Like a Mother

*Learn more about catching a cheat: Wealthysinglemommy.com/catch-a-cheater Beverly Hills private investigator Ken Childs shares: *How to catch a cheater *Signs of an unfaithful wife, girlfriend, husband or boyfriend — and how to catch them *Is he cheating or am I paranoid? *Apps to catch a cheating spouse or boyfriend/girlfriend: What is the best app to catch a cheater? *Can cheaters change? Can a marriage survive a cheating spouse? *FAQ Private investigators for cheating *Private investigator cost *Can a PI obtain cell phone or text messages? *Learn more about Ken Child's PI services: licensed-investigator.com

Experts warn the coronvavirus pandemic is creating a global mental health crisis: Social isolation, fear of disease and financial stress are deeply affecting the mental health, relationships and overall wellbeing of nearly all of us.  In this episode, I interview Haesue Jo, a licensed therapist, and Clinical Support Lead at BetterHelp, the largest online counseling platform worldwide (and an affiliate partner).  Haesue explains how social isolation of these unprecedented times affects our mental health — and some concrete steps you can take today to overcome depression and anxiety. Topics include: Why do I have a hard time adjusting to change? Dealing, coping and overcoming anxiety Dealing, coping overcoming depression Warning signs of depression and anxiety  Betterhelp is an affordable online therapy platform. Read more about how online counseling works, and our recommendations for the best online therapy services, sites and apps. 

Earlier this year I interviewed an incredible woman, someone whose work has changed the way I feel about my body, sexuality, gender and life:  Regena Thomashauser, aka Mama Gena, who, through her in-person and online workshops called Mama Gena’s School of Womanly Arts, and books by the same name, Thomashauer offers a fascinating history on the power of female sensuality and sexuality, biology lessons on female anatomy and the possibilities (and fruits of) hours-long orgasms. Our interview, re-released here, hinged on the release of her latest book, Pussy: A Reclamation, which was released a few weeks ago. Leading up to the book launch, I noticed on social media that Thomashauer and her team pleaded with fans to promote her new title, since Facebook banned her doing so, since it contained the lewd word, pussy. I got a little worried for her, knowing full well that paid social media promotion is considered one of the most powerful marketing tools today. How would she get the word out about her work if social media prudes banned it? Well, ladies, pussy is powerful, and Pussy, A Reclamation, hit the New York Times bestseller list, not the least of because Mama Gena used this sort of pussy-shaming as an opportunity to explore the sexism and female shaming that shrouds that very word that was banned. Then, something magical happened. That's right, just a few days after her book hit the shelves, videos of Donald Trump bragging about grabbing women's pussies became the No. 1 trending topic on Facebook. And pussy, the power of the word, the power of the organ, the power of the feminine and everything that Mama Gena promotes in Pussy: A Reclamation, was now blurted and bantered in every single mainstream media outlet. There you have it: The power of the pussy. To celebrate this success, and to celebrate your pussy and mine, and to support the candidates who has a pussy, I republished this episode. It was simply delightful to interview Mama Gena, and you need to hear her message" Why “pussy” (and not vagina, vulva, yoo-hoo, or … like my friend grew up calling her, ‘chicken’) and what that word really, truly means. The urgent need for for women everywhere to prioritize the learning of what pleases their every senses — a practice that guarantees  attracting the biggest genuine fulfillment and success in career, parenting, romance, and global domination.  Thomashauser’s own journey as a divorced mother of a young daughter, while dating and building a seven-figure business. Why she appreciates that her first post-divorce love affair — with a remarkable, wealthy, glamorous man who adored her — ended, freeing her to manifest her life’s work. How to nurture your daughters’ sensuality even if you are struggling to nurture your own. Her reaction when I told her I tried to do a word count on “pussy” in the PDF of her new book, but there were too many to tally. The power of PJ (don’t know what PJ is? Hint: it’s pussy juice) and right there in my Times Square studio, two grown women harvested and applied a dab of her own behind her ear. Full episode transcript here: https://www.wealthysinglemommy.com/likeamother-mama-gena-redeux-nyt-bestseller-pussy-reclamation/

In the 90s, social media entrepreneur Kim Garst was sick of being broke, so she launched a seven-figure business from her dining room table with no marketing. When she maxed out on that web design business, Garst became involved in a wildly successful network marketing business, which morphed into consulting, and eventually Boom Social, a social media marketing firm that is considered a leader in its industry. In this episode, Kim and I discuss: How the heck she is such an involved mom of two, and wife, while building these killer businesses. Her innate comfort with making money. Why her derailment from plans to attend law school by motherhood was the best thing that happened to her career. Why selling your knowledge is often far more lucrative and impactful than doing the actual job. The importance of surrounding yourself with other positive, ambitious people. Her husband's attitude about her professional and financial success. How this work-at-home mom launched a 7-figure social media business

Why is everyone such a financial mess? Why do successful, highly educated women have zero idea what is going on in their finances — and abandon their financial power to men? What do really successful people have to say about money and success? Bobbi Rebell, Reuters anchor and author of the new How to Be a Financial Grownup: Proven Advice from High Achievers on How to Live Your Dreams and Have Financial Freedom answers these questions and more. Rebell, who is divorced, and remarried with a stepson, shares: What Ivana Trump taught her daughter Ivanka Trump about hard work and entitlement. Why 'fake it till you make it' is the brilliance behind Cynthia Rowley's fashion empire. How the heck she got Tony Robbins to write the book's forward. Can you attract a great man if you earn more than most men have a successful, high-profile career (asking for a friend)? Moreover, can you sustain a successful marriage if the wife earns more than the husband?

