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You Can Stay Home with Your Kids!: 100 Tips, Tricks, and Ways to Make It Work on a Budget
Investing your life in your family brings you joy, and doing it on a single income doesn't need to stress you out! In You Can Stay Home with Your Kids! Erin Odom of The Humbled Homemaker blog shares her best money-saving tips so you can live frugally and thrive as a stay-at-home or work-from-home mom. From the moment you discovered you were going to be a mom, you envisioned spending each day with your kids, guiding, teaching, and loving them. But diapers, wipes, shoes, and braces are expensive! Though it may feel impossible to manage on one income, Erin Odom is here to show you that, through God's grace, staying at home with your kids isn't just doable; it's doable while living the good life. Your kids are young only once—you don't have to miss out just because money is tight. Erin shares 100 tips, tricks, and simple ways that she has provided the good life on a budget for her family—and you can do the same! You Can Stay Home with Your Kids! explores topics Experience the freedom, flexibility, and joy that come with being a hands-on mom and spending every day guiding, enjoying, and nurturing your kids while still providing a lifestyle you can be proud of.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 2018
43 people are currently reading
299 people want to read
About the author
Erin Odom
9 books182 followersErin Odom is the author of More Than Just Making It and You Can Stay Home With Your Kids and is the founder of The Humbled Homemaker, a blog dedicated to grace-filled living designed to equip and encourage mothers in the trenches. She is passionate about Jesus, motherhood, crunchy living, and seeing women use their God-given gifts and passions to overcome life's challenges. Her Southern charm and wealth of inspirational, practical content has drawn an audience of millions over the years. Erin and her husband, Will, live in North Carolina, where they raise their three spirited redheaded girls and sweet and spoiled redheaded boy. Follow Erin at thehumbledhomemaker.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
December 3, 2018
I bought this book not because I want to stay at home with my kids (who are now older), but because I read many reviews on how helpful it was for their family. Unless you have been living under a rock the last 20 years and don’t know that cooking from scratch will save you money, or that there are obvious corners you can cut to reduce spending, this book is not for you.
April 5, 2018
I was privileged to receive an advance-copy of the ebook version of this book. It contains practical, bite-sized ideas of how to make ends meet if it truly is your desire to stay home with your kids but you aren’t sure how it could possibly work.
I found myself nodding along over and over again as I came across so many ideas that I already put into practice in my own home. Yet with 100 tips and tricks included in the book, I was also inspired to try to do even more! Yes some ideas are just not for me and my family, but many of them are.
Who could use this book? Obviously any family who would like to have the financial freedom for one parent to stay home with their children. But even if that does not fit or interest you, this is still an amazing book of tips for living a frugal lifestyle.
*I received a free ebook copy of this book for participating in the book’s launch team. All opinions are my own, I was not required to give a positive review!*
I found myself nodding along over and over again as I came across so many ideas that I already put into practice in my own home. Yet with 100 tips and tricks included in the book, I was also inspired to try to do even more! Yes some ideas are just not for me and my family, but many of them are.
Who could use this book? Obviously any family who would like to have the financial freedom for one parent to stay home with their children. But even if that does not fit or interest you, this is still an amazing book of tips for living a frugal lifestyle.
*I received a free ebook copy of this book for participating in the book’s launch team. All opinions are my own, I was not required to give a positive review!*
March 28, 2022
When I first wanted to stay home with my son 3 years ago, my husband told me to find a way to make it work financially. I did a lot of research on ways to frugally live on one income. and I implemented many of these tips and tricks to make it a possibility for me and my family. The awesome thing about this book is that these tips and tricks - and many more! - are all compiled in this beautiful, concise, and easy to read book! This was a much-needed refresher for me to remember my why and to focus on living with less so I can stay home with my kids. But this book is not just for stay at home moms. This book has something for everyone, so no matter what season of life you are in, there are great tips to help you live frugally, save money and reach your financial goals!
March 27, 2018
You Can Stay Home with Your Kids expands on some of the ideas in Erin’s first book, More Than Just Making It. This is a well-organized book with 100 or more actionable ideas for saving or making money. There are eight sections in the book: Curb Spending; Eat Well on a Budget; DIY Household; Entertainment; Shop Secondhand; Health; Houses and Vehicles; and Create More Income. Chances are that if you implement even one of these ideas, you will more than get your money back on the cost of this book. There are also additional resources available on-line for book purchasers.
While the book is written from the perspective of a stay-at-home mother, the majority of the ideas contained will work well for anyone. There are some money saving ideas that specifically apply to parents with small children or to married couples, but childless couples and singles will equally benefit from most of the money saving and income-producing ideas.
Most of the ideas in this book are not unique to Erin and could be found on-line or in some other books, but the reader would have to search a lot and be diligent to find them. This book could be a very useful guide to spark money-saving ideas for the reader. Because this is a book designed with numerous “tips”, it does not give a detailed implementation plan, especially in the income-earning section.
I first became aware of Erin Odom and her website The Humbled Homemaker, as a fellow member of the writing group Hope*Writers. I was a member of the launch team for Erin’s previous book More Than Just Making It. I immediately connected with Erin’s heart for her family and her interest in both saving money and making an income from home. Although my current career is as a nutritionist, I was previously a college financial administrator. I have an MBA in Finance, am a mother with two children and have taught (and lived) most of the money-saving ideas in this book.
Save yourself some time and money by learning from Erin Odom. Buy this book.
