The Kickass Single Mom: Be Financially Independent, Discover Your Sexiest Self, and Raise Fabulous, Happy Children

by Emma Johnson

When Emma Johnson's marriage ended she found herself broke, pregnant, and alone with a toddler. Searching for the advice she needed to navigate her new life as a single professional woman and parent, she discovered there was very little sage wisdom available. In response, Johnson launched the popular blog Wealthysinglemommy.com to speak to other women who, like herself, wanted to not just survive but thrive as single moms. Now, in this complete guide to single motherhood, Johnson guides women in confronting the naysayers in their lives (and in their own minds) to build a thriving career, achieve financial security, and to reignite their romantic life—all while being a kickass parent to their kids. The Kickass Single Mom shows readers how to:


   • Build a new life that is entirely on their own terms.

   • Find the time to devote to health, hobbies, friendships, faith, community and travel.

   • Be a joyful, present and fun mom, and proud role model to your kids.


Full of practical advice and inspiration from Emma's life, as well as other successful single moms, this is a must-have resource for any single mom.

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction, Self Help, Audiobook, Divorce

301 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 17, 2017

About the author

I'm a journalist (former staffer at AP Finance, newspapers), founder of the world's largest platform for single mothers, Wealthysinglemommy.com and advocate for equal parenting time when moms and dads live separately.

As a shared-parenting expert I've been featured in hundreds of outlets including The Wall Street Journal, New York Times, TIME and CNBC, and regularly appear before legislative bodies, corporate and community groups.

My kids and I live in Richmond, Va.

Reviews

[Cheryl Kindred · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read Emma Johnson's blog: Wealthy Single Mommy, since the first month my ex-husband and I began living separately. As a child of a single mom who struggled post divorce, it has been so refreshing to see single moms not surviving, but thriving.

When you pop open this book you'll find it to be full of: inspiration, actionable ways of succeeding as a single mom, solidarity, intimate personal stories from women (especially Emma) who have BTDT) and your own personal cheerleader in book form, minus the sticky false sweetness. All real, all fab.

I am already deep into single motherhood now, but am finding reading TKASM makes me want to reach farther with my own goals and renew my single mama vows to never settle; prioritizing exactly what is best for me and my kids. I love being a part of flipping that script of the poor sad single mom. This book is going to quickly grow the numbers of strong, kick ass single moms ready to give a middle finger to suffering endlessly. I'll be ordering a few to keep on hand for my friends journeying through the stage of becoming a single mother, because THIS is the kind of authentic woman "you go girl" stuff today's single mom needs.

[Olivia Chancellor · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book seems like it would be great for the 30+ year old divorced single mother whom is educated, lives near or in a city, and isn’t particularly conservative (she talks a lot about sex). If you are an entrepreneur as well, then you will especially enjoy the book. If you fall outside of this demographic you might find that her tips aren’t exactly practical or come off as being preachy. As the daughter of a middle class single mom, I could see that my mom would have found this book interesting while I was growing up. But as a mid-20’s woman who hopes to adopt via foster care, I found that she focused too much on what finances and parenting look like post divorce and not on how it can be applied in a broader sense. Her advice is also largely impractical for women who are in deep poverty. For some women it would be hard to “outsource” your home jobs (cleaning/laundry/etc) or spend only 10% of your income on food if you can’t even get a job as the “bag lady” that the author fears of becoming.

[Alicia LaPeruta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma has been an inspiration to me since I became a single mom. Her no-victim mentality is the ultimate way to tackle single motherhood. She's here to re-brand society's definition of "single mom" and help create a powerful force of single mothers who can win at life, in parenting, finances, in our careers, in dating, and tackle anything life handles to us with grace. This book is for any single mom who wants to take their life as a single mom to the next level and join a powerful force of single mothers who get shit done! You won't be disappointed.

[Raejean Yarger Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Utterly Inspiring!! With a swift check on Reality, Humor, Motivation, and Walk the Talk 'tude, Emma is a driving force for me these days. Breaking all of the societal "norms" expected from single motherhood, she enlightens readers to see there really is a power behind dreaming big and breaking the mold! As I continue to read this book, I find it hard to put down for not just her fantastic writing skills, but for the very real, extraordinarily relevant insight to things i find myself facing and questioning in my everyday life. Set that victim aside and let conquer this thing...

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I googled stuff like this when I was going through my divorce. I, like Emma, never ever saw myself in this position and I needed to navigate this path. I wish I had this book five years ago!! Amazing insight to help you thrive not just survive when life hands you a plate you didn't expect to eat. I LOVED IT and will recommend it to all my friends..life changing...new lens. Thank you!!!!

[Kirsty Briscoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma EMPOWERS me as a single mom and helps me take care of my children in a way I never could if I was still stuck in that "victim" mentality of the stereotypical single mom lifestyle!

