by professionals.

Limestone

Limestone is a sedimentary rock in a range of neutral beige tones. It offers a clean, minimalist look that goes well with many different decorating styles. It is known for being tough and durable, resisting common problems like dents and scratches. Limestone is also more affordable than other natural stone options like marble, quartzite and granite.

However, this natural stone can be very absorbent and needs to be sealed regularly to prevent stains and moisture problems. Additionally, while limestone can be safely used with gas and electric fireplaces, it should not be used for wood-burning fireplaces because it can be damaged by high heat.

Slate

Slate offers a unique look and texture that suits both modern and rustic decor styles. It is usually found in shades of dark gray to black, but dark green and earthy red tones are also available.

In addition to its aesthetic appeal, slate offers practicality thanks to its natural heat retention properties. Dark stone will help radiate heat more efficiently, and retain heat after the fireplace is turned off, offering a warm and cozy ambiance.

Slate is installed in thin but heavy sheets and requires professional installation. As a result, it is considered a high-end and expensive material, although it is still more affordable than other options on this list, such as marble.

It is important to note that slate is sensitive to high temperatures, so this natural stone is best used for gas and electric fireplaces and should be avoided in wood-burning appliances.

Quartz

Quartz slabs are made of resin and natural quartz ground into small pieces. Thanks to its durability, quartz is an excellent choice for fireplace surrounds. It is naturally non-porous, which means it is maintenance free and easy to clean. Because it is man-made, it is also available in endless colors and styles.

However, quartz is not suitable for wood-burning fireplaces because it is sensitive to high temperatures. Additionally, it can fade over time if regularly exposed to natural sunlight, and certain solvents and chemicals can damage it.

Stacked Ledgestone Veneer

Instead of heavy natural stone options, stone veneer is a great inexpensive option that requires very little demolition and is relatively easy to install. Ledgestone veneer is a popular choice. It is characterized by thin, horizontally stacked, rectangular stones in shades of gray. It fits well in modern and contemporary spaces, but is not ideal for rustic or minimalist styles.

Ledgestone is durable, easy to clean and can be used indoors and outdoors.

There are several advantages to using stone for ledges over other types of stone veneers, the biggest of which is that it is dry laid when installed, so no mortar is required. However, edged stone veneers should be well sealed to ensure that moisture does not become trapped between and behind the stones.

Stacked Fieldstone Veneer

If you want a stone veneer with a more natural look than edging stone, fieldstone or riverstone is the way to go. Fieldstone veneers are characterized by large stone in natural, rustic forms.

As the name implies, these stones are often sourced from fields or landscapes, offering a truly earthy and rustic look. Fieldstone veneers are very durable, can be used indoors and outdoors and are extremely heat resistant. Fieldstone veneers should be sealed well, as they are susceptible to moisture problems.

Stacked Riverstone veneer

Riverstone is another great option for fireplace surrounds. The biggest difference between field and river stone is its appearance. The field is usually larger and more organically shaped, while the river stones are often smaller and more rounded.

The result is a slightly different aesthetic, with river stone offering a more uniform look than field stone, which can look a little more rustic. In the end, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference.

Faux Stone Veneer

Artificial stone veneers are undoubtedly the best choice for fireplace surrounds. They are light, easy to install and even suitable for DIY installations. Additionally, faux stone veneers are durable and highly heat resistant, meaning they are safe for use with wood, electric, and gas fireplaces.

Despite these advantages, some homeowners prefer natural stone in their spaces. This is one of the disadvantages of choosing artificial stone. However, aesthetically, it can be challenging to tell the difference between high-quality artificial stone veneer and natural stone veneer. Ultimately, the choice will come down to personal preference and what you’re willing to spend on a fireplace surround.

Baby cots and cushions are popular with parents as they offer a place for your little one to rest when you need two hands. But they can be dangerous if not used properly—bouncers have been linked to 124 injuries and 79 infant deaths since 2010. Now, the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is adopting new safety standards to reduce the risk of injury to babies while using these items .

