Divanomics: How to Still Be Fabulous When You're Broke

by Michelle McKinney Hammond

Once upon a time, Michelle McKinney Hammond’s lifestyle centered around the finer things in life—designer clothes, five-star restaurants, and bag after bag of high-end nonessentials. Then one day, like many people, Michelle awoke to find herself on the losing end of a most unwelcome and unexpected financial downturn. In response, she quickly went from “spoiled” to “fabulously frugal,” and with courage and a sense of humor, she made the necessary adjustments in her life. Now, Hammond, a self-proclaimed DIVA (Divine Inspiration for Victorious Attitude), shares what she learned about her own spending, desires, and needs and how she adjusted to life during an unpredictable economy. Divanomics is filled with money-saving tips on fashion, beauty, home decor, entertaining, diet, housing, and more.

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction

272 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 18, 2010

About the author

From her official website:

As a bestselling author, speaker, singer and television co-host, Michelle has authored over 30 books (selling over one million copies worldwide), including best-selling titles The Diva Principle, Sassy, Single and Satisfied, 101 Ways to Get and Keep His Attention, and Secrets of an Irresistible Woman. A gifted vocalist, Michelle has recorded two CD’s, It’s Amazing and Let’s Go In and co-hosted the Emmy Award-winning television talk show Aspiring Women.

She has appeared on countless television shows including Bill Maher’s Politically Incorrect, E Channel’s “Soap Talk,” NBC’s The Other Half, The 700 Club, and BET’s Oh Drama! as well as a regular relationship segment on WGN Morning News. She has graced the cover of magazines such as Today’s Christian Woman Precious Times, The Plain Truth and Gospel Today. She has been a contributing writer for Spirit Led Woman, Discipleship Journal and has been featured in articles in Shine, Essence, Ebony, Jet, Black Enterprise Magazine, The Chicago Tribune, The Associated Press and The New York Times.

Following several successful years in an award-winning advertising career as an art director/writer/producer (her clients included Coca-Cola USA, McDonald’s, Procter and Gamble, GMC and Ford Motor Company), Michelle suffered a devastating leg injury after being hit by a car. For her the accident was a spiritual turning point, a wake up call to embrace her purpose and fulfill her destiny. These bedridden months gave birth to her first bestseller, “What to Do Until Love Finds You.” Since then Michelle has emerged as a highly-respected author, speaker and singer, reaching a diverse audience nationally and internationally. Crossing denominational lines, addressing secular audiences, as well as addressing men and women from every walk of life, Michelle is known for “keeping it real.” She addresses real-life issues with candor and wit, and the hard questions with sensitivity and empathy. This merits her reputation as a relationship and life empowerment coach, crossing the great divide and sharing keys that lead to reconciliation between the sexes.

Michelle’s underlying message is “get yourself in spiritual order and your natural life will come together.” Her passion is to give relevant and workable solutions to people’s questions based in timeless spiritual truths. Sharing solid, effective principles that will help her audience to navigate through the journey of life and reach the ultimate destination of living and loving to their fullest potential.

Reviews

[Jennifer L. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought of Divanomics as a "money saving guide for the other half", and I'm certianly not the other half! I realize that the word DIVA is in the title, and I realize that some people probably have never shopped 'lower end retail', but there was a whole chapter devoted to shopping at Walmart and Target and the bargains that can be found there! There was also a short bit on how she gets stuff with coupons and rewards points at Neiman Marcus. Now, I think that's the first time I've ever even WRITTEN Neiman Marcus and I've certainly never been to one! She did give a nod to coupons.com but most of the coupon talk was dealing with coupons you can use at higher end department stores. She also gave some suggestions like instead of going out to dinner you can have a fun night at home with friends playing games. (Wow! Who knew?) Overall I give this three stars. It kept my interest because of how to "save money" on designer fashions, etc. but for people who didn't already live that kind of lifestyle, I'm not sure how helpful this book would be.

[Brenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not sure that I'm really the target audience for this book. Yes, I'd like to budget better and get tips for spending less money, but this book seemed to be more for people who had expensive tastes (something I've never had) and it seemed to be geared more towards single woman. Since I'm a married mother of three, my life looks a lot different than the authors.

I think if you're looking for a good book on budgeting and financing, check out something by Dave Ramsey. In fact, the author even suggests his books in Divanomics, so I think she's aware that she's not an expert on finance. What this book reads more like is sitting down for a cup of coffee with a girlfriend who found herself in financial trouble, figured out how to help herself, and wants to give you her advice and experiences.

I think what I liked best about the book were the little snippets at the end of each chapter called "What's a diva to do". These were basically a summary of the chapter, but in the form of a list of things you could try. Since I'm all about lists, these were good for me. This is a fun book about spending less, but a lot of the time I felt like she was too focused on getting stuff--like what she could get out of other people for free. There were times that it wasn't in a bad way, like trading clothes with your friends, but there were other times where it seemed like she was giving pointers for getting men (or others) to buy you things or give you things. It rubbed me the wrong way a little bit.

All in all, this was a quick read (when I actually picked it up and read it), but definitely not the best if you're looking to get your finances in order. If you're looking for something lighthearted about finances, though, this may be a good option.

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I'm definitely not the intended audience for this book (single females), I found more than a few things that were helpful for me in this book. The author shared numerous tips and tricks for using what you have instead of buying more, spending your money wisely, and getting creative with bartering among your friends and family. Her bubbly personality was present on every page, and I felt like I was having a honest conversation with a close friend. Applicable Bible verses were woven throughout in an encouraging, non-judgmental way. My favorite was this:

"Job said that the Lord gives and the Lord takes away, but I don't believe that. I think the Lord gives and we drop the ball. And He keeps picking it back up and giving it back to us until we are able to hold it."