Jean Chatzky is a personal finance journalist, bestselling author of eight books and financial editor for NBC's Today Show. Here we talk about: Focus on earning vs. skimping - especially for women. "Your financial life doesn't work how much you save if you're not bringing in money." "I enjoy earning money, it makes me feel safe, confident and independent." Why she wished her latest book was entitled "Don't Bitch, Get Rich." Her new book, Age Proof about living until 100 without going broke. The incredibly toxic power of financial stress, your physical, emotional health. Why you don't have to be wealthy, but a regular, consistent saver to build a healthy lifestyle and secure future. Women really have much higher stakes when it comes to money: we earn less, live longer, are more likely to be responsible for raising children and caring for older relatives. It doesn't need to take a ton of time to manage your finances in a powerful way. The prevalence of women choosing to not be involved in family finances, having no idea about where the money is, what accounts are open, which are in their name, their spouse's income. The big fallout of not being financially astute for married women. "You need to be able to go out and buy a cup of coffee or shoes without asking permission. That is the way adult people function in the world." Jean's top 3 tips for women seeking financial independence. Full episode transcript here: https://www.wealthysinglemommy.com/jean-chatzky/

This is an important episode. Terry Brennan, co-founder of Leading Women for Shared Parenting, an activist organization responsible for introducing legislation in 20 states, that makes equal, shared parenting the presumption in family court. This is a critical issue for children, who suffer from absentee fathers in alarming figures, as well as men, who are automatically reduced to paychecks and an afterthought in family life. Shared parenting is critical for women, too, as involved co-parents, both inside and outside of marriage, mean women have far more support at home, which allows us to thrive as parents, as well as professionals and earners. After all, we can't be equals at work, if men are not equals at home. Full episode transcript here: https://www.wealthysinglemommy.com/why-shared-parenting-is-a-moral-feminist-and-economic-issue/   Be part of the shared parenting movement. Join Moms for Shared Parenting now. 

Sallie Krawcheck is often cited as one of the most influential women on Wall Street. Among many other accomplishments, she is the co-founder of the female networking coalition Ellevate Network, and CEO and co-founder of Ellevest, a digital financial advisor for women. She's also a wife, mom, and philanthropist. On this episode of Like a Mother, Sallie and I chat about her career, advice for women navigating careers, money, relationships, and motherhood, all of it dished about in detail in her new book, Own It: The Power of Women at Work. The gorgeous message of this book: THIS IS A MOMENT FOR WOMEN! Your unique qualities are scientifically proven to be an asset in the workforce, and businesses large and small KNOW IT. Further, the realities of technology mean that you have untold freedom to create a business, life and career of your own making. In other words: No more excuses. Your gender is no longer a reason not to kick ass. Full episode transcript here: https://www.wealthysinglemommy.com/sally-krawcheck/ 

After the 2016 presidential election, like so many of us, Valerie Schull, a single mom in Chicago, was angry. So Valerie, a Spanish teacher, got motivated. Schull is the co-founder of a local resistance group that is fighting against change in federal and local governments that do not support their progressive beliefs. Their mission statement: We work to BLOCK harm to ourselves and others, BUILD for future progressive candidates who govern for the people and BE the change and good we want to see. Valerie is a personal friend and has become my political mentor for making that change that I, too, want to see. In this episode, I'm sharing my mentor with you!   Full episode transcript here: https://www.wealthysinglemommy.com/single-mom-started-local-resistance-movement/

Suzanne Venker's New York Times Bestseller The Alpha Female's Guide to Men and Marriage: How Love Works is only a testament to the fact that there are a lot of alpha women out there — women with difficult marriages, women searching for romantic love, women who worry their skyrocketing career and direct ways threaten her marriage — or the prospect of finding one. Progressives, I hear your objections. I get that women should not hold themselves back for the sake of their relationship. That men need to step up and accept strong women. But what if you are just an intolerable, domineering bitch who needs to be called out? What if you are just annoying? What if you tried an experiment, and simply tried a new way of interacting with the men in your life? Just as a test, to see if it works? Full episode transcript here: https://www.wealthysinglemommy.com/marriage-advice-alpha-women-suzanne-venker/ 

I love me some Lauren Greutman! This Syracuse, New York married mom of four was living the American dream ... 3,500 square-foot custom house, two luxury cars parked in the driveway, new furniture, dinners out ... and $40,000 in credit card debt. Fast forward through slinging steaks at a local restaurant, selling off everything she and her husband owned, clipping coupons and budgeting like a mo-fo and relocating to a tiny condo in a community where she was shunned by moms who lived in big, newly furnished custom homes. All along this family has chronicled their journey out of debt, thanks to her platform for helping families live a fantastic life within their means — most famously for her slow-cooker Aldi meal plans (20 meals for $150 = mind blown). What I love so much about Lauren, is that she is so freaking honest and real. Also, that she has parlayed her passion and authenticity into an incredible, profitable online business, and media appearances on TODAY, Fox & Friends, Rachel Ray Show, Steve Harvey ... you name it. Full episode transcript: https://www.wealthysinglemommy.com/likeamother-lauren-greutman-iamthatlady-spending-addiction/

The awesome Jenny Hoff at CreditCards.com interviewed me for her latest ChargedUp podcast episode. This is a great conversation about my own story of overcoming my fears, hang-ups and neuroses when it comes to single motherhood and money. It is also about overcoming your own barriers that keep you stuck financially, emotionally, and professionally. Full episode transcript here: https://www.wealthysinglemommy.com/thriving-single-mom-income/