While the book is written from the perspective of a stay-at-home mother, the majority of the ideas contained will work well for anyone. There are some money saving ideas that specifically apply to parents with small children or to married couples, but childless couples and singles will equally benefit from most of the money saving and income-producing ideas.
Most of the ideas in this book are not unique to Erin and could be found on-line or in some other books, but the reader would have to search a lot and be diligent to find them. This book could be a very useful guide to spark money-saving ideas for the reader. Because this is a book designed with numerous “tips”, it does not give a detailed implementation plan, especially in the income-earning section.
I first became aware of Erin Odom and her website The Humbled Homemaker, as a fellow member of the writing group Hope*Writers. I was a member of the launch team for Erin’s previous book More Than Just Making It. I immediately connected with Erin’s heart for her family and her interest in both saving money and making an income from home. Although my current career is as a nutritionist, I was previously a college financial administrator. I have an MBA in Finance, am a mother with two children and have taught (and lived) most of the money-saving ideas in this book.
Save yourself some time and money by learning from Erin Odom. Buy this book.
May 9, 2018
publisher synopsis: Investing your life in your family brings you joy, and doing it on a single income doesn’t need to stress you out! Join Erin Odom as she shows you how you can live frugally—and thrive—while you raise your kids at home in You Can Stay Home with Your Kids!
From the moment you discovered you were going to be a mom, you envisioned spending each day with your kids, guiding, teaching, and loving them. But diapers, wipes, shoes, and braces are expensive! Though it may feel impossible to manage on one income, Erin Odom from The Humbled Homemaker blog is here to show you that, through God’s grace, staying at home with your kids isn’t just doable; it’s doable while living the good life. Your kids are young only once—you don’t have to miss out just because money is tight.
Erin shares 100 tips, tricks, and simple ways that she has provided the good life on a budget for her family—and you can do the same!
Sections include topics like:
making and sticking to a budget
side income ideas
inexpensive ways to do birthday parties
educational and enrichment activities for little ones that won’t break the bank
date ideas and other ways to connect with your spouse without spending a lot
planning for holidays
and much more!
Experience the freedom, flexibility, and joy that come with being a hands-on mom and spending every day guiding, enjoying, and nurturing your kids, while still providing a lifestyle you can be proud of.
This book was an amazing wealth of awesome ideas to decrease your monthly expenses and stay home with your kids. While I do a lot of the ideas listed already, i did pick up some ideas to try out. Wonderful ideas! I know a lot of people want to stay at home and this book is a great resource to helping your dream come true.
I received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
From the moment you discovered you were going to be a mom, you envisioned spending each day with your kids, guiding, teaching, and loving them. But diapers, wipes, shoes, and braces are expensive! Though it may feel impossible to manage on one income, Erin Odom from The Humbled Homemaker blog is here to show you that, through God’s grace, staying at home with your kids isn’t just doable; it’s doable while living the good life. Your kids are young only once—you don’t have to miss out just because money is tight.
Erin shares 100 tips, tricks, and simple ways that she has provided the good life on a budget for her family—and you can do the same!
Sections include topics like:
making and sticking to a budget
side income ideas
inexpensive ways to do birthday parties
educational and enrichment activities for little ones that won’t break the bank
date ideas and other ways to connect with your spouse without spending a lot
planning for holidays
and much more!
Experience the freedom, flexibility, and joy that come with being a hands-on mom and spending every day guiding, enjoying, and nurturing your kids, while still providing a lifestyle you can be proud of.
This book was an amazing wealth of awesome ideas to decrease your monthly expenses and stay home with your kids. While I do a lot of the ideas listed already, i did pick up some ideas to try out. Wonderful ideas! I know a lot of people want to stay at home and this book is a great resource to helping your dream come true.
I received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
March 26, 2018
How I wish I had a copy of You Can Stay Home With Your Kids when my three were little. Author Erin Odom is never bossy. She isn't saying that staying home with your kids is the only way. However, if you are a mom who would love to stay home but don't know if it is a real possibility, give this book a shot. Erin will gently encourage you to look at your home and expenses in a slightly different and creative way that could very well make all the difference in the world and allow you to stay home with your kids. I loved the practical moneysaving tips found within the pages of this book, from tips on how to inexpensively cook healthy meals, to planning a vacation that won't break the bank to purchasing a home and just about everything in between. I highly recommend this book to any mom who wonders if staying home with her kids could actually happen. But really, I can't think of a family that wouldn't benefit from Erin's wisdom wether or not the mom is able to stay home or works outside of the home.
June 18, 2018
I'm already a stay at home mom but was curious to read this and see if I could implement anything new I wasn't aware of. While I did not learn anything new, it was still a well thought out book chock full of tips and resources. The only issue I have with it is the author makes her living blogging and uses that as one way a stay at home parent can make an income but I don't find that to be realistic for the majority of parents. It could be possible, but it would be a stretch to have that become the sole source of income in a family.
What I liked most was the fact that even though this is a short book but packed with information, that while I did not find groundbreaking, for someone just starting out deciding to quit their job to stay home it would prove very helpful. The DIY household products and recipe chapters were great! The author approaches each tip in a friendly, caring way and I enjoyed reading it.
I received a copy of this book via Harper Collins BookLook Bloggers program in exchange for my honest review!
What I liked most was the fact that even though this is a short book but packed with information, that while I did not find groundbreaking, for someone just starting out deciding to quit their job to stay home it would prove very helpful. The DIY household products and recipe chapters were great! The author approaches each tip in a friendly, caring way and I enjoyed reading it.
I received a copy of this book via Harper Collins BookLook Bloggers program in exchange for my honest review!