All in all, a great book that I would recommend for single people that may be struggling financially.

[Catherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book does offer some good ideas, and I like her mentions of bible stories, but on the whole, I felt like to implement most of her ideas you'd need way more money than other systems I've seen.

[Nicole Elliott]

I was so excited when I got the chance to review Divanomics from Tyndale House Publishers. As a stay at home (recently become work at home mom) in a family of soon to be 4 making hubbies lower ranking military paycheck stttrrreeetttcchhh is a valuable trait to have! I’m all about learning “how to still be fabulous when you’re broke”!
Unfortunately I felt that this book didn’t really help me do that! Michelle is coming from a lifestyle that I will never be a part of, and ended up dropping out of it based on some foolish decisions on her part mixed with the rotten economy. As I read the first several chapters in which she describes all of this I kept thinking, “Ok…so we get it, you were rich-now you’re broke-when are we getting to the good tips and tricks?!” She did eventually get there but virtually every single thing she talked about fell into the “been there, done that” category for me. Although it was all great, wonderful advice for someone who’s been rich and has never had to stop and think where each penny is going before, as someone who’s never had extra money lying around I felt like I could honestly write a book with more and better “how to save money” tips in it. She did list several websites I hadn’t hear of with resources on them and I plan on checking out, and for that reason alone I will probably keep the book.
So if you’re a fabulous single girl who’s used to buying Christian Dior, has her own accountant and is suddenly down on her luck–buy all means pick up this book.
For the rest of us I’d recommend reading your favorite Frugal Living Blog for the most unique ideas and tips on how to stretch your dolla

[Cassandra Hawkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished reading Divanomics by Michelle McKinney Hammon. Surprisingly, this book is an excellent read. I ordered this book from Black Expressions Book Club because the title was appealing. Ironically, I did judge a book by its cover. I'm glad I did. On the cover of the book, is a yellow sales tag with the inscription, “how to be still fabulous when you're broke.” As I read it page by page, I fought the urge to mark it up, highlight it, and stick “post-it” notes all through it. I plan on doing that the second round through.

Michelle McKinney Hammon has written a lot of books, which I didn't know. Now I am excited to read a few of the others. Funny, she wrote her first book, when she lost all her money. Perhaps, the most intriguing aspect of the book is that she writes as if she is having a conversation with you while sharing her personal situation. Who does that nowadays? Who exposes their faults, problems, and insecurities for the world to judge them?

This book not only reveals the “rut” you can get in with trying to live beyond your means, but it explores solutions to the problem. Michelle shares valuable information about how to live a meaningful life while sharing relevant scriptures, which was another surprise about the book. Some of the knowledge she shares you already know, but her delivery speaks to you as if she is right here with you, sitting at your kitchen table, sipping coffee or tea.

One of the ideas I particularly think I may try is the Shopping Club. I shop at Sam's Club, courtesy of my mother and her interior design business (saving money on membership). However, I find myself throwing away rotten food because I didn't cook all the food. The object of a shopping club is to go to a large retailer and to share food and other bulk items with friends. Everyone buys things and splits them up. This idea saves you money, creates long lasting friendships, and creates a sense of community. What a great idea!

Overall, I am glad I read this book. This book exposes the pure reality of wanting things that are beyond your means. Michelle shows you how to get out of your financial rut in a manner that provides ways to get you what you want within your means and ways to recover from overspending. She is careful not to override financial gurus Suze Orman and Dave Ramsey, but she adds a little flavor to the information they share. I strongly recommend this book. Get your highlighter, notepad, pen, and “Post-It” notes ready. You won't be disappointed. I surely wasn't!

For more information about Michelle McKinney Hammond, check out her website www.michellehammond.com.

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Check out my other blog: Transitioning to Me: Life after Divorce.

[Denise Reed · Rating 2 out of 5]

It seemed more geared towards people that were already in debt. I liked part of book about how overspending could be trying to find your identity in materialistic things instead of God. Tips she suggested seemed to be unrealistic or expensive

[Michaela Tolentino · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love it

[GoldenjoyBazyll · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like her style! While I felt her pain I could also appreciate her humor.

She talks about her downward spiral with her finances and how she dug out. I remember being in some of the traps (post divorce) she talked about and figured out that I had to pay better attention to my money early on. Glad I did... her story was not an easy one. The book is filled with tips on how to dig out and stay out. The only thing I found not to be my cup of tea is the religious slant.

[Shh I'm reading! · Rating 1 out of 5]

This wasn't the type of personal finance book I was interested in. It felt very much like keeping up with the Joneses (should've know with a title like Divanomics). On the plus side, she had a conversational style of writing that people may enjoy.

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really found this book interesting. Lots of good tips for people on a budget. Maybe a little too much religion for me but I learned lots and had fun reading this book

[Wanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wasn't too keen on it at the beginning, but it ended up having some great information and would be very encouraging for people in tough financial situations.

[Jackie]

I'm currently on the 3rd chapter and so far so good. A very easy read & common sense advice.

[Toni Pope · Rating 1 out of 5]

I will normally finish a book, no matter how bad..However..this one was too bad, I couldn't finish it.

[Jessica Laub · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was hilarious and had really good ideas/ websites you could look at right away. She doesn't hesitate to name specific companies and brands which is nice also.

[Dyan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michelle McKinney Hammond is one of my all time favorite authors. Loved this book, it has many very smart ideas.