Being kickass, and being an activist, can come in many forms — often quieter and more private. That is what drew me to Teri Teves, a Portland, Ore., single mom of one, who switched careers from advertising to cosmetology, specifically lash extensions. Her new career gave Teri the time flexibility and high income that she craved. But making women feel comfortable, cared for, listened to, and beautiful is how Teri found she had the greatest professional contribution.  Listen in this episode about how Teri built her business, how her tribe of women has supported her and her family, and how she gives back by supporting other women through her small business. Full transcript of this episode available here: https://www.wealthysinglemommy.com/kickass-grant-winner-caring-women-growing-beauty-business/

The holidays are so hard for divorced and separated families. They just are. Especially if you are new to sharing the kids on the holidays. You are grieving what you thought your family would look like. What you hoped and expected your family would look like. And so much of that image is wrapped up in special occasions like holidays — holidays informed by magazines, movies, Hallmark and William Sonoma ads — not to mention social media and your own memories from your childhood (whether you hoped to replicate good times, or deviate from bad ones). Now your family looks different and it sucks. No matter how you dice it, it is ugly. If you're negotiating holiday schedules for this season, or are in custody negotiations,  here is my one piece of advice for you this year, and years going forward... give him the holidays. Why? I'll tell you in this episode of Like a Mother. Full episode transcript: https://www.wealthysinglemommy.com/holiday-visitation-schedule-for-divorced-parents/

First of all, how random that my colleague Erin Lowry, leading expert on Millennials and their money and author of the book Broke Millennial: Stop Scraping By and Get Your Financial Life Together, and fellow money blogger, lives across the street from me in Astoria, Queens?! When we're not hanging out, I sometimes bump into her on the street as she's walking her dog, or going to dinner with her nice boyfriend. Also, totally random, this year both of us have books out with the same Penguin Random House imprint, TarcherPerigee. Also, less random (see what I did there??), we both supported Hillary, and are resistance activists, and co-hosted a post-card writing party in the hood. In this episode, Erin and I talk about what she knows best — How Millennials can thrive financially. This includes: Get out of debt Have an awesome career and financial future Navigate tricky social pickles, like talking about money with your boyfriend or girlfriend, splitting the bill (or not!) with your friends Unless you have a free ride or parents with deep pockets, don't finance a fancy college degree if it means years of debt. How to network like a mo-fo The critical reason everyone needs a "fuck off fund" (the reasons are more serious than you think) Full transcript of the episode here: https://www.wealthysinglemommy.com/broke-millennial-financial/

Bonus episode! Brought to you by Capital One GM BuyPower Card®. For many families, money is a negative force, a source of fear and stress that permeates all parts of your life. Worried about paying your bills? That stress affects your physical and mental health and makes you more prone to get angry at your kids, create conflict in your romantic relationship and lead to career and business decisions made out of fear — not confidence. In this episode I interview Craig Glee, Partner Lead, US Credit Card Partnerships, Capital One, about: Financial stress is real and powerful — how does it affect parents and families? Why is it so important? What are the first steps to financial wellness and self-care? How do you find the support you need to be financially healthy? Greg's top 3 tips for financial self-care.  

While the numbers are not confirmed, experts agree that divorce rates among parents with special needs children is far higher than the general population. And since single moms of special needs kids have challenges and joys that other moms  — single or otherwise  — do not. Kim Thompson, a single mom of two boys, ages 7 and 13, ages who lives in New York City, has struggled with her son's autism (and other diagnoses) first as a married mother, and now as a single, divorced mom. Because of her younger son's special needs, she has put her career on hold and cares for him full-time at home. Check out Kim's site: DearAutismMom.com Related episode:  Amy Silverman on raising a child with Down syndrome Kim and I discuss the challenges and wonders of parenting a special needs kid as a single mom: The #1 challenge single moms of special needs children face. What dating is like as a mother of a disabled child. "I want to feel like the amazing woman I am again!" Kim told me. How to be a supportive friend of a mom struggling with a special needs kid. What it feels like when friends fade away because of your family. Why 'Just hire childcare' is the wrong thing to say. The thing that makes a single mom of special needs kid feel most cared for. The financial realities of the situation — including insurance. How her son's disability contributed to her divorce. YOU think you don't get a break?! Kim's top advice for single moms with special needs children. How much Kim loves and DELIGHTS in her special needs kid.  

Beth Kobliner is a celebrity in my nerd world: One of the first journalists covering personal finances for the masses for 30 years, Kobliner wrote the New York Times bestseller, Get a Financial Life: Personal Finance In Your Twenties and Thirties that changed the way that we think and deal with our finances. In 2014, she was appointed by President Obama to the President's Advisory Council on Financial Capability for Young Americans. Fast forward to today, and Kobliner's Make Your Kid a Money Genius (Even If You're Not), is out on Amazon and in your local bookstore. This is not a boring book. Reading like a quippy magazine, yet loaded with deep research and illustrated with relevant stories from Kobliner's life, as well as others, there really is nothing else as comprehensive out there. In this interview, Beth Kobliner and I talk about: Why the 'genius' title is not a sales gimmick — master a few basic money habits and skills and you will beat out the vast majority of Americans. Why you should not tell your kids your salary. Allowance? Doesn't matter! Studies show conflicting evidence as to whether this helps or hurts kids. Do what you want! Chores? YES! Top mistakes parents make when it comes to paying — and applying for — their kids' college. How Kobliner's parents thrifty ways shaped her financial future. Can you really teach a preschooler how to save and budget (spoiler alert: YES!). How to let your college grad move back home without promoting co-dependence or entitlement, and save the relationship with your kid! Full episode transcript and resources: https://www.wealthysinglemommy.com/beth-kobliner-make-kid-money-genius/ 

