More Than Just Making It: Hope for the Heart of the Financially Frustrated

by Erin Odom

Overview

More Than Just Making It is your invitation to reimagine what the good life can be. Join Erin Odom, a mom thrown into low-income living, to learn how to overcome your circumstances, find creative ways to earn and save, and reset your heart and budget according to God’s designs.

When you're trapped in a cycle of financial frustration, and you feel like you've tried everything only to end up with more month than money yet again, More Than Just Making It is your promise and pathway to thriving again.

Take it from someone who's been there. Erin Odom grew up in the private schools and neatly manicured lawns of Upper Middle-Class America but was thrown into low-income living during the economic crash. She was a stay-at-home-mom, her husband was supporting the family on a teacher's salary, and even though they had no debt to their name, they were scrambling to make ends meet. Suddenly Erin found herself standing in line for food stamps, turning down play dates because she couldn't afford the gas, and ultimately walking into bankruptcy court in the eighth month of her third pregnancy.

More Than Just Making It tells the story of their breaking point, as well as the triumph of their comeback. It took hard work, creativity, and faith in God's provision to reset their bank account as well as their hearts, but ultimately, they found a new way to thrive and freedom from financial anxiety. You can do the same.

Learn how Erin and her family saved enough money to put $30,000 down on a home, buy a minivan in cash, and begin sending their daughter to private Christian school. More Than Just Making It will encourage you to rise above your circumstances, empower you with money-saving tips, and reimagine the good life as God designed it outside the myth of the American Dream.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780310348887
Publisher:	Zondervan
Publication date:	09/05/2017
Pages:	240
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.40(h) x 0.68(d)

About the Author

Erin Odom is the author of More Than Just Making It and You Can Stay Home With Your Kids and is the founder of The Humbled Homemaker, a blog dedicated to grace-filled living designed to equip and encourage mothers in the trenches. She is passionate about Jesus, motherhood, crunchy living, and seeing women use their God-given gifts and passions to overcome life's challenges. Her Southern charm and wealth of inspirational, practical content has drawn an audience of millions over the years. Erin and her husband, Will, live in North Carolina, where they raise their three spirited redheaded girls and sweet and spoiled redheaded boy. Follow Erin at thehumbledhomemaker.com.

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Table of Contents

1 When Your Economy Crumbles 13

2 And It All Comes Tumbling Down 20

3 When You Can Barely Make Ends Meet 30

4 Curbing Spending 44

5 Building your Budget 55

6 Eating Well on a Rice and Beans Budget 71

7 The Magic of Meal Planning, 86

8 From Clothing to Couches: Secondhand Shopping at Its Best 95

9 First, Shop at Home; Then Shop Sales 107

10 Persimmons and Provision 117

11 The Elephant in the Church: The Government Aid Question 134

12 Changing Our Mindsets 156

13 Creating More Income 175

14 Redefining the American Dream 194

15 Bankruptcy of the Heart 206

16 When the Tunnel's Still Dark 219

Acknowledgments 229

Notes 235

Editorial Reviews

More is more than just a book about conquering your budget or establishing wise spending habits; it's more than a compassionate lifeline for the person drowning in debt. It is a journey into the heart of a loving God who wants to you hope and a future. A beautifully transparent first book by The Humbled Homemaker.

author of Atlas Girl and founder of The Lulu Tree Emily Wierenga

Full of practical steps to climb your way out of a financial fog, More Than Just Making It takes a hard topic and brings it to life with authentic, relatable stories and eye-opening reflections. Erin has been there, done that and doesn't want us to do the same!

Ruth Schwenk

Practical, Easy-to-follow Encouragement for the Income Battle. This book is full of practical, no nonsense help for getting out of the income-problem cycle. By the time you're done reading, you'll feel like Erin is your best friend and cheerleader, holding your hand the whole way.

