Customer Rating: 
Summary: It worked!
Comment: A good friend gave this book to me when I announced my pregnancy and my desires to stay at home once the baby was born...but was scared that we wouldn't be able to survive financially on one income. Within about 7-8 months... we were able to save a big cushion (at the advice of the author) ...we practiced living on one income (like the author suggested) all during my pregnancy...we started sacrificing financially immediately so we could get used to NOT having everything we wanted (material possessions or 'wants'). It worked!!! We were able to live off that saved income for one full year....still sacrificing many things...we didn't have cellphones, no cable, etc. etc. And again, I was scared I would have to go back to work when my son turned a year old...but God delivered. He provided another better-paying job for my husband, right when we needed it. So now, my son is almost 4 and I've been able to spend the entire time with him...and our finances are great!
It can be done. You just have to be able to really pick apart your budget snd see which things can be chopped out/or minimalized. Sell your car/trade it for a less expensive used car (pay cash in full from your trade so you don't have a car pymt)...or just have one family car -- yes, many families do this! no cellphones, no internet, no cable tv, garage sale/thrift store shopping, keeping our junky old car for 10 yrs instead of buying a new one!, taking mass transportation trains/buses to work -- We've done it all and it worked!! I was 9 months pregnant hobbling off to catch the train every morning and evening, but it was soo worth it to save the money we needed so I could stay home.
I was really encouraged by this book and it gave me some great advice to follow. When it comes down to it, it's like losing weight, you must sacrifice and change the way you live now....that's how you got out of hand in the first place (w/finances or weight)...it's an uncomfortable lifestyle change at the beginning, but then you get used to it and it's well worth it!
Customer Rating: 
Summary: Good Perspective
Comment: I read this book while pregnant with my first child and it was helpful. Larry Burkett gives a good perspective on the pros/cons of being a stay-at-home parent. Initially, I wondered why a man would write this book since most stay-at-home parents are women. But once I began reading, I realized that he includes many true family stories as examples. Stories about faith AND practicality make this book authentic. He also includes information about personalities, including a personality test for both Mom and Dad. The budget section is gives a good basis for evaluating finances as well. Overall, a great read for parents/soon-to-be parents who are considering staying at home.
Customer Rating:
Summary: I was inspired
Comment: I enjoyed this book very much. I am considering becoming a stay at home mom. I bought this book and a non-christian book. They were both helpful. I was most inspired by reading what I considered to be God inspired Bible based information. I also like it that his stories were real and not intended to sugar coat the experience. I am making plans to resign my job soon with Gods direction. A bonus of this book to me is the emphasis on Godly managed finances.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Truly the Best! ...
Comment: Opposed to others who view Larry Burkett in negative terms, I believe he has a lot to offer those who are "teachable" and willing to learn. That his is the only solution is not the point, but he speaks from a biblical viewpoint, and it is worth listening to.In this book, he observes how outside influences are wreaking havoc on family values, and now is the time for mothers to find a way to spend more time with their children. Two-income families outweight single-income families, he says, three to one, although it might be higher at this writing. Home-based business are becoming the trend, and even so much more now, and Burkett gives insightful, practical counsel on how to survive the cutback from two incomes to one. This is "counsel," mind you, and if you are interested in counsel, this is the place to go.
Larry also discusses the four personality types, and whether or not you agree with this mode of character types, he explores how they relate to the home environment and includes personality tests in the Appendix for both husbands and wives.
This is a valuable resource guide for women who have made the transition from the marketplace to home, and they share honest, personal accounts of victories, setbacks, fears, and joys. If it is your desire to be a stay-at-home mother, but fear financial disaster, this book will help guide you in the right direction.
My family has taken counsel from Larry Burkett, and my wife did make the transition from marketplace to a "stay-at-home Mom," and she is enjoying every minute of it. Yes, she did have some of the same issues he explores, but now with our children, she can spend her every moment with them, instead of listening to others tell her how our children are growing.
A great book, and highly recommended!...
Customer Rating:
Summary: Not the best out there
Comment: I frankly don't know what the best book on this subject is but this can't be it. I love Larry Burkett but this book did not excite me. Don't get me wrong there are several chapters with great advice and very helpful testimonies but overall I was not very impressed. Sorry...