Have you ever heard a man say he feels guilty for going to work? However, I guarantee you have felt guilty as woman for working.  Whether or not you are a mom, caregiver, mom to a fur baby. Single or married, gay or straight. Why is it that we women are so full of shame about pursuing paying work — and careers we're passionate about? In this episode of Like a Mother, I drill into where all this working mom guilt comes from, how it affects you, and specific steps you can take to shed the June Cleaver complex, and not only thrive and grow yourself, but support other women around you, too. Full episode transcript and resources: https://www.wealthysinglemommy.com/working-mom-guilt/

For the past 10 years Free-Range Kids' Lenore Skenazy,  New York City journalist and mom of two, has been taking one for the team. The Free-Range Kids author and blog founder has been on a one-woman mission to give kids back the freedom and autonomy they need to grow into self-actualized adults. I can't get enough of every single thing she has to say, including stats like: Crime is back to the level it was when gas cost 29 cents a gallon, says the Christian Science Monitor. 2013 gun crime rate back to level of early 1960s, says Pew Study. 2014 violent crime rate down another4.4%, says USA Today. Pedestrian, bicyclist and car deaths ALSO at lowest rate in decades, says The Council on Foreign Relations. And here’s an overall report on crime over the last 25 years, which includes the graph below: Brennan Center for Justice at NYU Law School All violent crime in the U.S.: Down  48% 1993 – 2012 All homicides: Down 50.5% 1993-2012 Forcible rape: Down 34.5% 1993 – 2012  Violence Against Children 2-17 is going down too (and not just because we are helicoptering. Crime is down grown men and women  too, and we don’t helicopter them): Physical Assault: down 33% 2003 – 2011 Rape, attempted or completed: down 43% 2003 – 2011 In fact, the most dangerous thing your kids can do? RIDE IN A CAR!! I love Lenore's informed candor about what is happening in the world, and what you and I can do about it. Examples: Let your kids walk to the bus stop alone. Let your kids play at the playground alone. Let your kids stay home unsupervised while friends are over -- unsupervised. Let your kid do their own homework.  My only problem with the Free-Range Kids movement is that it isn't adopted widely or quickly enough — despite my eff-you nature I still feel pressure from other parents to hover, coddle and bake way more cupcakes than are good for my time management or public health. I resent that when I am forced to spend time with my kids at the playground, those are hours I cannot work -- or do something less mind-numbing.

There are 60 peer-reviewed studies that prove that shared parenting — when children in divorced and separated families live with each parent at least 40 percent of the time — is what is best for kids, including in high-conflict situations. But it is also what is best for moms! In this episode, I talk about my own journey from being a really primary mom, to one with a great co-parenting relationship and the many, many benefits for moms.  These benefits include: Free time! Time to date Exercise Build a business and career More flexibility, since the other parent is there in emergencies, scheduling conflicts Many more! Full episode transcript here: https://www.wealthysinglemommy.com/shared-parenting-benefit-moms/

I hear from women who want to game the system, not earn too much so their child support or alimony payments won't be compromised. I also hear from women who pay their ex support and alimony, and they, too, limit themselves out of worry of having to pay out more than they care to. And, they may find themselves doing that very thing. But … who cares?! Ask yourself this: When you are 82 years old, looking back at your life, what do you want to think: Wow, I really stuck it to my ex all those years and cashed his checks. So awesome! Or …. I am so proud that I seized on my creative ideas, worked really fucking hard, created not only a really amazing life for myself and my kids, but also gave them the gift of financial comfort and a role model for making their own dreams a reality — and never being in the crippling situation of financial dependence on another person. Full episode transcript here: https://www.wealthysinglemommy.com/podcast-dont-hold-yourself-back-to-spite-your-ex/

 In this episode, I interview Tinder co-founder and Bumble CEO Whitney Wolfe whose insights on dating have me floored. For example, she confirms my hunch that men age 40 are ripe for the picking -- they're accomplished and ready for a cozy relationship. Listen up, ladies! Also, I help a follower Lisa, in Phoenix, navigate dating after a long marriage, including the ins and outs of online flirtations. And my mom-BFF Betsy and I kvetch about how we hang out all the time, yet rarely talk about our kids. Because kids are boring.

On Like a Mother with Emma Johnson, I interviewed Millionaire Matchmaker Patti Stanger who recently launched the audio coaching program, "The Single Girls' Handbook," and her wine, P.S. Match, and is author of four books, including Become Your Own Matchmaker. My No. 1 question? How can successful women find love? We also talk about her abortion at age 26, why she wants college women to freeze their eggs, and the how online dating has changed relationships. Full transcript of this episode here: https://www.wealthysinglemommy.com/millionaire-matchmaker-patti-stanger-on-successful-women-finding-love-her-abortion-and-why-college-women-should-freeze-their-eggs/ 

Nadia Wiseman found herself struggling when she left an unsafe relationship: struggling to to pay rent for herself and her now-5-year-old son. Struggling to find direction for her newly single life. Struggling to find other women who could relate in her city of Montreal, Canada. While she found ways to refocus her education and skills as a social worker, Nadia Wiseman launched Single MOMtreal, an organization designed to support single moms in need of resources like food and, clothes, friendship and, for some, help escaping domestic violence. So far, the group has served more than a thousand moms and their families.  “I knew that if I, an educated, professional woman, struggled with these things as a single mom, there were other women out there who were in the same situation,” she told me. “I knew I could help a lot of people if I could build a community of single moms.” Full episode transcript here: https://www.wealthysinglemommy.com/grant-winner-started-nonprofit-help-single-moms-need/ 

In this episode, I discuss being in a rut — and getting OUT. Reinvigorating your life does not require dramatic change – it can be as simple as switching up your schedule, your surroundings, your routine, and your mindset. It's a chance to recreate some aspect of your life and feel renewed and inspired. Trust me, I know. I've been in a rut lately. I'm digging myself out, with big and tiny changes. Everyone can do this — for free! In this Like a Mother episode I discuss... My summer in Kentucky with my boyfriend and my kids How to do something different every single day Why a change of scenery can help you get out of a rut How to switch your routine, one minute step at a time How to put a new spin on your mindset  