March 13, 2018
I really enjoyed this gift book from Erin Odum, who also writes The Humbled Homemaker Blog. I have already read her "More Than Just Making It" book on financial freedom, and it was a true blessing to me.
This book is much in the same vein, but different in the way it is presented. Beautifully done up as a gift book, "You Can Stay Home With Your Kids" offers practical ways you can eliminate extra spending, tighten your belt and afford to be a stay at home mom.
While Erin understands that not everyone thinks they can afford to stay home, there might be some new ideas here that could allow a mom whose heart's desire is to be at home with their kids to do so. I love the conversational tone of the book, Erin always writes like you're speaking to a friend who has been where you are. There are 100 tips that can help in this book!
This would be a perfect gift for a friend or a new mommy who is dreading the idea of leaving her littles to go back to work. They are truly only little for a short time, and this book can be an empowering resource to moms who might want to leave the workforce. Filled with hope and encouragement, this is a great book!
(I was given a PDF advanced reader copy from Harper Collins Publishing. All opinions above are my own.)
This book is much in the same vein, but different in the way it is presented. Beautifully done up as a gift book, "You Can Stay Home With Your Kids" offers practical ways you can eliminate extra spending, tighten your belt and afford to be a stay at home mom.
While Erin understands that not everyone thinks they can afford to stay home, there might be some new ideas here that could allow a mom whose heart's desire is to be at home with their kids to do so. I love the conversational tone of the book, Erin always writes like you're speaking to a friend who has been where you are. There are 100 tips that can help in this book!
This would be a perfect gift for a friend or a new mommy who is dreading the idea of leaving her littles to go back to work. They are truly only little for a short time, and this book can be an empowering resource to moms who might want to leave the workforce. Filled with hope and encouragement, this is a great book!
(I was given a PDF advanced reader copy from Harper Collins Publishing. All opinions above are my own.)
April 11, 2018
This book is easy to read and practical! Just what every hectic mom needs! BUT this book is NOT just for moms, there are a lot of tips in here that my cheap penny pinching college self could have used too! This book applies to anyone trying to make things work on a budget.
Erin’s advice is short and sweet and oh so easy to implement. She offers creative ideas to make life on a budget work so that you can stay home with your kids.
She is not bossy in her wisdom (as some books can be) but rather expands on ideas that have worked for her and her family. This is not a financial go-to book but it’s perfect for staying IN the budget that other books have helped set.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author in exchange for my review, all opinions are my own.
Erin’s advice is short and sweet and oh so easy to implement. She offers creative ideas to make life on a budget work so that you can stay home with your kids.
She is not bossy in her wisdom (as some books can be) but rather expands on ideas that have worked for her and her family. This is not a financial go-to book but it’s perfect for staying IN the budget that other books have helped set.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author in exchange for my review, all opinions are my own.
April 10, 2018
WOW!! So many things I’ve learned through reading Erin’s Book!! “You Can Stay Home With Your Kids” is an excellent book for stay-at-home Moms, working Moms, and really any Mom! Erin includes so many tips and tricks that you can easily implement into your family to make life more manageable. I’ve followed her blog, The Humbled Homemaker, for a couple of years now and simply love how she was able to incorporate a lot of her own personal experiences through this book. The action steps that I have already used have made an immediate difference in our family and some of the choices we make. Erin’s thoughts on how to “Curb Your Spending” have made a difference in my grocery buying/spending and in seeing where my money goes and how I can stretch it farther. As a stay-at-home Mom, myself, I can see me using these tools to help me and our family for a long time to come!
I received an advance ebook version in exchange for my honest opinion.
I received an advance ebook version in exchange for my honest opinion.
July 8, 2018
Having raised my children several years ago, curiosity won out as I needed to see if there were any tips beyond what I did. Odom's You Can Stay Home with Your Kids!: 100 Tips, Tricks, and Ways to Make It Work on a Budget is a common sense, practical approach to curbing spending while having more quality time with your family. Even though I saw nothing new in her writing, outside of keeping up with current technology, these tried and true techniques will put you on the path to achieve that goal--if that is indeed the path you want to take.
March 26, 2018
This is a sweet and encouraging book that I honestly think can apply to all people, not just stay-at-Home-moms. Practical tips and tricks that anyone can and should apply to their lives. There were quite a few tips that I hadn’t thought of before, especially in the saving on healthcare chapter, and who doesn’t need to save on healthcare these days? I like Erin’s non-judgmental way of writing that meets you where you’re at and encourages you to start however you can. I highly recommend this book!
March 13, 2018
Not JUST for Stay at Home Moms! This book is for EVERYONE!
I started reading this book thinking it would be more along the lines of a guide for Stay at Home moms in a way. What is really in these pages is great tips and tricks for anyone! Even if you have no monetary concerns there is something in here for you I am sure.
I try to be fiscally responsible as well as environmentally responsible. This book served as a great reminder of how we can live with less. we can so easily be caught up in the want to have mindset we forget the difference between want and need.
Erin Odom helps to pave a great foundation of things to consider as an adult or soon to be adult. I wish I had Erin's advice years ago bit so glad to have it now.
I started reading this book thinking it would be more along the lines of a guide for Stay at Home moms in a way. What is really in these pages is great tips and tricks for anyone! Even if you have no monetary concerns there is something in here for you I am sure.
I try to be fiscally responsible as well as environmentally responsible. This book served as a great reminder of how we can live with less. we can so easily be caught up in the want to have mindset we forget the difference between want and need.