Humorous Homemaking Stacy Myers

Erin has given us the gift of identifying with us in our times of financial stress. She is candid, sincere, relatable, and inspiring! More Than Just Making It is a poignant story of God's grace and provision, but it is also empoweringly practical. In this book, you will learn creative and wise financial strategies that will lead you to greater financial freedom and contentment. If you are in a season of financial struggle, this book puts an arm around your shoulders. It provides the warmth of friendship, a gentle squeeze to remind you that you're not alone, and welcomed guidance as you take steps forward in faith. I highly recommend it!

blogger Embracing a Simpler Life Katie Bennett

In a world that prizes financial success above all, this book gently reminds us that the posture of our hearts is more important than the dollars in our bank account. Not only is this compellingly demonstrated in the author’s personal story, but the reader is also offered a lifeline of hope into a better future with hard work and outside-the-box, practical ideas. This book is a gem for anyone who’s ever struggled with money, and offers the rare combination of practical advice with encouragement for the heart. A must-read.

Creator of Redand Honey.com Beth Ricci

This isn't merely a book to help you with your finances, it's a book to help you change your perspective on finances and what it means to 'make it' in our society. I never thought a book on money and finances could suck me in so completely. I am so thankful that Erin chose to share her heart and her story in this must-read book!

creator of Young Wife's Guide & Homemaking Minist Jami Balmet

Writing with equal parts candor and grace, Erin shares her journey through a season of financial frustration that both humbled and transformed her. Through captivating storytelling, Erin gently addresses many of our preconceptions about those living on government aid, and reveals small but significant ways we can cultivate compassion toward those in need. More than Just Making It challenged me in all the best ways, and I'm grateful to Erin for sharing her journey with us

Asheritah Ciuciu

More Than Just Making It is a remarkable account of one family’s fight to regain financial freedom after encountering devastating losses. In this candid, humble, and thought-provoking book, Erin sheds light on the silent sufferers among us – the working poor. I will never look at government aid the same again. This is a must-read for every follower of Christ.

Founder of Intentional By Grace.com Leigh Ann Dutton

As someone who knows Erin personally, I can tell you that she is the real deal! Her compassionate spirit and resilient attitude shine through the pages of this book. If you are struggling financially, Erin's story will give you practical ideas to break free from barely surviving and give you hope that you, too, can go from financial frustration to financial freedom!

New York Times bestselling author and creator of M Crystal Paine

Recounting her own family's hidden struggle with poverty, Erin's story is both thought-provoking and inspiring. Filled with brutal honesty and a much-needed perspective, More Than Just Making It offers practical tips and real-life advice for even the most difficult of circumstances, as well as a firsthand look at the reality of the working poor in America.

Ruth Soukup

Erin understands what it is to be part of 'the working poor'. And she shows you that you don't have to feel alone. Or hopeless. And especially not ashamed! In fact, it can be kind of fun to learn how to 'more than just make it!'

award winning author and blogger at To Love Honora Sheila Wray Gregoire

I have a confession to make: I don't usually enjoy books on personal finance. They're mostly written by old, privileged dudes who share the same tired advice in the same scolding tone. Erin brings a fresh and honest perspective to personal finance, and the advice she shares was hard-won in the trenches of motherhood while barely getting by. I was gripped by her story from the first page, my heart was changed about halfway through, and I finished the book armed with incredibly practical advice to help me and my family thrive.

Founder of Brilliant Business Moms.com Beth Anne Schwamberger

A vulnerable and compelling story of financial disaster in the post-recession era that gives inspiration, wise advice, and hope for those struggling as well as a Gospel-based perspective on finance revealing that offering dignity and care for the poor is a calling for every Christian. Odom's firsthand account of life with government aid is eye-opening and challenging.

creator of carrotsformichaelmas.com and upcoming a Haley Stewart

Infused with warmth, transparency, and humility, More Than Just Making It is a must-read for anyone feeling dizzyingly overwhelmed by their circumstances. Erin's relatable anecdotes and practical applications will leave you inspired, encouraged, and equipped to break the cycle of financial frustration.

author of Anchored: Finding Hope in the Unexpe Kayla Aimee

Erin has woven together a very engaging story with a practical resource to make for an inspiring read that not only compellingly shares her journey but also paves a path for others to follow.