[This is a replay from a couple years ago – because it's THAT GOOD.] A few months ago I was complaining to friend and Like a Mother guest and business Jenn Scalia about feeling stalled in my career. "I can't work with you until you get through your money blocks," Jenn said, matter-of-factly. You might remember that Jenn went from earning a $38,000 salary to a profit of $400,000 in two years. She credits the work of Denise Duffield-Thomas, a money mindset coach and author of Lucky Bitch and Get Rich, Lucky Bitch.  I paid attention. Fast-forward two months: I'd read Thomas's book. I love how she offered very clear, reasonable, actionable steps for manifesting what I wanted (in this case: MONEY). She was funny and real, not pretentious, new-age-y or annoying in any way. Guess what? Money started flowing into my life. Career goals I set magically manifested. Key people I needed on my team suddenly were introduced. Even smaller things -- like my brother gave me his old TV, which was on my to-buy list for Christmas. I met others who had the same experience with Thomas. I bought a stack of Get Rich, Lucky Bitch and gave one to each of my ambitious girlfriends for Christmas. Here I interview Denise Duffield-Thomas. Just as her videos and book suggest, she is warm, funny and real, as she dished -- very pregnant with her second child -- from her home on the beach in Australia. In this episode Thomas shares: Her own experience growing up around poor single moms, and how that shaped her life. The first giant manifestation -- an around-the-world, all-expense-paid trip -- created a roadmap for Thomas's future career and success. How to manifest money so it is a source of good (and not evil). How creating a business has freed so many women from the limits of male-run corporate life. Check out the FREE Lucky Bitch manifestation course to get a taste of Thomas's charm and powerful tips. Get the full transcript of this episode: https://www.wealthysinglemommy.com/likeamother-denise-duffield-thomas/ 

Making money and serving others — these two things are NOT mutually exclusive. That you must chose one or the other is a historically female message: That it's OK to be broke, because we're serving others. That the corporate world is exploitive, evil, greedy, and in direct opposition with service and generosity and community – this is false. That rhetoric is dated and it's wrong. In fact, the more money you make, the more influence and success you have, the better you are able to serve. Whether it's on a large, global scale, or a small, local scale, when you're successful, you're powerful and you can give and do more. It is possible, ladies. In this episode I discuss... How I started Wealthysinglemommy.com, and why focusing on making money from this project directly correlates with how many people I can serve Why making money benefits you, your community, the economy The history of "women's work" as a free service, which contributes to this mentality How to make money AND serve others at the same time The FULL TRANSCRIPT of this episode is available right here: https://www.wealthysinglemommy.com/help-others-make-money-same-time    

In this episode I interview Elmeka Henderson, creator of blog Adventures in Raising a Vagabond. She helps families – 90% of whom are single moms – travel with kids. She educates parents about safe travel with kids, invites them to travel in her groups, and helps to connect them with communities in areas they visit. Things we discuss: Where to find cheap travel deals How to travel abroad safely How she saves for travel How to find your travel community on Facebook Best travel resources How she traveled to Milan for a week for under $2,000 Check out Elmeka's blog here: Adventures in Raising a Vagabond Go to gobankingrates.com/singlemom and enter to win my book, The Kickass Single Mom, as well as Nicole Lapin's Boss Bitch!

I keep hearing the same story again and again from professionally successful women. Variations on: My grandma told me: "Always have your own money." It could be a mother, aunt, neighbor, Girl Scout leader, teacher, cousin, mentor or favorite coach. The bottom line An older, respected woman looked her straight in the eye, and in her own but direct way said: "Do not ever depend on a man financially." "Money is power, and never, ever give up that power." "You are powerful. Never chose to give up that power." "You are responsible for your own life." "You are not a victim." "I believe in you." Many of the women who tell me these stories are in their 40s, 50s and older, and their champions were women of a generation or two more senior than that. This is important because it is clear that women found ways to be financially independent — whether through work, or even squirreling away cash in their own name or shoebox in the back of a closet — even if they had but a fraction of the economic and career opportunity you and I enjoy. They got it. And they made sure that the women who came after them got it, too. Somehow, we have not collectively gotten it. By 'it,' I mean the giant, enormous pressure for women to be stay-at-home moms and abandon their financial power, and therefore, their autonomy as adults.

In my work writing about women, money and family in the United States, there are two prevailing issues: Dads who do not live with their kids are barely involved. (Just 22% of dads who live apart from their children see them more than once weekly, per Pew.) That pay gap will. not. close. Here's the answer: Start all custody negotiations at a default 50-50 visitation and custody, with no child support or alimony. While there is great movement towards equally shared visitation time in at least 30 states, the majority of family courts still default to an antiquated model of custody and parenting. Highlights include... Common arguments against shared parenting What is co-parenting? Why 50/50 custody is a feminist issue How shared custody benefits mothers and supports equal pay

Heather Shumaker, a Minneapolis-based journalist and married mom of two, agreed to be interviewed on this show, and I am so glad she did. If you have any question at all about why you should stop micromanaging your kids, let them play freely, dirtily, creatively, check out this awesome episode. Highlights include ... Improved language in kindergarteners Higher academic performance overall, including math, problem-solving and – yes, you, Type A parent! – standardized tests Better behavior when kids exercise How play promotes emotion regulation and empathy How to deal with judgy moms Check out Heather Schumaker's awesome books that should be required reading for every new parent before they are allowed to check out of the hospital: It's OK to Go Up the Slide: Renegade Rules for Raising Confident and Creative Kids It's OK Not to Share and Other Renegade Rules for Raising Competent and Compassionate Kids  

