Author Topic: Who else reads The Prudent Homemaker?  (Read 54572 times)

PintSizedMustachian

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Re: Who else reads The Prudent Homemaker?
« Reply #50 on: February 20, 2014, 09:51:22 PM »
@mm1970, Wow. That is amazing. I guess I'll have to rein in my judgement (which I should do anyway) because that information just makes them really stand-up people.

MicroRN

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Re: Who else reads The Prudent Homemaker?
« Reply #51 on: February 20, 2014, 10:56:19 PM »
I am kind of "meh" on the health insurance.  Personally, I think we need a single-payer system in this country.  But truthfully?  Much of my life as a child we didn't have health insurance.  We rarely went to the doctor or dentist, and paid out of pocket when we did.  I had surgery when I was 12 (twice) and my parents paid off those bills $100 a month for YEARS.  If her family and church are supportive, they can probably make it through.

I agree on the need for a single payer system, but with our current system I don't see going without insurance as feasible unless you're incredibly lucky and are never sick or injured.  Over the past 25 years, household medical expenses have increased at about 5 times the rate of household incomes, so a medical bill has a much bigger impact on finances. 

 

mbl

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Re: Who else reads The Prudent Homemaker?
« Reply #52 on: February 21, 2014, 12:07:09 PM »
Great list...


"18. Find a new home for your pets, unless they are a food source (chickens, goats, pigs, cows)"
sounds extreme...Maybe limit the amount of new/replacement pets??

Right....so what's the thrust here?  Unless it's something you're going to slaughter and eat....it's not worth having around?
Her credibility just took a nose dive in my opinion....to each their own.

chicagomeg

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Re: Who else reads The Prudent Homemaker?
« Reply #53 on: February 21, 2014, 12:33:33 PM »
Great list...


"18. Find a new home for your pets, unless they are a food source (chickens, goats, pigs, cows)"
sounds extreme...Maybe limit the amount of new/replacement pets??

Right....so what's the thrust here?  Unless it's something you're going to slaughter and eat....it's not worth having around?
Her credibility just took a nose dive in my opinion....to each their own.

She's not saying that everyone should do that though. She's saying if you've been in a bad financial situation for an extended period of time and are trying to find ways to cut even further.

CupcakeStache

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Re: Who else reads The Prudent Homemaker?
« Reply #54 on: February 21, 2014, 12:36:19 PM »
Great list...


"18. Find a new home for your pets, unless they are a food source (chickens, goats, pigs, cows)"
sounds extreme...Maybe limit the amount of new/replacement pets??

Right....so what's the thrust here?  Unless it's something you're going to slaughter and eat....it's not worth having around?
Her credibility just took a nose dive in my opinion....to each their own.

Why is she no longer credible to you? Her comment makes perfect sense. If a family struggles to provide food for everyone in their household, the expense of maintaining and caring for pets probably isn't feasible.

PajamaMama

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Re: Who else reads The Prudent Homemaker?
« Reply #55 on: February 21, 2014, 01:16:40 PM »
I do read her blog. I admire anyone who works that hard to achieve their goals. Although I'm not crafty and I don't do half the things she does I still think she is very inspirational. I appreciate her lifestyle even though I wouldn't actually want to live that way myself.

As far as the pet comment, did she actually get rid of a family pet? It's easy to make a suggestion to someone on how to lower their costs. Actually doing it yourself may be another matter. My guess is they didn't have a family pet. Most people wouldn't get rid of a family member even in the worst circumstances. She probably just made that comment without having actually had that experience.

mollyjade

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Re: Who else reads The Prudent Homemaker?
« Reply #56 on: February 21, 2014, 01:47:44 PM »
I do read her blog. I admire anyone who works that hard to achieve their goals. Although I'm not crafty and I don't do half the things she does I still think she is very inspirational. I appreciate her lifestyle even though I wouldn't actually want to live that way myself.

As far as the pet comment, did she actually get rid of a family pet? It's easy to make a suggestion to someone on how to lower their costs. Actually doing it yourself may be another matter. My guess is they didn't have a family pet. Most people wouldn't get rid of a family member even in the worst circumstances. She probably just made that comment without having actually had that experience.
Surrendering a pet because a person can't afford it is fairly common. Top reason is moving out of the area or moving into a rental that doesn't allow pets, but cost is pretty high up there.

http://www.petfinder.com/pet-adoption/dog-adoption/pets-relinquished-shelters/

BPA

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Re: Who else reads The Prudent Homemaker?
« Reply #57 on: February 21, 2014, 06:10:45 PM »
As far as the pet comment, did she actually get rid of a family pet? It's easy to make a suggestion to someone on how to lower their costs. Actually doing it yourself may be another matter. My guess is they didn't have a family pet. Most people wouldn't get rid of a family member even in the worst circumstances. She probably just made that comment without having actually had that experience.

