Relationships
Are single-parent families whole?
There is a better-than-average chance that your family doesn’t look like the Cleavers. Traditional family vs. non-traditional family Today, two-parent, monogamous, heterosexual traditional families (by definition) are the weirdos. Statistically, they are a 49 percent minority — a figure poised to plummet in our lifetimes. After all, 57 percent of Millennial moms are unmarried (according…
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9 reasons dating is better as a single mom
Through my circle of friends and single moms I meet through this blog, I often hear cries of horror about the thought of dating. Especially if you have kids. What man in his right mind would consider dating a single mom? I can’t imagine getting out there again! My single-mom body is a wreck and I…
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How to file for divorce in NY
Whether you are divorcing in New York City, Albany, Upstate, Long Island or elsewhere, there are some laws in New York state that affect your divorce. Other laws apply nationally. Here is how to file for a divorce in New York, what you are entitled to, and what to expect: What you are entitled to…
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Downsize after divorce: Turn your breakup into a makeover
Quick take: After a breakup or divorce, your life and finances are different, and you likely need to reconsider moving house. Many moms find that downsizing to a smaller, more affordable home that is also easy to maintain gives them the freedom and confidence they need to move forward with their new life. Plus: a…
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8 rules for friends with benefits for single moms
Maybe you just want sex. Or a fun connection, a physical relationship—but none of the baggage of a full-on relationship. Maybe you’re enjoying something really great, but not sure how to define it. Maybe a FWB is right for you. What does ‘friends with benefits’ mean? I’m not fond of the term “friends with benefits.” I…
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Should wives stay thin for their husbands?
A friend was telling me of her new diet and plans to lose 20 lbs. “I told Jack (her husband of 10 years), ‘I’m so sorry I got fat since we married!’” From everything I can tell, their relationship is thriving, but my friend has a deep-rooted sense that she has an obligation to make…
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Being a single mom is hard—right?
When people learn you’re a single mom, is the pity automatic? “I don’t know how you do it.” “You’re amazing— must be so hard to do it all by yourself!” “It must be so hard for the kids, I’m sorry.” Etc., ad nauseam, blah blah, right? Welcome to my world. I frequently meet strangers who,…
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When to consider relationship counseling
Couples counseling has gotten a bad rap as a last-ditch effort to save a already-failed relationship. But recent studies find that couples therapy can be very helpful in making relationships better, stronger, and longer-lasting—including if you are not married. After all, marriage rates among millennials have reached historic lows, and more and more young women…
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31 reasons being a single mom is AWESOME (according to readers)
A while ago a member of Millionaire Single Mom on Facebook said: “I’m a new mom, expecting in a few months. What POSITIVES can you tell me about single motherhood?” I responded with a few points, and invited other members to share. Here is what we said: From me, Emma Johnson, on why being a…
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5 friends every single mom needs
If you’re facing single motherhood – whether by divorce, choice or happenstance, you need support. All the freaking support you can get. The key in this new phase of life is to be strategic in choosing who your support system is. I’m not saying ditch all your old friends, or be a snob. But maybe you…
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Sex and money advice from a 90-year-old single mom
Last week, my kids and I visited my mom at her Milwaukee condo, the complex of which is occupied mostly by senior citizens. While lounging by the pool where my kids caused a ruckus, mildly amused and mostly annoyed by the very loud woman who went on and on and ON about how she could…
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When should single moms introduce a boyfriend to the kids?
Short answer: Whenever you want. Growing up, my mom, who was divorced, dated a lot for a few years. I loved it. I loved watching her get dressed up to go out to dinner or dancing. I’d sit on her bed as she’d stand at the dresser and set her blond, permmed hair on rollers,…
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How to get a background check
It pays to be cautious these days. If you feel there’s more to a person’s story, or need to do a deep dive before you agree to a second date, signing a lease, hiring a nanny, or other agreements — nothing beats a background check. Quick take: PeopleFinders is an A+ Better Business Bureau, has…
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Do you feel guilty for divorcing a nice guy?
Recently a mom emailed me: I feel so guilty for leaving my marriage. My husband is a really, really nice guy. He is a great dad, loves me a lot, has a good career. There was nothing really wrong with our marriage. I just didn’t love him any more and wanted out. Now, our divorce is…
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It’s Just Lunch matchmaking service review
If you’re ready to delete dating apps off your phone after years of disastrous dates, or you’re just thinking of dating after divorce, a breakup, a bad dating experience like getting ghosted from someone you felt a connection with, or long, dry spell, a matchmaker can be a great option. In fact, The Wall Street…
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Who deserves to call themselves a “single mom”?
Updated May 17, 2019 Below, you will find a polite, academic picking-apart of the who-gets-to-call-themselves-a-single-mom debate. It rages on, constantly, and after 7 years of blogging about single moms (and being one myself for 9 years), I have come to this conclusion: The argument about who is, and who is not a single mom is…
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Why moms don’t have to tell your ex about your new boyfriend
I often hear from moms who: Say that their ex freaked out when he found out she was dating, and how should she deal with him? Ask how she should tell her ex about her new boyfriend. Are livid her kids met her ex’s new woman. [Why you don’t have to wait to introduce your kids to…
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How to find a divorce lawyer that you’ll like and trust
If you’ve made up your mind and there’s no alternative but divorce, talking to at least a few lawyers is always a good idea. The first consultation is sometimes free, so you’ve got nothing to lose. And you can gain a lot of information during divorce lawyer interviews if you head into the conversation armed…
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Kickass single mom resources: How to be a single mom and run your household like a boss
Hi Mama! CONGRATULATIONS on investing in YOU. Whether you have been a single mom for years, or are exploring what solo parenting is all about, the fact that you landed on this page is huge. If you are new here, know that Wealthysinglemommy.com, and its founder Emma Johnson are committed to the following principles: Single…
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A letter to my beautiful, beautiful, beautiful daughter
Originally posted 2013 Dear Helena, One day when you were a baby, Aunt Tina and I were smooching all over you. After all, what’s better than kissing a baby – all that smooth, perfect skin, those rolls of fat, all that love that just oozes out of them? Kisses and kisses and kisses. “We’re giving…
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