Erin Odom helps to pave a great foundation of things to consider as an adult or soon to be adult. I wish I had Erin's advice years ago bit so glad to have it now.
April 8, 2018
This adorable little book is packed full of advice on ways to save money and increase income! While it is geared towards moms that want to be able to afford to stay home with their kids, it is also great for anyone just trying to save money to pay off debt or reach their goals. I have read tons of books about making your money stretch, but this book still gave me new ideas to try out!
March 21, 2018
Are you looking for ways to cut your spending or make some extra income? You'll find many good ideas in Erin Odom's latest book. Each idea comes with an action step you can take to start your savings or income-increasing journey. I finished the book feeling inspired to trim my family's budget even more, because Erin's suggestions are doable and not extreme. Her conversational tone feels like you're out for coffee with a friend.
Although the title is "You Can Stay Home with Your Kids," this book is not just for stay-at-home moms. If you have a savings goal or you need to curb your spending, you'll find plenty of ideas to help.
(I was given an advanced reader copy in exchange for my review. All opinions are my own.)
Although the title is "You Can Stay Home with Your Kids," this book is not just for stay-at-home moms. If you have a savings goal or you need to curb your spending, you'll find plenty of ideas to help.
(I was given an advanced reader copy in exchange for my review. All opinions are my own.)
March 29, 2018
Reading this book was like sitting down with an old friend and a warm cup of tea. Erin provides hope with common-sense steps that you can put into practice right away. I especially love how her “bite-sized” gems of information are divided into easily accessible categories. Erin makes it so easy to go back and review sections you specifically want to brush up on or share with your spouse. I was delighted to discover many home making “secrets” I had not thought of before, and I know I will be referring to this valuable resource again and again. Preorder your copy today!
February 17, 2019
Good book for families just starting out. Lots of common sense advice. Attempted to receive the bonus content (more than once) and still haven't received it. My suggestion is borrow it from a friend or the library, nothing new here.
March 21, 2018
As a virtual friend of Erin, I got to read this book before it was released. It is so full of ideas on how you can save money so you can stay home with your children! Even though I have been quite thrifty my whole adult life, I learned some good ideas on how we can save even more on a single paycheck. It’s a must-read for Moms who wonder if their finances can align with their dreams of staying home. Even if you’re not a mom and want to live on one paycheck, this book gives amazing ideas. This book makes a great gift for any Mom in your life!
March 22, 2018
You Can Stay Home With Your Kids! By Erin Odom is a new book that releases on April 10th. I was able to read it as part of the launch team. It was a timely read for me since I am a new stay at home mom and living on one income. It was written in small chapters with practical advice to save money. I personally already used most of her tips. I would recommend it for anyone that is interested in ways to cut costs or to save money, not just couples with kids. She had recipes for DIY household cleaners and links for sites to help you save money.
April 11, 2018
I received a free copy of "You Can Stay Home With Your Kids" for free in exchange for my honest review.
If you like practical books, this one is for you. It's short, sweet, and to the point. It's a very easy read with a lot of money-saving tips.
If you're already a pretty frugal person, like I consider myself to be, a lot of the tips you probably already do or have seen on money-saving blogs or Pinterest searches, but there are a couple new-to-me things I'd like to try. Also, it's nice to have a compilation of money-saving suggestions in one place versus in a Pinterest board with 45 different links to click through.
I would recommend this book, not just for SAHMs or those wanting to become a SAHM, but there are money-saving tips for anyone and everyone in this book.
If you like practical books, this one is for you. It's short, sweet, and to the point. It's a very easy read with a lot of money-saving tips.
If you're already a pretty frugal person, like I consider myself to be, a lot of the tips you probably already do or have seen on money-saving blogs or Pinterest searches, but there are a couple new-to-me things I'd like to try. Also, it's nice to have a compilation of money-saving suggestions in one place versus in a Pinterest board with 45 different links to click through.
I would recommend this book, not just for SAHMs or those wanting to become a SAHM, but there are money-saving tips for anyone and everyone in this book.
July 8, 2018
You Can Stay Home with Your Kids! by Erin Odom is a guide that attempts to explain how to do just that-- stay home with your kids. The book is full of different ideas from cutting extra costs to developing revenue streams to supplement your income. The ideas are good, but they are basic common sense ideas. It is a good book for anyone overwhelmed by the idea of staying home and needing a place to start from. I received a digital copy of this book. These opinions are entirely my own.
May 21, 2018
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
About the Book:
Investing your life in your family brings you joy, and doing it on a single income doesn’t need to stress you out! Join Erin Odom as she shows you how you can live frugally—and thrive—while you raise your kids at home in You Can Stay Home with Your Kids!
From the moment you discovered you were going to be a mom, you envisioned spending each day with your kids, guiding, teaching, and loving them. But diapers, wipes, shoes, and braces are expensive! Though it may feel impossible to manage on one income, Erin Odom from The Humbled Homemaker blog is here to show you that, through God’s grace, staying at home with your kids isn’t just doable; it’s doable while living the good life. Your kids are young only once—you don’t have to miss out just because money is tight.
Erin shares 100 tips, tricks, and simple ways that she has provided the good life on a budget for her family—and you can do the same!
Sections include topics like:
making and sticking to a budget
side income ideas
inexpensive ways to do birthday parties
educational and enrichment activities for little ones that won’t break the bank
date ideas and other ways to connect with your spouse without spending a lot
planning for holidays
and much more!
Experience the freedom, flexibility, and joy that come with being a hands-on mom and spending every day guiding, enjoying, and nurturing your kids, while still providing a lifestyle you can be proud of.