Kat Lee

Should you order this book? YES! I can assure you that whether you are barely making ends meet or find yourself continually going over budget, or you are trying to find a way to finally save—this book is for YOU! Erin not only shares her story of financial frustration and her faith in God for His daily provision, but she also gives us practical steps we can take to break free from the anxiety of financial stress and make forward progress in being better stewards while learning how to build a better future. The practical wisdom and encouragement in this book will help you make positive changes in your own financial struggle and will encourage you to grow deeper in your trust and dependence upon the Great Provider. This book is on my top must-read books of 2017!

author of Everyday Grain-Free Baking and creator o Kelly Smith

I felt Erin's warmth, humility, and graciousness exuding from every page of the book. I loved the blend of personal stories with Scripture and practical tips. More Than Just Making It is the story of how God is redeeming painful years of Erin's life into something that can be such an encouragement and so practically helpful for others. I am so excited for this book to be out in the world!

podcaster at Sorta Awesome and co-author of Spirit Megan Tietz

More Than Just Making It is more than a story of one family's financial struggle, it's an invitation for readers to come face to face with their pride and prejudice when it comes to poverty - and to come face to face with a very real and very present God who cares. Erin Odom is a masterful story teller, and uses each chapter to help other women who are floundering in a long season of financial strain. From Biblical application to practical help, Odom stewards her story beautifully for the benefit of those who are presently struggling.

co-author of Triggers: Exchanging Parent's An Wendy Speake

This is a book for everyone who has ever felt hopeless or discouraged or frustrated when faced with too much month and not enough money. Erin Odom's More Than Making It is a lifeline. The book is full of practical ideas and tips—from planning your meals to second-hand shopping to ideas for creating additional income. It brings hope and speaks to the heart of learning to live with less and recognizing that even at the end of the darkest tunnel—there's always Light.

author of So Close to Amazing and creator of Thist Kari Anne Wood

Not just another money book! A gripping story that opened my eyes to who 'the poor' are, how to help them, and what financial stewardship looks like. The church needs this book.

Jessica Smartt

I've read plenty of books, but few are as relate-able, encouraging and real as More Than Just Making It. From the very first chapter, Erin openly shares her heart, her pride, and her humility as she and her husband struggle with their financial situation. The middle chapters offer practical advice that is spot-on for managing the day-to-day trials of living a financially poor life amidst a 'keeping up with the Joneses' culture. As Erin brings her story full circle, sharing an incredibly difficult decision that ultimately gave her family financial freedom, you are left feeling encouraged and full of hope. Whether you face financial crises and are looking for practical help without condemnation, or need your heart softened towards those who are struggling financially, this grace-filled book is one every family should read.

owner and founder of Dont Wastethe Crumbs.com and Tiffany Terczak

Reading this book made me feel like I'm not alone. If you, too, need to be reminded that startling beauty can come out of seemingly dead-end hardship, read More Than Just Making It. Erin's book is eye opening, empowering, and ultimately—an invitation to hope.

author of Your Simple Home Handbook and creator of Elsie Callender

More Than Just Making offers a breath of fresh air and encouragement for anyone struggling with financial stresses that are so often felt, but rarely talked about, in today’s culture. Readers will not only take comfort they’re not alone in the continual struggle to balance a family budget, but they learn how to approach spending in a healthier, intentional and more liberating way. This book offers a much needed conversation about how commonly difficult decisions to trust God with our wallets can lead to some of the biggest miracles this life has to offer.

Jessica Kastner

The perfect blend of real-life experience and practical tips, More Than Just Making It is a beacon of hope for anyone feeling overwhelmed by their financial situation. As Erin told her story, I found myself nodding along in understanding, and then becoming both inspired and to make changes in the way we handle finances in our own home. Erin speaks with the humility and wisdom that comes from experience, making this book a relatable, encouraging, and immensely valuable resource.

creator of Intentional Moms.com and The Organized Kayse Pratt

Erin Odom tackles the sensitive topic of financial hardship with such transparency, grace, truth, and most of all hope. She conveys her hardships with humility, confessing she had much to learn through the challenges of an insufficient income as opposed to a spending problem. Erin also offers a valuable perspective-shift for those who feel like they are just making it, along with challenging the pervasive stereotypes about poverty with statistics and stories that will leave you forever changed. I highly recommend this book for every high school student, and on up, as it portrays a realistic, unpredictable, unwanted journey of financial hardship along with biblical wisdom and practical application steps for finding your way through it.

Elisa Pulliam

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