In this episode, I discuss what you should REALLY be doing for Mother’s Day. (Hint: It’s not church and brunch!) In fact, my Mother’s Day plans don’t even involve my kids – and you know what? That’s perfectly fine. I’m also giving YOU permission to do whatever the hell you want. Want to take a four-hour nap? Do it. Want to day drink? Do it! Want to get a babysitter and get your spa on? DO IT! Want to have your kids with you this Mother’s Day? That works too! Define this special day for yourself. Own it and rock it, because you're a kickass single mom. xo

I'm so thrilled to have Katie Wilson, 21st congressional district candidate, on the Like A Mother podcast today. She shares with us what it's like being a politician, entrepreneur, and mother of two, plus: The public's definition of what constitutes a single mom Why it's important to raise kids to appreciate the struggle Why people don't trust the government and politicians - and how she's working to change that Healthcare for women, and why she personally advocates for  Planned Parenthood Enter to win my Kickass Single Mom Grant at https://www.wealthysinglemommy.com/single-mom-grant/  Go to gobankingrates.com/singlemom and enter to win my book, The Kickass Single Mom as well as Nicole Lapin’s - Boss Bitch.

In today’s episode, I discuss… Why you need a side hustle How to get one What makes a good side hustle Maybe you need a little extra cash, maybe you’re bored with your current career, or you want to safeguard yourself against a recession or an industry crash by having a fall-back plan. Maybe you’re interested in pursuing your passion project, but you’re not quite ready to make the leap into full-time business ownership. Whatever your reason is, you NEED a side hustle. 101 Legit Side Hustles: https://www.wealthysinglemommy.com/ways-to-make-money-right-now/

Loren Guillory moved to Dallas only to have her new job fall through at the last minute. Homeless and running out of resources, she eventually found assistance, got on her feet, and created First Stream Cleaning. Starting her own business quickly boosted her esteem and enabled her to think bigger. Now she helps other women find their own opportunities as she explores her own potential.    

I hear it all the time: "I'm spending money on things I cant afford, just so I can give my kids memories!" That's not helping anyone, especially not your kids. In my own life, the moments and rituals that meant the most, gave me comfort and truly shaped me, were free. It's cliche but true. The things that really matter aren't necessarily glamorous and expensive, but they do make you feel connected. It's important to teach our kids that.  What memories will YOU make with your kids that they will remember fondly? 

Jeannine Hamilton, serving other special-needs families with a break! The Kickass Single Mom Grant is sponsored by GoBankingRates— your partner in financial freedom. Go to gobankingrates.com/singlemom sign up for their awesome financial information newsletter. For signing up, you’re automatically entered to win a copy of my best selling book, the Kickass Single Mom and Nicole Lapin’s the Boss Bitch. You need both those books in your life.! ### In this episode, we hear from Kickass Single Mom Grant winner Jeannine Hamilton, 43, of Little Rock, Ark., is a single-mom of three. As the mother of an 8-year-old daughter with autism, she knows first-hand the financial, emotional and logistical challenges parents of these special kids face for simple tasks like shopping, house care — not to mention getting a break. That is why she started WE-CARE, an organization that provides free respite care for special needs families, and serves as a coordination point for all area organizations. She is also a new entrepreneur. In her grant application, Jeannine wrote: When I worked for the University of Central Arkansas at the Division of Outreach and Community Engagement, I suddenly realized that I could help solve a very important problem: Arkansas does not provide respite care as part of Medicaid services for families who take care of children with special needs. Many of these families are financially strapped and lack the ability to hire qualified babysitters. My idea was to form a network between area nonprofits who try to provide respite care to special need families and the University.  This network provides a central calendar of respite events of all the organizations in the network for these families and the University would become one of these organizations by utilizing students who already major in fields that work with families with special needs.  The college students get important supervised "in the field" experience and the families receive free, quality and qualified respite care. Also, it is one of only two secular organizations in the network which helps to serve those families who are not comfortable with respite care in a church or religion different than their own.   In this episode we discuss: What motivated Jeannine to start WE-CARE The unique child- and self-care challenges special-needs families face regarding child care Jeannine's advice to special needs families, no matter where you are located How Jeannine structures her day and week to find time to serve others Conclusion Learn more about WE-CARE

On today's episode, I interview colleague, fellow blogger and friend Liz Frugalwoods. She's a mother who – now in her mid-thirties – is already retired. We discuss her definition of financial independence, the importance of a holistic (and realistic!) financial approach, plus tips for frugal living.  Liz is a firm believer in simple living and "smoothing out the happiness curve." You may even be surprised at what her family's day-to-day life really looks like. Find out how she and her family became financially independent, and how you can do the same!   

Ever feel like your beef with someone – maybe with an ex, or even a friend or a boss – is getting to your head? Maybe you feel the negative effects of a grudge sending you spinning, weighing you down. I'll admit it. I have a very active mental life, emotional life, creative life, and one of the things I’m really bad at is letting things go. But I know, and you know, that thoughts are energy, and energy manifests in your life. So, I have developed a way to change this negative pattern.  In this episode, I'll show you how you can start cultivating more positivity in your life with just one simple trick.  Because, although your anger and resentment is for someone else, it's affecting you and your loved ones. You deserve to clear your mind, once and for all.