My Review:
I learned most of these in my 21 years of raising my babies. But Erin Odom has put them all in one place for young mothers trying to get it all done. You can stay home with your children you may just have to give up certain things along the way that are mere luxuries that you can do without and won't miss.
We have always used second hand stores, and extremely clearanced sales for clothing ourselves and our children. For myself, its hard to find clothes that fit--so many times I will go several years before buying anything for myself. So we try to take real good care of the things we do buy new. Our kids are usually given hand me downs from others, as well. This has helped us tremendously.
I'm still reading this great wealth of knowledge but she has tips on any and everything that could be applied to our daily lives. So if you are really wanting to make the leap at becoming a stay at home mom this book is a great book to reference to see just how doable it really is.
About the Book:
Investing your life in your family brings you joy, and doing it on a single income doesn’t need to stress you out! Join Erin Odom as she shows you how you can live frugally—and thrive—while you raise your kids at home in You Can Stay Home with Your Kids!
From the moment you discovered you were going to be a mom, you envisioned spending each day with your kids, guiding, teaching, and loving them. But diapers, wipes, shoes, and braces are expensive! Though it may feel impossible to manage on one income, Erin Odom from The Humbled Homemaker blog is here to show you that, through God’s grace, staying at home with your kids isn’t just doable; it’s doable while living the good life. Your kids are young only once—you don’t have to miss out just because money is tight.
Erin shares 100 tips, tricks, and simple ways that she has provided the good life on a budget for her family—and you can do the same!
Sections include topics like:
making and sticking to a budget
side income ideas
inexpensive ways to do birthday parties
educational and enrichment activities for little ones that won’t break the bank
date ideas and other ways to connect with your spouse without spending a lot
planning for holidays
and much more!
Experience the freedom, flexibility, and joy that come with being a hands-on mom and spending every day guiding, enjoying, and nurturing your kids, while still providing a lifestyle you can be proud of.
My Review:
I learned most of these in my 21 years of raising my babies. But Erin Odom has put them all in one place for young mothers trying to get it all done. You can stay home with your children you may just have to give up certain things along the way that are mere luxuries that you can do without and won't miss.
We have always used second hand stores, and extremely clearanced sales for clothing ourselves and our children. For myself, its hard to find clothes that fit--so many times I will go several years before buying anything for myself. So we try to take real good care of the things we do buy new. Our kids are usually given hand me downs from others, as well. This has helped us tremendously.
I'm still reading this great wealth of knowledge but she has tips on any and everything that could be applied to our daily lives. So if you are really wanting to make the leap at becoming a stay at home mom this book is a great book to reference to see just how doable it really is.
August 2, 2018
Note: I received a copy of this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This year I have been working on getting my monthly budget ironed out, so I've been looking for more books on how to save money. I had read halfway through Odom's other book on finances, and then I saw this book up for review and snagged it!
This book is just how it sounds, 100 tips for saving and earning money for the purpose of helping moms stay home with their kids. If you do everything in this book, will you absolutely be able to stay home with your kids? I don't know. But there is a ton of good advice here.
Personally, I especially appreciated Odom's tips on saving money on groceries. I struggle with our grocery shopping, and this book had a lot of good tips for how to make my grocery money stretch.
I thought some of the suggestions on creating an income stream on the side were a little overly-optimistic. While lots of moms do quite well with side businesses, suggestions like "create a blog" or "join a direct sales company" don't reflect that it is much more difficult to establish these as money-making businesses than it sounds, and the people who are successful at it often put in a full-time job effort to make them profitable. Just because she made her blog profitable doesn't mean it would be easy for you to do it.
I also didn't necessarily agree with her assessment of whether to buy or rent a home. Maybe if you are trying to save money for a season to stay home with your kids, renting could be a good suggestion, but in the end you still have nothing to show for all those payments (unlike when you buy a house). Odom suggests that maybe the classic view of a house as an investment isn't always a great idea. She is drawing from her own experience of having an underwater mortgage after the crash in 2008, so I can understand why she would be a little gun-shy after that. However, I'm not sure her advice to rent is necessarily up-to-date with the current economy, or applicable to every area of the country. But I do agree that it's smart to save up a good-size down payment, and rent until then.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and got some good ideas from it, so I think it's definitely worth the time if you are trying to find more wiggle room in your budget!
This year I have been working on getting my monthly budget ironed out, so I've been looking for more books on how to save money. I had read halfway through Odom's other book on finances, and then I saw this book up for review and snagged it!
This book is just how it sounds, 100 tips for saving and earning money for the purpose of helping moms stay home with their kids. If you do everything in this book, will you absolutely be able to stay home with your kids? I don't know. But there is a ton of good advice here.
Personally, I especially appreciated Odom's tips on saving money on groceries. I struggle with our grocery shopping, and this book had a lot of good tips for how to make my grocery money stretch.
I thought some of the suggestions on creating an income stream on the side were a little overly-optimistic. While lots of moms do quite well with side businesses, suggestions like "create a blog" or "join a direct sales company" don't reflect that it is much more difficult to establish these as money-making businesses than it sounds, and the people who are successful at it often put in a full-time job effort to make them profitable. Just because she made her blog profitable doesn't mean it would be easy for you to do it.
