There's No Place Like "Stay At Home"

March 27, 2024
According to the Pew Research Center, in 2021, many stay-at-home moms (79%) and dads (23%) said they took care of the home or family, otherwise known as caregiving. Anyone who has found themselves in a comparable situation knows that leaving corporate America for a life of housekeeping and caregiving is no walk in the park. Maintaining a “stay-at-home” designation, whether for your kids or for other loved ones, is just as tiresome as a “corporate” position—if not more so. So, what are some tips to help stay-at-home caregivers focus on “employee benefits” like salary, life insurance and retirement (social security and 401[k]s) like those of their office counterparts? In this article, we will dive into all three benefit areas.

A common concern for those considering entering a stay-at-home position is the loss of salary. For example, a two-adult household where one partner decides to stay at home goes from a two-income to a single-income family. Not to mention the unique mental burdens placed on both the “working” and the stay-at-home parent. Because there is plenty of work to match the hectic work schedule of a full-time job, sites like TaxSlayer say, “There are several potential credits associated with having dependents – the biggest being the Child Tax Credit,” which recognizes stay-at-home status and may help soften the blow of a loss of income. Also, according to job sites like Indeed.com, a search performed on Google from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on January 25, 2024, showed 513 available jobs for stay-at-home parents (i.e., jobs that can be done during naptime or periods where someone else can take over). All this shows that there are options for those who still need to generate an income while performing their caregiving duties.

In my experience, life insurance is an income benefit offered by many employers but not commonly thought about in the younger demographic or during the decision to “stay at home.” 

My wife, mother of two and former stay-at-home mom, looked at the life insurance benefit offered by my former company, which covered one year’s salary and realized how quickly that would be depleted should something ever happen to me. It had her considering additional coverage for both me and her. Because she hadn’t ruled out pursuing her career later down the road, a Select Choice Term Life1 insurance policy with a spousal rider from GBU could have given us the additional coverage needed to supplement my benefit from work. This policy could have also cost-effectively covered her should something have happened to her during that time.

Lastly, another important factor in the decision to stay at home is retirement. Did you know that, according 
to a 2023 survey by the Employee Benefit Research Institute, 26% of caregivers in the upper-income group are less confident in their retirement prospects than non-caregivers? In a standard office position, a portion of employees’ salaries are deducted and sent towards their social security and are oftentimes elected for building up a 401(k). But are families factoring that in when deciding to go to full-time “stay at home”? It’s especially important to consider if the “stay-at-home” status is temporary and that person wants to get back into the workforce later on. There are companies like APB Retirement to help you facilitate a 401k plan that works for you/your role as a stay-at-home caregiver. Alternatively, rolling money over from a previous 401(k) to a GBU Future Flex Fixed Index Annuity2 will allow your retirement savings to continue to grow, while protecting against the loss of principal. You can add additional funds to this annuity at any time as you are able.
Man and child

Overall, we need to acknowledge the necessities of caregivers and the impact this decision will have on the “employee benefits” we discussed like supplemented income and making up or lessening the hit when going from a two-person income down to one. We also touched on life insurance policies should anything happen to the one choosing the responsibility of staying at home and taking care of those who matter most. And finally, we finished with efforts to continue growing retirement savings for the stay-at-home caregiver. With the rising cost of care, both for children and adults, it’s no wonder why so many are choosing a stay-at-home life. But we want to make sure that we’re doing it in the most fiscally responsible way.


1 GBU Life is the marketing name for GBU Financial Life (GBU), Pittsburgh, PA. Coverage can remain in force until age 95 as long as premiums are paid when due, however, after your level-term period ends, your coverage becomes annually renewable with rates that will increase annually. Convertible to permanent whole life insurance up to age 70. Riders are optional and have additional fees associated with them. Please see policy and rider coverage for complete details. Policy Form Series: ICC20-ST, FL20-ST.2, GEN20-ST, ND20-ST.