  Nadia Wiseman found herself struggling when she left an unsafe relationship: struggling to to pay rent for herself and her now-5-year-old son. Struggling to find direction for her newly single life. Struggling to find other women who could relate in her city of Montreal, Canada.  While she found ways to refocus her education and skills as a social worker, Nadia Wiseman launched Single MOMtreal, an organization designed to support single moms in need of resources like food and, clothes, friendship and, for some, help escaping domestic violence. So far, the group has served more than a thousand moms and their families.  "I knew that if I, an educated, professional woman, struggled with these things as a single mom, there were other women out there who were in the same situation," she told me. "I knew I could help a lot of people if I could build a community of single moms."  Last April she launched Single MOMtreal, which started as a Facebook group, and has has meetups, parties, and sprouted informal networks of all kinds of individuals and families supporting unmarried moms in Montreal. There is a board of directors, and Wiseman has a knack for attracting positive media coverage — which has inspired dozens of donors around her city to contribute money, food, goods and services to single moms in need. Plus, friendships and mom-owned businesses are flourishing.  Wiseman says: "Montreal single moms are now helping and hiring each other. For example, some single moms hire other single moms to babysit their kids, others hire single moms to do their nails, others donate items, etc."  

Nothing breaks my heart more than a woman who cannot be without a man. That personality is always rife with desperation, bad decisions and alienating others who love her best. Never a good look. Even if you are not prone to dramatics of partnering up ASAP, you may feel like a loser because you are not in a relationship. It is normal to feel sad and lonely if you don't have a boy- or girlfriend. (It can also feel horny, but that is a slightly different topic — don't get those confused!)  In this episode I share why being single is such an incredible opportunity you should not squander. It doesn't have to be forever, but if you couple-up right away, you miss out on so many opportunities for personal growth, new adventure, learning so much about yourself, others around you, and what your next relationship might be.

Often women say they need to earn enough to cover child care costs. That hold women back individually, and keeps the pay gap alive and well.  Child care if for both parents to work and earn, develop their careers and reap the fruits of work.

Thinking about dating after divorce and babies can be beyond daunting. After I stopped nursing (a blissful period during which my round hips narrowed, my small tits swelled, and my acne-prone skin cleared  and glowed), it has been all downhill for this bod. A newly poofy stomach, C-section scar and boobs that would not stop lactating -- all while my thighs grew increasingly gooey. But once out on the dating scene, I got over it quickly. That I don't look like Heidi Klum or Kim Kardashian (that butt, I mean, really) has zero to do with my ability to find really amazing sex (keep reading) and love. And what your body has absolutely nothing to do with your ability find a man to adore your body during mind-blowing sex. No matter what said body may look like.

Shared parenting is a critical issue for children, who suffer from absentee fathers in alarming figures, as well as men, who are automatically reduced to paychecks and an afterthought in family life. Shared parenting is critical for women, too, as involved co-parents, both inside and outside of marriage, mean women have far more support at home, which allows us to thrive as parents, as well as professionals and earners. After all, we can’t be equals at work, if men are not equals at home.  

Tiffany Horsely is a Kansas nurse, mom of three, and she has no shame about sharing that her ex husband molested and raped for more than four years their oldest daughter, Robyn. At age 17, depressed and despondent, Robyn found the courage to tell her friend, and eventually her mom, and the police the truth. Together they went through the horror that sexual assault trials are known to be, the loss of a father, and marriage, and pushed forward through grief and on to healing. What's more, soon after the ordeal, Robyn turned to social media to publicaly share her story, with her mom at her side. By owning her truth, she freed herself — and others — from the shame of secrets. What is special about Robyn and Tiffany is that they are funny. Without diminishing the gravity of the trauma of their history, they have found ways to laugh at themselves and life — snapping a selfie from the back of the patrol car as they were escorted to the police station to file a rape report, Tiffany joking that she does pay alimony to her incarcerated ex — by way of taxes. The Crimes Against Children Research Center reports: 1 in 5 girls, and 1 in 20 boys is a victim of child sexual abuse 20% of adult women and 5 to 10% of adult men remeMber a childhood sexual assault or sexual abuse incident During a one-year period in the U.S., 16% of youth ages 14 to 17 had been sexually victimized Over the course of their lifetime, 28% of U.S. youth were sexually victimized A National Institute of Justice report found that 3 out of 4 adolescents who had been sexually assaulted were victimized by someone they knew well. A Bureau of Justice Statistics report shows 1.6 % of children between the ages of 12 and 17 were victims of rape/sexual assault.   What to do if you or someone you know is a rape, sexual assault or incest victim If you or someone you know is a victim of sexual assault, call 800.656.HOPE (4673) to be connected with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area. This is a core service of RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network), the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization and was named one of "America's 100 Best Charities" by Worth magazine. 800.656.HOPE (4673)   If you're not a member of Millionaire Single Moms, my Facebook group for ambitious mothers seeking independence and full lives (no income requirements), please join. Nearly 4,000 women chatting all day about career, money, parenting, dating, sex and living awesome lives. Click here to join.  

  Wow, this interview was so, so amazing.  Regena Thomashauser, aka Mama Gena, is truly a renegade pioneer of feminism and female sexuality (is that redundant?). Through her in-person and online workshops called Mama Gena's School of Womanly Arts, and books by the same name, including (to-be-released in September) Pussy: A Reclamation, Thomashauser offers a fascinating history on the power of female sensuality and sexuality, biology lessons on female anatomy and the possibilities (and fruits of) hours-long orgasms. Most critically, Mama Gena shares advice on how women today can reclaim and master the power of their own sensualities — something no one I know of is doing. In this awesome interview, Mama Gena shares with me: Why "pussy" (and not vagina, vulva, yoo-hoo, or ... like my friend grew up calling her, 'chicken') and what that word really, truly means. The urgent need for for women everywhere to prioritize the learning of what pleases their every senses — a practice that guarantees  attracting the biggest genuine fulfillment and success in career, parenting, romance, and global domination.  Thomashauser's own journey as a divorced mother of a young daughter, while dating and building a seven-figure business. Why she appreciates that her first post-divorce love affair — with a remarkable, wealthy, glamorous man who adored her — ended, freeing her to manifest her life's work. How to nurture your daughters' sensuality even if you are struggling to nurture your own. Her reaction when I told her I tried to do a word count on "pussy" in the PDF of her new book, but there were too many to tally. The power of PJ (don't know what PJ is? Hint: it's pussy juice) and right there in my Times Square studio, two grown women harvested and applied a dab of her own behind her ear.  