The new standards aim to reduce the risk of suffocation, entrapment and falls in infant support pillows, including infant head positioning pillows, anti-rollover pillows, crib pillows, wedge pillows, padded mats and multi-purpose pillows sold for both nursing and for lying down.

“This is an important rule that creates safety standards for a set of products that – until now – have not been subject to comprehensive safety standards and have posed a choking hazard to infants,” said Nikki Fleming, spokeswoman for the CPSC.

What do the new standards say and what does it mean if you have a baby lounger at home? Here’s what parents need to know.

What’s in the new baby lounger standards?

The new standards clearly state the criteria that all new infant support pillows must meet. Standards include:

1. Strength testing on all parts of the product surface with which the baby can come into contact. The aim of this is to reduce suffocation from the pillow conforming to the baby’s face and obstructing the airway.

2. Examination of the angle of the side wall requires that the angle formed between any side wall and the passenger surface be greater than 90 degrees. This solves the risk of suffocation and entrapment between the side wall and the support surface on which the baby would lie.

3. Maximum tilt angle which cannot exceed 10 degrees to prevent “dangerous positioning” of the baby’s head and neck on the pillow. This limits the side height of the pillow to just under 2 inches, giving consumers a visual cue to place the pillow on the floor to prevent falls.

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4. No limit for babies. This falsely suggests that a baby can be safely left unattended in the product, according to the CPSC.

5. Strong product warning labels which are clear and permanent.

Why are safety standards changing?

The ruling follows a 2008 congressional directive for the CPSC to issue mandatory safety standards for all durable infant products. “While much of that work was completed in the years immediately following the legislation, the CPSC is continuing that work, including the recently finalized infant pillow rule and the infant pillow rule,” says Fleming.

Most of the injuries and deaths reported to the CPSC occurred in babies younger than 3 months. Most of the deaths involved the use of pillows in or on a sleeping product, including an adult bed or mattress, crib, crib, playpen, or on a couch, futon, or toddler bed.

“We hope the new federal safety standards will help prevent these tragedies,” he says Daniel Ganjian, MDpediatrician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California.

There’s also a lot of confusion among parents about how these products should be used, says Ansley Schulte, MD, pediatric medical director at KidsPeace. “Because many of these products are marketed as bassinets, they can lull parents into a false sense of security that the ‘support’ will safely hold their child, leading to unsafe practices such as letting babies sleep in them or placing them on elevated surfaces,” she says.

What does this mean if you already own a baby lounger?

The new standards do not technically apply to existing infant support cushions and baby loungers. However, the CPSC emphasizes the importance of using these products safely and keeping in mind that babies can roll over and roll out of baby support pillows without warning.

That means keeping these CPSC recommendations in mind when using infant support pillows:

• Never use pillows to support infants for sleeping or napping. If the baby falls asleep, transfer it to the crib, playpen or bassinet.

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• Stay close and watch your baby during use.

• Use only pillows to support infants on the floor.

• Do not use the pillow to support infants on beds, sofas or other raised surfaces.

• Do not place infant support pillows on soft surfaces or in other infant sleep products, such as cribs or bassinets.

• Keep blankets and other soft items out and away from infant support pillows.

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“My hope is that this will lead to fewer injuries and deaths and more awareness of the safest way to use these products in general,” says Schulte. “I also hope this will lead to a wider discussion about the importance of safe sleep and best practices for preventing injuries in infants.”

This story originally appeared on WhatToExpect.com.

When my third child was born, I realized that my daycare bill was officially more than my take-home pay. I began to wonder if it made sense to continue working – and I’m not alone in these mental calculations.

Nearly half (45%) of moms say they’re considering cutting back on work hours or quitting altogether to save money on childcare, according to BabyCenter’s 2023 survey of 2,217 moms. After all, why commute when you can stay home and spend time with your kids… for more money?

Although the numbers seemed clear, I knew the decision was more complicated than that. In the end, I weighed other financial benefits, my family’s needs, and my personal priorities.

Just comparing whether your salary is more than or less than the cost of daycare is a short-sighted way to invite yourself, agrees Jen Reid, financial planner and founder of Base PlanningOpens a new window.