I also didn't necessarily agree with her assessment of whether to buy or rent a home. Maybe if you are trying to save money for a season to stay home with your kids, renting could be a good suggestion, but in the end you still have nothing to show for all those payments (unlike when you buy a house). Odom suggests that maybe the classic view of a house as an investment isn't always a great idea. She is drawing from her own experience of having an underwater mortgage after the crash in 2008, so I can understand why she would be a little gun-shy after that. However, I'm not sure her advice to rent is necessarily up-to-date with the current economy, or applicable to every area of the country. But I do agree that it's smart to save up a good-size down payment, and rent until then.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and got some good ideas from it, so I think it's definitely worth the time if you are trying to find more wiggle room in your budget!
April 4, 2018
You Can Stay Home With Your Kids is the latest book from blogger and author Erin Odom. As a stay at home mom, I truly appreciate this little book and recommend it to anyone looking for simple ways to trim their budget. This book is highly beneficial in content and design as it is divided into chapters with short sections that don't take much time to read. Erin is a stay at home mom with four children so she has experience when it comes to finding unique ways to save money.
Unlike many books on finance in which the reader is offered tips that will require much time to pass before receiving a return on their investment, this book is very practical and many of the tips can be applied right away. One of my favorite tips was about using Swap.com, an online consignment store for all ages and genders. I had never heard of Swap prior to reading You Can Stay Home With Your Kids so I decided to give it a try and I was ecstatic to purchase 16 items of clothing for under $100. This example is one of many offered in the book. Erin also includes DIY ideas for making household items using ingredients you probably already have on hand. I was excited about this portion of the book since I make some of my own household detergents.
Another aspect of the book I truly appreciate is the aesthetic appeal. The cover design is beautiful as are the pages inside. As the mother of a toddler who is constantly getting into my books, I really appreciate that the book includes a ribbon bookmark. You Can Stay Home With Your Kids is just under $15 on Amazon and I truly believe that the small investment in purchasing your copy will reap large dividends in the long run.
You Can Stay Home With Your Kids will be available at all major booksellers on April 10th but you can preorder today and take advantage of the preorder bonuses!
I received You Can Stay Home With Your Kids compliments of Zondervan in exchange for my honest review.
Unlike many books on finance in which the reader is offered tips that will require much time to pass before receiving a return on their investment, this book is very practical and many of the tips can be applied right away. One of my favorite tips was about using Swap.com, an online consignment store for all ages and genders. I had never heard of Swap prior to reading You Can Stay Home With Your Kids so I decided to give it a try and I was ecstatic to purchase 16 items of clothing for under $100. This example is one of many offered in the book. Erin also includes DIY ideas for making household items using ingredients you probably already have on hand. I was excited about this portion of the book since I make some of my own household detergents.
Another aspect of the book I truly appreciate is the aesthetic appeal. The cover design is beautiful as are the pages inside. As the mother of a toddler who is constantly getting into my books, I really appreciate that the book includes a ribbon bookmark. You Can Stay Home With Your Kids is just under $15 on Amazon and I truly believe that the small investment in purchasing your copy will reap large dividends in the long run.
You Can Stay Home With Your Kids will be available at all major booksellers on April 10th but you can preorder today and take advantage of the preorder bonuses!
I received You Can Stay Home With Your Kids compliments of Zondervan in exchange for my honest review.
May 8, 2018
Title: You Can Stay Home With Your Kids!
Author: Erin Odom
Genre: Nonfiction, Tips and Tricks, Self-Help, Advice, Mothers, Budgeting
Plot: Staying home with our kids is a dream that almost every mom has at some point in their lives. Some of us put it into action and sail along beautifully while others struggle to make ends meet, and some of us put the hours in at work all while longing to simply be home with their kids. While this book doesn't have all the answers, it does have 100 tips, tricks and sneaky ways to cut expenses, maximize saving every penny and increasing at-home income so we can make those ends meet and give ourselves some financial breathing room as we achieve our dream of staying at home with our kids and living off of one income. If we play our cards just right, we can even achieve the elusive dream of buying a new car or becoming a homeowner one day.
Likes/Dislikes: Ever since the great Recession of 2008, the economy has been scrapped and people are having to work multiple jobs to make ends meet. For those of us who are living off of one income, this adds extra stress and pressure to both members of the couple (him for working and her for wanting to stay home with the kids and handling all the depressing budgeting). But there's hope for us yet! My husband and I already do many of the tips and tricks in this book as well as tweaking some to suit ourselves and we're always looking for better options. Currently, that involves the idea of moving to a state with a lower cost of living. Till then, we're budget shopping, using thrift stores and discount stores, saving the baby clothes for the next new one and going without all the shiny new things we want (but do indulge in sometimes for special occasions like birthdays and Christmas). This book is inspiring with its ideas and the fact that this couple has been there before us and survived so we can do it too.
Rating: PG-14 and up, mainly for reading level. Highly recommended!
Date Review Written: May 4th, 2018
I received a copy of this book courtesy of BookLook Bloggers for my honest opinion and wasn't required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed in the above review are my own.
Author: Erin Odom
Genre: Nonfiction, Tips and Tricks, Self-Help, Advice, Mothers, Budgeting
Plot: Staying home with our kids is a dream that almost every mom has at some point in their lives. Some of us put it into action and sail along beautifully while others struggle to make ends meet, and some of us put the hours in at work all while longing to simply be home with their kids. While this book doesn't have all the answers, it does have 100 tips, tricks and sneaky ways to cut expenses, maximize saving every penny and increasing at-home income so we can make those ends meet and give ourselves some financial breathing room as we achieve our dream of staying at home with our kids and living off of one income. If we play our cards just right, we can even achieve the elusive dream of buying a new car or becoming a homeowner one day.