The holidays are so hard for divorced and separated families. They just are. Especially if you are new to sharing the kids on the holidays. You are grieving what you thought your family would look like. What you hoped and expected your family would look like. And so much of that image is wrapped up in special occasions like holidays — holidays informed by magazines, movies, Hallmark and William Sonoma ads — not to mention social media and your own memories from your childhood (whether you hoped to replicate good times, or deviate from bad ones). Now your family looks different and it sucks. No matter how you dice it, it is ugly. If you’re negotiating holiday schedules for this season, or are in custody negotiations,  here is my one piece of advice for you this year, and years going forward: LET IT GO. GIVE HIM THE HOLIDAYS.

For the past 10 years Free-Range Kids' Lenore Skenazy,  New York City journalist and mom of two, has been taking one for the team. The Free-Range Kids author and blog founder has been on a one-woman mission to give kids back the freedom and autonomy they need to grow into self-actualized adults. I can't get enough of every single thing she has to say, including stats like: Crime is back to the level it was when gas cost 29 cents a gallon, says the Christian Science Monitor. Crime is back to the level it was before color TV, says The Week magazine. 2013 gun crime rate back to level of early 1960s, says Pew Study. 2014 violent crime rate down another4.4%, says USA Today. Pedestrian, bicyclist and car deaths ALSO at lowest rate in decades, says The Council on Foreign Relations. And here’s an overall report on crime over the last 25 years, which includes the graph below: Brennan Center for Justice at NYU Law School All violent crime in the U.S.: Down  48% 1993 – 2012 All homicides: Down 50.5% 1993-2012 Forcible rape: Down 34.5% 1993 – 2012  Violence Against Children 2-17 is going down too (and not just because we are helicoptering. Crime is down grown men and women  too, and we don’t helicopter them): Physical Assault: down 33% 2003 – 2011 Rape, attempted or completed: down 43% 2003 – 2011 In fact, the most dangerous thing your kids can do? RIDE IN A CAR!! I love Lenore's informed candor about what is happening in the world, and what you and I can do about it. Examples: Let your kids walk to the bus stop alone. Let your kids play at the playground alone. Let your kids stay home unsupervised while friends are over -- unsupervised. Let your kid do their own homework. 

  I chose this month's grant winner because her mission is so very apropos of this chapter of women's empowerment. The Harvey Weinstein accusers, and the web of silent compliance around this powerful man is really just the result of millennia of women's pent up silent suffering, marginalization, and separation from their sexual power. Weinstein is just the tip of this iceberg, and it is a painful process for the change that must — and is — happening.  I have had some private conversations with feminist women I know, and in these shared #metoos and pride in the victims' bravery in coming forward, we ask ourselves: How do we raise our daughters to have a different experience? And more to the point: How can we talk about empowering women, without victim shaming? Which is exactly why I was drawn to Vanessa Osage's work. Vanessa is a Bellingham, Wash., sexuality educator with her consulting business, and nonprofit, Rooted Emerging. Pay attention, there. She teaches young people about sexuality, expressing and sharing and owning their sensual natures (not the nuts and bolts of biology).  In her Kickass Single Mom Grant application, Vanessa wrote me: I am a woman on a mission. I always knew I would do something meaningful in my life, and I have found it. I also always knew I would be a mother. I didn't know I would be divorced in my 30's, but that's besides the point. My journey has brought me to the ideal ripening of my life's work and I am passionately forging ahead. I am a sexuality educator and Founder/Executive Director of the nonprofit Rooted Emerging. We have been celebrating youth rites of passage since 2010, empowering young people through a healthy sexual maturity and celebrating the new life phase to come. As a sexuality educator, I reach people of all ages; children to elders. As culture changes, our intimate relationships are the places where either unhealthy patterns are perpetuated - or new, enlightened ways of relating may bravely be forged. This is my life's work.  

  This interview is a from the archives, and my admiration for Tiffany Aliche grows. We have become friends and she recently hosted me in her Live Richer Academy, which is part of her seven-figure business that has grown to include more than 300,000 women. I am constantly inspired by Aliche's passion, business brilliance and true activism to change the world.  +++ Man, I love Tiffany "The Budgetnista" Aliche. The financial educator was really really ticked off that the financial industry ignored people of color -- especially women. She looked around and saw countless brilliant, successful doctors, lawyers, architects and MBAs -- who were in debt and with little financial literacy or foundation. In this hilarious and inspiring interview, Aliche tells me how she set out to change that. Within a single year, Aliche recruited nearly 20,000 women of color into her Live Richer Challenge, a free program and community that helps members take control of their finances. To date, the challenge participants collectively paid off $400,000 in debt and saved $3.5 million. Best yet? Despite her proven power, financial services companies mostly still ignored her, so Aliche found a way to take financial services completely out of the equation while growing her following. She estimates 500,000 women of color will be part of her financial empowerment revolution within the next couple of years. Aliche and Yahoo! Finance correspondent Mandi Woodruff (upcoming Like a Mother guest!) also recently launched a podcast, on iTunes Brown Ambition, "a weekly podcast about career, business, building wealth and living in this brown skin." Have a listen as Aliche and I talk about her philosophy of making change in the world, and the ironing board that has changed tens of thousands of lives.