I always knew what kind of mom I wanted to be, and I NEVER imagined I'd be a single mom! And I had to learn how to reconcile those two identities in a healthy way. Emma's work helps me do just that.

[Alexa Marzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being a single mom is POWERFUL! THis book is so empowering for moms everywhere! Emma writes in a completely relatable way! This book will get you out of any 'single mom slump' you may be in and boost you right into 'Kickass Single Mom' mode! Highly recommend! Great read that will leave you feeling GREAT afterwards.

[Elsa Carlson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma's no non-sense take on single motherhood is a win for everyone! She encourages all single moms to make their own way, increase their salary to not depend on child support, and truly engages single moms in the most powerful way...to create and HAVE the life they envision for themselves and their kids. This book is a must read for all single moms!

[Lauren Sweeney · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's ambitious to take on inspiring other women to be the most outrageously amazing, fulfilled versions of ourselves as single moms, an identity that still carries social stigma. In just one book, Emma nails it. She offers powerful ideas, definitions, and life-changing exercises in a down-to-earth, unabashedly feminist, and hilarious way.

Emma gets super vulnerable, sharing her own single mom journey in a way that's sure to inspire anyone who's not quite where they want to be- financially, in love, or in any other way. This honest sharing opens up new senses of possibility in the reader, demonstrating that endless possibilities are open to all single moms.

[Kayla McNeill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good, though some of her advice and commentary comes from a place of privilege. Not all advice would be practical for those living in poverty and/or not in a major city. I took it for what it was, her experience based on her life. She does make some concessions for those not in her unique situation.

[Kelsie Romans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perhaps the title was less cringe in 2017, but tons of sound and very welcome advice in a “partner-centric” world.

[Shoshi · Rating 2 out of 5]

This lady has lots of strong opinions and finds a few scant facts to back each of them up. She doesn't make great arguments but if you are already politically/philosophically aligned with her-- then it might be a good book for the preacher preaching to the choir.

I don't get child support but find her assertion that all single mothers learn to live without child support bizzare and backwards. I think her abundance mindset is one that only a successful person can afford to have-- of course if you are successful you willed it into being-- and if you are unsuccessful it must be sort of deficiency because you couldn't figure out how to be fabulous like her. Her child rearing philosophy about spending less time with your kids so they can witness you being fabulous and successful-- it seems like it was written by an alien without motherly feelings.

But I will say-- Johnson's pep talk got me to revisit and revise my will. It also had me thinking harder about my budget and future financial goals. And finally it had me nodding along when she said it was easier to earn extra money with freelance gigs (if you are lucky enough to be part of the class of workers who have those talents to sell) than it is to save money by cutting your air conditioning and heating bill.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say, THIS is the book all single momma’s need to read! Whether you are newly separated, been divorced for a few or even many years, a single mom by choice, or a single mom...period, this book will inspire and empower you to be your self single mom self! Emma is a straight shooter who you will connect with on so many levels! I first came across Emma’s blog a few months into my divorce and feel incredibly grateful for the advice she imparts, her no BS approach to every aspect of life, and the community of like-minded single moms that she has pulled together. To have her write a book....well, that’s like striking it rich, finding a lot of gold at the end of the rainbow! You’ll connect with Emma and the women referenced in her book. You’ll be inspired to be your best self in every area of your life. You’ll encounter various exercises throughout the book that will not only get your mind thinking but also the motivation and knowledge to put some different practices and mindset into place. Your tribe is here, single mommas, and it’s one Kick Ass Society!!

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is was like talking to a girlfriend. It was a quick read and written in an easy to relate to style. It was both inspiring and informational. I like that at the end of sections there was exercise to do. It was helpful to examine my own thought patterns and think about what I really wanted my life to look like. I would recommend to anyone that is a single mom. Even if certain sections don't apply, you will find something helpful.

[Bonnie Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prepare to be challenged when reading this book. Society will be challenged to redefine stereotypes of single motherhood as part of society. Single moms will be challenged not to depend men, to set a good example to your kids, to stop living in self-shame and doubt and just enjoy life. I would recommend this for everyone, not just single mothers who are ready to be more awesome.

[Stacy Louch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoughtfully creative, poignant, real, hilarious, and at times- raw. This must-read for Single Moms has golden nuggets of wisdom and grace in every chapter. Emma's eye-opening stance on Single Motherhood is refreshingly honest and exactly what I needed to hear even if at moments I didn't want to.

[Stephanie M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this book is geared toward single moms, it was extremely helpful even for moms in a committed relationship.

As a non single mom having issues with self doubt and guilt it was refreshing to get a different perspective on finances, what can happen in divorce and how you can protect yourself ahead of time, scientific research on helicopter parenting and a pep talk on accepting yourself.

If as a non single mom I’ve gained such valuable information, much of which I’ve already implemented, I highly recommend than to actual single moms.

Straight to the point and backed by science this gem has it all.

