[Book Review] June 2-9, 2013

This is the first post in a series in which I will be reading books recommended for people thinking of single parenting by choice/pcos sufferers, and sharing which of them I found useful versus which I didn't. YMMV.

- 250 Personal Finance Questions for Single Mothers, by Susan Reynolds.

      Skimmed through this today in entire. The single mothers bit appears to just be a target audience wank; other than the assumption of only one income, this book is basic financial advice for everyone. "Don't rack up money on your credit cards, buy if you think you'll be there for more than five years, and remember to claim your tax credits." No specific tips to add, except US based tips on educational savings plans not applicable to Canada. Ok if you have never had to think about finances before, but for the average SMC, (not recently-divorced housewife), this is all 101. Did not find to be useful.

- Choosing Motherhood: The Thinking Woman's Guide, by Mikki Morrissette

Many anecdotal stories of how it feels to be in various situations. Good "average financial picture of a SMC found here: most SMC's have an average income of 60k or more, are in their mid-thirties to late thirties, and ensure they have around 15k in the bank to cover their "trying" expenses of getting pregnant. Some buy houses, some do not. There are SMC's that have much lower incomes, and much higher, of course, but 60k and some savings seem to be the benchmark for this appearing "doable" back in the nineties. Most SMC's who have significantly lower incomes than this made sure they had significant family support for child care when they were out, such as a local mother/grandmother who could assist.

Also stresses a strong support network of at least three people in your life who will Be There for you in your path. "Financially motivated supports such as nannies etc can really help you, but knowing you have at least three people who will come and visit you, help you paint that nursery, chat with you about your challenges and joys, and otherwise support you is a MUST. You'll pick up more situational friends than that when your baby gets old enough for playgroups, but have three people committed to this role when you start."

I think this is tempered by the approach of the internet and the immense support networking found there. Three is a good number still though for having someone there at the birth with you, for coffee dates and furniture shopping, for babysitting to allow you to sleep for that one afternoon a week to keep sanity, etc.

I don't know who would be my Three at this point; the books also advises that those you think will be there for you are often very different from those who actually are there for you. I think that's like any life change though... you expect a certain group of people to be the ones to step up, yet things often surprise. If I decide to go through with this course, I will probably ask certain people to fill this role, and have a ritual for being my child's godparents/my helpmeets in this matter.

Still in process of reading. Definitely a useful book, with a conversational feel, and a lot of content.