Cost of Being a Stay-at-Home Mom: $1 Million
MP Dunleavey
http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/CollegeAndFamily/RaiseKids/CostOfBeingAStayAtHomeMom.aspx

ARGUMENT:

A: Mothers
B: can financially afford to leave the workforce and stay at home with their children
Reason: because mothers have so many resources to allow them financial security from home.

IA: Whatever gives mothers the resources to allow them financial security from home will also allow them to afford leaving the workforce.

AUDIENCE:
Her Audience consists of working mothers who have considered staying home with their children but do not think that they can afford it.  The author lists several reasons why her audience has qualms about leaving the work force, but their main inhibition is in giving up supplemental income.  These are obviously mothers who care for their children very much, and would like to be more of a part of their upbringing, otherwise they would not be considering leaving work to stay home.  These women are either vacillating between the decision to leave or stay in the workforce or they are neutral on the idea and willing to hear why this option might work for them.

HOW IT IS MADE:
First of all, the author establishes a relationship with her audience right away through the use of ethos by mentioning that she earned an education, has a child and has been in the workforce.  She has made the decision to stay at home and she is obviously successful due to her article being published through a legitimate news source (MSN).  Her representation therefore is typical. She is also accurate and fair to those who are against leaving the workforce.  She very astute in addressing the concerns of her audience.  She provides several resources and suggestions to allow them the opportunity she supports.  She presents her information in a very down-to-earth, non-condescending tone, which is important when speaking to her audience.

GOAL: Allow working mothers to see that they have more options than staying in the workforce for supplemental income/can afford to do without it in order to stay at home with their little ones.

EFFECTIVE?:
I honestly have had struggles figuring out if I will be able to stay at home with my little ones.  The resources and suggestions she gives are very informative and motivating.  I think that this is an effective argument for women wanting to be home, but not sure how to accomplish it or on the fence over this issue.