If you’re in the middle of a similar decision, here are four things you should consider before changing your job description to SAHM.

What will your family’s needs look like in the long run?

Sometimes juggling work, childcare logistics, and five kids under the age of 10 has made me so stressed that the life of a SAHM sounds simpler. But as my older mom friends assure me, this phase will end. My kids will grow up and the hectic diaper and bottle phase will settle down. Will I still want to stay at home then?

Before you quit, challenge yourself to think long-term, advises Suzanne Brown, CEO MompowermentOpens a new window consultant specializing in work-life balance: “What does your family – your children and potentially your parents or elderly relatives – need from you right now? How long will these needs last, such as illness, the newborn phase, long-term parent or child care etc.?” And perhaps more importantly: what will you want to do when they no longer need you?

This was difficult for me: I wanted to work, but I also had numerous obligations to both my parents and children (the ultimate dilemma of the sandwich generation).

If you leave, even for just a year, how hard will it be to come back?

– Suzanne Brown, Work-Life Balance Consultant

As I’ve learned, broadening your view of what life might look like in a few years (and not just now) can ensure that you make a decision that will serve you well after the baby. When I looked beyond these specific years, I saw longer periods of time where babies didn’t need me all day, for example. I have seen the cost of keeping five older children fed, clothed and involved in sports add up. I tried to remember what they say is true – no stage will last forever.

How staying at home will affect your finances outside your salary?

I finally realized that part of my struggle with this SAHM decision was that it seemed rooted in old, sexist ideas. Why did we only compare my current salary to per diem? What if in the end it’s my career that needs to continue, not my husband’s?

Comparing both of our salaries with the costs of kindergarten still didn’t give us the full picture. We had to consider other parts of our budget as well. Staying at home can have some unforeseen costs. Here are some to consider:

• Healthcare: Your costs may increase if you currently receive insurance benefits through your job.

• transportation: You may spend more on gas if you drive a lot as a SAHM.

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• Increased daily consumption: What will daily life as a SAHM look like? You may spend more on entertainment and childcare during the day (obviously not as much as daycare, but still something).

• Pay cuts, now and later: “Long term, can you afford to take a pay cut when/if you return to the workforce, especially after a few years?” Brown says. “It’s not uncommon to have to start at a lower level or switch roles to ones that may pay less after a break in the workforce.” You might also get a raise or two if you stayed in the workforce – so that’s something to factor into your decision.

What makes you most fulfilled?

Most of us know a mom who just seems destined to be a SAHM, and another mom who wouldn’t touch the role for a million dollars. I would be a restless SAHM, unable to be fully mentally present for long stretches of the day, missing work from which I derived some serious value and fulfillment.

Before you transition out of the workforce, ask where the decision comes from. “Are you making this choice or do you feel pressured by family, friends, friend group, community, etc. to become a SAHM?” Brown says.

If you plan to re-enter the workforce, what challenges will you face?

The last thing a mom leaving work for the last time might be thinking about is going back. As a teacher, I struggled with the fact that every year I didn’t teach wouldn’t count toward my pension. I also knew that I would not be guaranteed the same position if or when I returned. That’s a risk.

In many industries, it’s worth considering how much traction or revenue you might lose with an extended hiatus. For example, fast-changing fields like technology can be extremely difficult to re-enter after a resume gap.

“If you leave, even for just a year, how difficult will it be to rejoin the workforce in your current industry?” Brown says. “Will you need retraining? Will your network still serve you? Not all industries are equal when it comes to the ramp to rejoin the workforce.”

Finally, I’ve found various combinations of SAHMing and working over the years, starting with transitioning to a part-time job after my third child. I later changed careers and returned to full-time work as a writer. This puts me out of the SAHM camp, but I still have the perks of working from home (like throwing in a load of laundry before every Zoom call). This balance is how I found ultimate fulfillment, but the answer changed as my life changed—what worked with three kids wasn’t the same as what worked with just one or all five kids. So I had to become flexible.

After all, a multi-tasking mom can do just about any job in the world… if she wants to.