Before making a major decision like moving to one income, you need more than hope or a basic budget. You need clarity. This 2026 One-Income Readiness Check evaluates the structural indicators that determine whether living on one income is sustainable for your family. It goes beyond simple math and looks at stability, savings depth, debt exposure, and long-term sustainability. Take a few minutes to answer honestly — your results will show where you stand today and what needs strengthening before making the shift.
However, math alone doesn’t determine whether one-income living will actually work. Not every family faces the same risks or pressure points.
Who Should Take This 2026 Readiness Check?
This assessment is designed for families considering a move to one income — or questioning whether their current structure is sustainable long term.
• Parents considering becoming a stay-at-home parent
• Couples planning to leave a job to start a business
• Families reducing from two incomes to one
• Caregivers stepping out of the workforce
• Military families preparing for relocation
• Families who feel financially stretched despite careful budgeting
More importantly, living on one income requires structural stability — not just reduced spending.
What This Assessment Evaluates
This readiness check looks at:
• Income consistency and predictability
• Fixed expense ratio
• Emergency fund depth
• Debt exposure and required minimums
• Housing percentage of income
• Insurance coverage
• Grocery flexibility
• Savings capacity
• Transition buffer timeline
• Long-term sustainability
This readiness check uses nationally recognized data sources, including:
- MIT Living Wage Calculator – regional cost of living benchmarks
- Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) – consumer spending data
All figures are updated to 2025 benchmarks where available.
Take the assessment below and see if one-income living is truly realistic for your family.