Likes/Dislikes: Ever since the great Recession of 2008, the economy has been scrapped and people are having to work multiple jobs to make ends meet. For those of us who are living off of one income, this adds extra stress and pressure to both members of the couple (him for working and her for wanting to stay home with the kids and handling all the depressing budgeting). But there's hope for us yet! My husband and I already do many of the tips and tricks in this book as well as tweaking some to suit ourselves and we're always looking for better options. Currently, that involves the idea of moving to a state with a lower cost of living. Till then, we're budget shopping, using thrift stores and discount stores, saving the baby clothes for the next new one and going without all the shiny new things we want (but do indulge in sometimes for special occasions like birthdays and Christmas). This book is inspiring with its ideas and the fact that this couple has been there before us and survived so we can do it too.
Rating: PG-14 and up, mainly for reading level. Highly recommended!
Date Review Written: May 4th, 2018
I received a copy of this book courtesy of BookLook Bloggers for my honest opinion and wasn't required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed in the above review are my own.
June 19, 2018
Having been in the blogging world for years (and a mom!), I've been aware of The Humbled Homemaker blog for quite a long time. It's one of the big timers in the "mom blog" arena. Erin Odom writes on all sorts of topics related to motherhood and keeping a home -- which can range from managing the family finances to meal planning.
Recently, she has published a book that brings together 100 tips and tricks for a mom to introduce into her home. When implemented, the idea is that the mom no longer has to work outside the home unless she wants to. It's specifically written toward those trying to stay home but can't at the present time.
Though no section goes into incredible detail, it's still a great resource for this group of people. Even if you're already a stay-at-home parent, utilizing some of her ideas could expand the comfort of your monthly budget. From being smarter with money to finding creative ways to increase income, there's at least a little nugget (probably more!) for everyone.
This was up my alley in the way that my family and I already implement much of her suggestions or have other creative ways of doing things, so it wasn't drastically life-altering. But I'm still glad to have it now! Especially so I can point fellow friends to it when related topics arise in conversation. Sometimes it's better to say, "You know what So-and-So says..." instead of, "You should do it like we do..." :) It's also a cute, hardback book with a lovely ribbon bookmark, suggesting it would make a great gift.
I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Recently, she has published a book that brings together 100 tips and tricks for a mom to introduce into her home. When implemented, the idea is that the mom no longer has to work outside the home unless she wants to. It's specifically written toward those trying to stay home but can't at the present time.
Though no section goes into incredible detail, it's still a great resource for this group of people. Even if you're already a stay-at-home parent, utilizing some of her ideas could expand the comfort of your monthly budget. From being smarter with money to finding creative ways to increase income, there's at least a little nugget (probably more!) for everyone.
This was up my alley in the way that my family and I already implement much of her suggestions or have other creative ways of doing things, so it wasn't drastically life-altering. But I'm still glad to have it now! Especially so I can point fellow friends to it when related topics arise in conversation. Sometimes it's better to say, "You know what So-and-So says..." instead of, "You should do it like we do..." :) It's also a cute, hardback book with a lovely ribbon bookmark, suggesting it would make a great gift.
I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
April 7, 2018
Let me start by saying, You Can Stay Home with Your Kids is written for aspiring stay at home moms, but it is a valuable tool for ANYONE wanting to save money and be a better steward of financial resources.
I have been a stay at home mom for 7 years and I WISH I'd had a copy of You Can Stay Home with Your Kids in the beginning. I love that it is practical. And, I appreciate that it is a short, quick read for those who desperately want help NOW, without the stress and overwhelm of researching all that exists on the internet.
Erin is like a friend looking out for your best interest, eagerly sharing what she has learned the hard way, so you don't have to. She isn't "preaching" that you must stay home, but simply providing valuable tips for those who want to find a way to make staying home work.
For one who has learned some things the hard way, I am grateful that she has provided not only ideas that I have never considered or known, but also corresponding resources via websites, etc. Erin doesn't just say, "You should budget", but, "A budget is helpful and here is a site that can help".
I love that.
This book is definitely a resource to keep on hand, and I will refer to it periodically as I implement some of the tips she has given. The journal at the back of the book is a great place to record these plans.
Furthermore, I am thoroughly excited that the next time a mom tells me "I could never stay at home." I can say, "Yes. You can, and here is a book that can help."
Thank you again Erin!
I have been a stay at home mom for 7 years and I WISH I'd had a copy of You Can Stay Home with Your Kids in the beginning. I love that it is practical. And, I appreciate that it is a short, quick read for those who desperately want help NOW, without the stress and overwhelm of researching all that exists on the internet.
Erin is like a friend looking out for your best interest, eagerly sharing what she has learned the hard way, so you don't have to. She isn't "preaching" that you must stay home, but simply providing valuable tips for those who want to find a way to make staying home work.
For one who has learned some things the hard way, I am grateful that she has provided not only ideas that I have never considered or known, but also corresponding resources via websites, etc. Erin doesn't just say, "You should budget", but, "A budget is helpful and here is a site that can help".
I love that.
This book is definitely a resource to keep on hand, and I will refer to it periodically as I implement some of the tips she has given. The journal at the back of the book is a great place to record these plans.
Furthermore, I am thoroughly excited that the next time a mom tells me "I could never stay at home." I can say, "Yes. You can, and here is a book that can help."
Thank you again Erin!