My boyfriend is younger than I am.  He calls my cat my "other boyfriend."  Cougars and cat ladies don't easily give up their pets.  ;)

abhe8

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Re: Who else reads The Prudent Homemaker?
« Reply #58 on: February 21, 2014, 09:31:49 PM »
There seem to be an awful lot of judgemental opinions about this woman and her lifestyle, which I find a bit disheartening.

I don't know what her situation is in terms of income, but she obviously has clear priorities and values that are important to her and her family (staying home with the kids, homeschooling, not practicing birth control) and is not complaining about where that leaves her. I admire and respect that.

I confess, however, the whole "you should get a job so your kids have health insurance" blows my Canadian mind. Are not poor people covered by some kind of health care in the US? Would these kids be turned away from hospitals if they got sick or injured? I don't get the "selfishness" here.
ERs are required to make sure you won't die, but that is it.  No, they do not get preventive care, they also don't get anything past "don't die" in the ER.  This means lack of shots, this means no doctors visits to check for concussions etc.  Basically, her kids are likely not getting the same treatment as a kid with parents who have health insurance.  They are more likely to be sick, more likely to have permanent issues because of this woman's choice.  So yes, I think it is very selfish to not give your child basic care.

but there is a difference between health insurance and "basic care" (which I assume you mean health care). we have insurance and guess how many times we have used it. 4 kids. oldest is 7. not a one has been to the doctor for a sick child visit (or to the ER for a concussion). they get well child checks, but i had hubby add it up. we have paid far more in premiums then it would have cost to just pay out of pocket for the exams. and we DO pay out of pocket for dental and vision, as they are not covered. besides, face it, the kids ARE covered. they go to the hospital or get (really) sick, you just go to the doctor or ER and sign up for medicaid. sheesh, lets not judge everyone so much. to each his own.

Mortgage Free Mike

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Re: Who else reads The Prudent Homemaker?
« Reply #59 on: February 22, 2014, 09:38:56 AM »
I don't like to judge people, but based on the comments in this thread I don't think I will be visiting her site again. I checked it out after seeing the thread. It looks very sharp. However, I can't get past the pet comment.
Putting a limit on new pets, I understand. She took it to another level.

Gin1984

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Re: Who else reads The Prudent Homemaker?
« Reply #60 on: February 22, 2014, 10:38:27 AM »
There seem to be an awful lot of judgemental opinions about this woman and her lifestyle, which I find a bit disheartening.

I don't know what her situation is in terms of income, but she obviously has clear priorities and values that are important to her and her family (staying home with the kids, homeschooling, not practicing birth control) and is not complaining about where that leaves her. I admire and respect that.

I confess, however, the whole "you should get a job so your kids have health insurance" blows my Canadian mind. Are not poor people covered by some kind of health care in the US? Would these kids be turned away from hospitals if they got sick or injured? I don't get the "selfishness" here.
ERs are required to make sure you won't die, but that is it.  No, they do not get preventive care, they also don't get anything past "don't die" in the ER.  This means lack of shots, this means no doctors visits to check for concussions etc.  Basically, her kids are likely not getting the same treatment as a kid with parents who have health insurance.  They are more likely to be sick, more likely to have permanent issues because of this woman's choice.  So yes, I think it is very selfish to not give your child basic care.

but there is a difference between health insurance and "basic care" (which I assume you mean health care). we have insurance and guess how many times we have used it. 4 kids. oldest is 7. not a one has been to the doctor for a sick child visit (or to the ER for a concussion). they get well child checks, but i had hubby add it up. we have paid far more in premiums then it would have cost to just pay out of pocket for the exams. and we DO pay out of pocket for dental and vision, as they are not covered. besides, face it, the kids ARE covered. they go to the hospital or get (really) sick, you just go to the doctor or ER and sign up for medicaid. sheesh, lets not judge everyone so much. to each his own.
In my opinion, no there is not.  Health insurance is part of basic care.  ERs will stabilize you and that is IT.  You have been lucky that in the last 7 years there have been no medical emergencies, but I won't trust luck to protect my child.  I am not of a religion that say I should not just, so really, no I am going to judge an adult putting their wants over their child's needs.

Cassie

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Re: Who else reads The Prudent Homemaker?
« Reply #61 on: February 22, 2014, 11:20:43 AM »
I totally agree. If you bring 6 kids into this world you need to provide as best you can. Choosing to not provide health insurance or working enough to get it or not applying for Medicaid are all very irresponsible if you ask me!