2 Annuities are not short-term products and are issued by GBU. Withdrawals prior to 59½ may be subject to IRS penalties. Products and features may not be available in all states. This is a summary of the contract provisions. Please refer to the contract for complete details of surrender charge schedule, benefits and exclusions. NOT A DEPOSIT OF A BANK AND MAY LOSE VALUE-NOT BANK GUARANTEED. Contract Form Series: ICC23_FPDA_IA_ CON_(01-23), FPDA_IA_CON_FL_(07-23), FPDA_IA_CON_ (07-23), FPDA_IA_CON_(07-23)ND, ICC23_SPDA_IA_CON_ (01-23), SPDA_IA_CON_FL_(07-23), SPDA_IA_CON_(07-23), SPDA_IA_CON_(07-23)ND.


Life insurance underwritten and annuities offered by GBU. Coverage is subject to approval and may not be available in all states.

GBU and its agents do not provide tax, legal or investment advice. Please consult with a legal or tax professional prior to the purchase of any contract.

GBU is not affiliated with the organization(s) listed herein.

By Lesley Mann May 29, 2025
As we move into the second quarter of another exciting year, I want to take a moment to reflect on our accomplishments and share some of the new initiatives we are implementing in the realms of sales, marketing and community engagement. Over the past year, GBU Life has reached significant milestones thanks to the dedication and hard work of our team and the trust and support of our members. Our sales department has exceeded targets, and we have expanded our reach to more communities than ever before. We have launched several successful marketing campaigns that have not only increased our visibility but have also strengthened our brand's presence in the industry. For this year, our focus will be educating potential new members on the importance of securing their financial futures through life insurance and annuity products while serving their communities as part of our great Society. Looking ahead, we are committed to enhancing our sales strategies to better serve you. We are introducing some tools for our agents to enhance our products. One new tool is our Defined Benefit Annuity program which combines the Future Flex Fixed Index Annuity (FIA) with a software tool that can help determine retirement savings needs and break them down into contributions over time to help you meet your retirement goals. Be sure to keep in touch with your GBU agent to review your plans and products to see how adding an FIA to your retirement planning can help boost your savings efforts
May 15, 2025
GBU members between the ages of three and nine years old can enter their colored page in this year's contest, which is themed Pawprints on My Heart. Three age categories will be judged as follows: Category I: Ages three and four Category II: Ages five and six Category III: Ages seven, eight and nine Entrants may use crayons, colored pencils, markers or watercolor paints. Entries will be accepted through Monday, August 18, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. EST. The picture on the next page can be reproduced, or copies can be obtained by calling the Community Engagement Team at the GBU Home Office (800-765-4428) or by printing the image above. Cash Prizes for Each Category First prize: $75 Second prize: $50 Third prize: $30 How to Enter Send the three- to nine-year-old GBU member's coloring contest entry with their name and address on the colored page to: GBU Life ATTN: Member Benefits 4254 Saw Mill Run Boulevard Pittsburgh, PA 15227-3394. Or email contest@gbu.org with "Coloring Contest Entry” as the subject line. General Information Judges reserve the right to accept or reject any or all entries. Their decisions will be final. Artwork will be handled at the GBU Home Office with the utmost care. GBU reserves the right to reproduce entries for whatever use it wishes, provided proper credit is given. Permission does not include the sale of such work.
April 22, 2025
GBU has designated four Community Pillars - Wellness, Education, Charitable Giving and Hometown Hero Support - which are a concentrated list of causes that resonate with our values.
February 5, 2025
Looking for new spots to explore this winter? Check out these three must-visit places for your next adventure.
January 21, 2025
Details and deadlines surrounding the GBU Foundation scholarship and grants for 2025.
January 3, 2025
Looking to try some new recipes this winter?
January 3, 2025
We've found some tips to keep up your sleeve this winter.
January 3, 2025
The Defined Benefit Annuity from GBU Life can help you to create a plan for a guaranteed income in retirement by making regular contributions based on your retirement income targets.
January 3, 2025
Graduating from college is an exciting milestone, but it’s also the perfect time to focus on your financial future. Building on the foundation you’ve already laid the groundwork for with smart money choices will set you up for long-term success. Here are a few key financial products to consider as you take the next step.
January 3, 2025
Kick-start your child’s journey to financial success with a whole life policy from GBU Life.
More Posts