May 8, 2018
Do you want to stay home with your kids, but you don't think it will every be possible? Do you currently stay home with your kids, but feel like you're always just scraping by? Erin Odom has compiled 100 tips, tricks and ways you can save money or make money from home so it can be possible! There are sections on shopping at secondhand stores, shopping around for a house/car, recipes for DIY household products, tips for making money from home, and many, many more!
Currently, I have been blessed to be able to stay home with our kids. Now that our oldest is in school, and we have a tuition payment, I've been trying to save extra money and possibly even make money from home (even if it's just some splurge money). I've always loved saving, some people may call me cheap, I prefer frugal. This book had tons of tips, many I have either tried, or am currently doing, but there were some I was like I need to try that! For example, I loved the section on DIY household products, because let's face it they can be pricey, and most are full of chemicals. I plan to try a few of them at least to see how I like them, and maybe save myself some money in the process. I highly recommend this book if you are looking for ways to save money, she has a lot of great information in this book, as well as some free downloads when you get the book!
**I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Currently, I have been blessed to be able to stay home with our kids. Now that our oldest is in school, and we have a tuition payment, I've been trying to save extra money and possibly even make money from home (even if it's just some splurge money). I've always loved saving, some people may call me cheap, I prefer frugal. This book had tons of tips, many I have either tried, or am currently doing, but there were some I was like I need to try that! For example, I loved the section on DIY household products, because let's face it they can be pricey, and most are full of chemicals. I plan to try a few of them at least to see how I like them, and maybe save myself some money in the process. I highly recommend this book if you are looking for ways to save money, she has a lot of great information in this book, as well as some free downloads when you get the book!
**I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 12, 2020
Blogger-turned-author Erin Odom has had immense success in creating a financial future for her family. And she also came from years of barely making ends meet.
One thing's for sure: She's thrifty.
And she's great at giving advice to other moms, looking for more flexibility in their lifestyle. In “You Can Stay Home with Your Kids,” she offers 100 tips, tricks and ways to make it work on a budget.
Erin tackles everything from coupons to cloth diapers—and how to date on a dime.
As a fellow frugalista, I found some of her ideas pretty spectacular. I especially appreciate her focus on being health- and environmentally-conscious. Just today, I mixed up some vinegar, baking soda and water to clean my kitchen sink—using what I had on hand instead of buying something with chemicals. That’s a win!
Moms will love this audiobook (narrated by Emma Lysy) as it offers tons of practical tips on how to save money and start a side-hustle business. All with the goal of being able to stay home and be with your family.
While I’m not exactly the target audience for this book, as I’m not a church-going, SAHM, I did like the book. I applaud Erin for sharing her secrets so that others can live on one income. And/or create a second income stream like she did.
It’s most definitely an empowering book for women, Christian or otherwise. And, if you can look past the faith-based references, it’s still worth the read (or, in this case, a listen)!
I appreciate NetGalley and Zondervan for gifting me a copy of the audiobook in exchange for my unbiased review.
One thing's for sure: She's thrifty.
And she's great at giving advice to other moms, looking for more flexibility in their lifestyle. In “You Can Stay Home with Your Kids,” she offers 100 tips, tricks and ways to make it work on a budget.
Erin tackles everything from coupons to cloth diapers—and how to date on a dime.
As a fellow frugalista, I found some of her ideas pretty spectacular. I especially appreciate her focus on being health- and environmentally-conscious. Just today, I mixed up some vinegar, baking soda and water to clean my kitchen sink—using what I had on hand instead of buying something with chemicals. That’s a win!
Moms will love this audiobook (narrated by Emma Lysy) as it offers tons of practical tips on how to save money and start a side-hustle business. All with the goal of being able to stay home and be with your family.
While I’m not exactly the target audience for this book, as I’m not a church-going, SAHM, I did like the book. I applaud Erin for sharing her secrets so that others can live on one income. And/or create a second income stream like she did.
It’s most definitely an empowering book for women, Christian or otherwise. And, if you can look past the faith-based references, it’s still worth the read (or, in this case, a listen)!
I appreciate NetGalley and Zondervan for gifting me a copy of the audiobook in exchange for my unbiased review.
April 10, 2018
I absolutely love "You Can Stay Home with Your Kids"! I live in one of the highest cost-of-living areas in the entire US, so I know just how difficult it is to be a stay-at-home mom in an area that almost requires a 2-person income. Erin's book is chalk full of ideas to implement to make staying at home easier. Not only does she give small, actionable ideas throughout the book, but even just reading through it is bound to inspire you to come up with even more ways you can reduce your expenses, increase your income, and make staying home with your little ones a reality.
Not every person will be able to implement every tip; for example, in the complex where I live, I'm not allowed to line dry my laundry outside. However, Erin's suggestion to wash lightly-soiled laundry in cold water versus hot? That's definitely an area where I can save not only the cost of hot water, but also the wear and tear that hot water adds to clothing. I firmly believe that everyone will find multiple ideas to try, even those who are already frugal and are implementing many of the standard suggestions for cutting costs!
If you long to stay home with your kids or are already doing so but need more wiggle room in your budget, this is an excellent book to start with!
Not every person will be able to implement every tip; for example, in the complex where I live, I'm not allowed to line dry my laundry outside. However, Erin's suggestion to wash lightly-soiled laundry in cold water versus hot? That's definitely an area where I can save not only the cost of hot water, but also the wear and tear that hot water adds to clothing. I firmly believe that everyone will find multiple ideas to try, even those who are already frugal and are implementing many of the standard suggestions for cutting costs!
If you long to stay home with your kids or are already doing so but need more wiggle room in your budget, this is an excellent book to start with!
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