Reader Mail on Roller-Coaster Income and Debit Cards for Kids

Being self-employed means there’s a greater need to save money from the good months to make up for the thin months.

Allowing money to build up in a separate account will provide the reserve you need to pay those with an uncertain income even during the slow months. Andrey_Popov/Shutterstock

Recently, I heard from one of my dear readers, Jenn. The topic of her message? Her family’s roller-coaster income. No, they don’t work at an amusement park. But given their financial situation, it feels as if they’re on some kind of scary, rickety, spine-chilling carnival ride.

Dear Mary: My husband has two jobs. He is an artist and a salesman. He earns commissions from both jobs, so we never know what our income will be. I work part time and am paid hourly. We can barely keep our heads above water. How can we possibly live on a budget?—Jenn