Living on One Income: A Simple Guide to Making it Work

by Kate Singh

I have been a homemaker for years and even through the most meager times, never have I returned to the mainstream workforce. And my plan is to never return. I love my position as housewife and mother. But when times get hard and money is sparse, it's time to pull out our grandmothers' tricks. Right now we live a little above the poverty line. And life has never been better. To thrive on a small budget and live a simple life does require a mindset and learning to embrace what is truly important; your family and home. I'm back to making tubs of laundry soap, baking bread, and hanging the clothes on the line outside. I will share all I know to save money, make everything from scratch including cleaning supplies, start a kitchen garden, raise hens, and buy organics on a small grocery allowance. And much more. Let's brew some coffee and get started!

Genres: Nonfiction

95 pages, Paperback

Published May 6, 2018

Reviews

[Reba · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have a mixed review on this. She gives some really good tips on livimg frugally, but at the same time this woman is ridiculous. It's almost as if she is pretending to be poor. $2,382 is a lot to live off of a month, even for a family of four and what kind of snob calls a 150K home "pitiful"?
Also, do not like how she preaches about non-GMO's and organic foods. They are expensive! I don't care if they came from Costco or Walmart.
She also lost pointa from me by giving her dogs chicken carcasses, that's horrible for them. Chicken bones splinter off and can cause serious issues if swallowed. Her advise on section 8 housing also makes me extreamly nervous.
I do like that she encourages people to go to libraries, cafes, and thrift shops, and her suggestions for free or cheap fun are wonderful.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had mixed feelings on this book. For starters I've read a couple other of her books and quite frankly they all read the same and are redundant. Two, some of the info is concerning. She tells readers at one point that they shouldn't bother with renters insurance. Most of the time it's a requirement, it's also cheap, and yes it is necessary as the landlord's insurance does not cover the tenant' s personal property.
Overall I wasn't impressed with this book. It's nothing new in the realm of frugality.

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a fast read with some helpful tips. One problem is that the author takes for granted that she lives in California and that not everybody can plant all year round or be outside all year round. Chickens are also not allowed within my city limits. This would be a great book for someone who lives in California, in particular. I did highlight some things that I plan to implement, though.

[GAL · Rating 1 out of 5]

Meh...

Nothing new here. Some good tips, but mostly a lot things I have heard a thousand times. Slightly unrealistic as well

[Debra Oliver · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable & Informative

Very informative with alo t of good tips on saving money on food, housing, clothes, entertainment. Kate also writes about getting through very hard times always having a positive attitude. Highly recommend this book for anyone struggling in this economy

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyable read.

I took away alot of tips from this book. Kate Singh is a wonderful writer with a enthusiastic inner voice and a way of brightening anybody up. I definitely recommend this as a book to read, maybe even reread again and again.

[Vicky A. Cradit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

Very educational loved it and planning to read more of her books. Its helped alot with figuring out how to get by.

[Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book with some useful tips. Can’t wait to try the puppy chow recipe.

[Kathy Gossen · Rating 3 out of 5]

practical and helpful although not perfect

[h · Rating 3 out of 5]

It might be good for a beginner, but if you're farther along in the process of cutting bills, living simply, and saving money then you'll probably find that most of the tips and tricks are things you have been doing for years.

The author has what I'd consider to be a very liveable budget, and mentions having had a housekeeper at one point. That's certainly not relatable for me.

I'd definitely recommend for someone just starting out, but not for a seasoned homemaker who's never had a housekeeper and has been farming since, well, birth.

Also, chicken bones are incredibly dangerous for your dogs. Don't do that.

[TaKaylla L. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good information for anyone trying to save a buck

I learned a few things I did not know. Looking forward to reading more of f her books. Thank you!