[Farrah Jinha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to be Emma Johnson when I grow up. Her honest, poignant and direct advice and guidance on living a full and real life as a Kick Ass Single Mom was brilliant! It was funny, heart warming and inspiring and I'm telling every friend (single or not!) it is a must-read. The topics are relevant and Emma's voice is approachable, funny and not sugar coated. I wish I had this book when I first divorced 7 years ago. Thank you Emma for sharing your wisdom with us!

[Becky McKeown · Rating 3 out of 5]

I felt this read as 2017 sex in the city divorcee guide. As a long term single mom i could not relate (never married). I did appreciate the financial chapters since as single parents we live day to day not planning for the future.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good book to start with if you are recently divorced and you haven't been managing your finances on your own. If you have been investing for a while, it seems pretty basic. If you are a single mom by choice then it doesn't really address your issues very much.

[Alison · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book as a set-in-her-ways kick-ass single mom. I found some of the advice great but in other circumstances I felt she was trying to package a life that worked really well for her into something that works universally regardless of the circumstances.

[Kenya Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

I needed this!
I'm a single mom of three. It was a lot to get over my divorce from their father and becoming a newly single mother. I've made it through the years but I'm still defining myself as a mother and writer. This book helped me focus and also relax.
I hope this helps other mothers too.

[SachChuyenTay]

Người phụ nữ nuôi con một mình đều sẽ được gán nhãn “single mom”. Mỗi bà mẹ ấy lại mang những gánh nặng khác nhau nhưng đừng bao giờ đánh mất Khí Chất Single Mom của mình.Những người mẹ ấy thật vĩ đại

[Camille Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

So funny. So practice. I wish I'd had this when I became single 40 years ago.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

So inspirational!! I love the no-nonsense, no-victim mentality, practical advice - this book has literally changed my life and mindset.

[Kate Lifton · Rating 3 out of 5]

My feelings to this book were pretty meh - even with agreeing with the author on a variety of points.

[Cathie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought it was pretty good, but you really gotta take what she says with a grain of salt as it's all just her opinion. (Does she say that in the into? I can't remember, but if she does, I give her an extra half star for self-awareness) She isn't an expert, just a blogger that had enough momentum to also write a book.
A lot of her concepts I really agree with, and the overall idea of empowerment is definitely something I can support. That's what made it such an interesting read for me: I could engage with everything she was writing about and decide if my values were mirrored in a particular chapter, or if I was more compelled to play devil's advocate and argue the alternative. I'd actually like to re-read it in the future to see how my views later align.

The book is very heavy on the perspective of a single mom after a divorce. (If you're still parenting with a partner, are you truly a singular parent? Something to think about, how we as society use this term..she has a chapter on identity) A lot of chapters don't even apply to the single mother by choice. Some of her ideas seem great, but it is idealistic and from a place of privilege to assume you can or should outsource so many household tasks. It takes humility and patience to ball your own socks - think about what your values really are. Money-making is not always the most important, and for many people in many situations, money-making opportunities are not and cannot become limitless. In a lot of situations, child support is not only very deserved, but ethically necessary, and has to do with holding a woman back from professional success. And despite the studies that claim it doesn't matter how much time you spend with your children, if you don't spend time with your children, they do not have love and security in their relationship with you, so actually, it matters a lot! I'm all for single moms working and not having working-mom guilt about it, but there should be no guilt either in raising your children full-time more hands on if that is what you feel is right for your family, as opposed to just outsourcing childcare as you would just another chore. My point is, every family and every woman's situation is different, so it comes off preachy to say, "this is how to be a kickass single mom" when it fact, there are a lot of ways to do that!

[Tzeittle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I *finally* finished The Kickass Single Mom and let me just say, it is truly a wonderful read. It’s nice to read a book where you can completely identify with what the author is saying, and also feel encouraged to keep go beyond where you are at the moment.

There are points that I didn’t agree with, but even those encouraged me to reflect on why I disagreed and how they could either hold me back or allow me to move forward as I navigate my divorce and being a single mom. I would recommend this book not only to single moms, but to any woman who may feel like she has a tendency to rely on a man emotionally, socially, or financially. It is really eye-opening how sometimes we hold ourselves back for the sake of staying “in line” with self-imposed social norms.

[Aletha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably not as meaningful because it is not my life or situation. I liked the female empowerment and the idea of unlearning expectations based in traditional roles of mothers. This was very focused in the author’s own experience (rightfully so as she blogs about her experience and is an expert in her experience) but it would have been nice to have other versions and situations of motherhood explored. It also felt a little MLM ish in the discussion of finances and career changing, although valid and important. I had never thought of alimony and child support in the way she explained it, which was kind of nice to gain new perspective over it.

[Nana Kesewaa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why did I wait this long to read this?
Though it's US centred it offers comfort, advice and support for single moms.
The book has practical steps to achieve goals as single moms.
Everything (almost) this book says about society's position on single moms is true but kickass single moms embrace their calling and defy the odds.