RadicalPersonalFinance

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Re: Who else reads The Prudent Homemaker?
« Reply #62 on: February 22, 2014, 02:29:10 PM »
Health insurance is a basic NEED, it is like shelter and food.  It is part of taking care of your child.  So, yes a want (being home) being prioritized over a need (health insurance) is going to make me judge and judge hard.  If she wanted to be home, go work at night, take a early morning shift, something.  You don't just say, oh well, let me not provide the BASICS for my child so I get what I want.

Sorry, got to pick a fight on this one. 

Health INSURANCE is a basic NEED?

Or is HEALTH a basic need?

Health insurance is (or used to be or IMO should be) designed to protect your financial assets from the major financial setback of a catastrophic illness.

If you do not have the basic human right to accept responsibility for the health of your own body and the health of your children, what rights do you have left?

Abuse of children is criminal--and should be.  But to characterize a mother who evidently loves her 7 children enough to have them and spend her life caring for them as abusive because she doesn't leave them for someone else to raise and go buy health insurance seems extreme to me.

If it were an either/or, I would take the loving care and attention of the full-time mother and forego the health insurance.  The children's long-term health would be far better served.

I'm speculating, but I would bet that were one of her children to become seriously ill and the medical bills beyond their ability to pay a family of that moral fiber would have a wide network of friends and family happily willing to chip in to help.  Were that insufficient, I would bet that the family would diligently work for as many years as possible to satisfy the medical bills with the healthcare providers.

Note: I pay for health insurance for my family because I find it valuable to have and sell health insurance professionally.

Cassie

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Re: Who else reads The Prudent Homemaker?
« Reply #63 on: February 22, 2014, 02:42:48 PM »
I did not say she had to get a job. Her hubby could work more, buy thru ACA, get Medicaid because I am sure they qualify.  There are options and it would be a shame for them to pay for years to pay off a bill when they could have insurance.   Also if something happens they can't pay for we all end up paying for it so be responsible and take care of your family.

Gin1984

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Re: Who else reads The Prudent Homemaker?
« Reply #64 on: February 22, 2014, 03:26:40 PM »
Health insurance is a basic NEED, it is like shelter and food.  It is part of taking care of your child.  So, yes a want (being home) being prioritized over a need (health insurance) is going to make me judge and judge hard.  If she wanted to be home, go work at night, take a early morning shift, something.  You don't just say, oh well, let me not provide the BASICS for my child so I get what I want.

Sorry, got to pick a fight on this one. 

Health INSURANCE is a basic NEED?

Or is HEALTH a basic need?

Health insurance is (or used to be or IMO should be) designed to protect your financial assets from the major financial setback of a catastrophic illness.

If you do not have the basic human right to accept responsibility for the health of your own body and the health of your children, what rights do you have left?

Abuse of children is criminal--and should be.  But to characterize a mother who evidently loves her 7 children enough to have them and spend her life caring for them as abusive because she doesn't leave them for someone else to raise and go buy health insurance seems extreme to me.

If it were an either/or, I would take the loving care and attention of the full-time mother and forego the health insurance.  The children's long-term health would be far better served.

I'm speculating, but I would bet that were one of her children to become seriously ill and the medical bills beyond their ability to pay a family of that moral fiber would have a wide network of friends and family happily willing to chip in to help.  Were that insufficient, I would bet that the family would diligently work for as many years as possible to satisfy the medical bills with the healthcare providers.

Note: I pay for health insurance for my family because I find it valuable to have and sell health insurance professionally.
Yes, IMO, in the USA because we do not have socialized medicine, health insurance is a basic need along with food, and shelter.

Carrie

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Re: Who else reads The Prudent Homemaker?
« Reply #65 on: February 22, 2014, 05:46:34 PM »
What a beautiful blog/site.  I'll have to peruse it in detail soon to get more ideas of how I can stretch my own frugal muscles.  I liked the link to remaking cheap skirts into maternity skirts, as I'm due this summer and on a no-clothes-buying year.  I've got a couple of old skirts that would be perfect for re-making. 


chicagomeg

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Re: Who else reads The Prudent Homemaker?
« Reply #66 on: February 22, 2014, 05:53:14 PM »
I don't like to judge people, but based on the comments in this thread I don't think I will be visiting her site again. I checked it out after seeing the thread. It looks very sharp. However, I can't get past the pet comment.
Putting a limit on new pets, I understand. She took it to another level.

My dogs mean everything to me but I would give them up if I were facing homelessness and I couldn't care for them.

Carrie

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Re: Who else reads The Prudent Homemaker?
« Reply #67 on: February 22, 2014, 05:59:26 PM »
I agree, if you're in dire straits, can't afford your basic bills - pets may have to go.  I've seen situations where people will go and acquire pets who really can't afford them, and then act surprised by vet bills and the ongoing costs of medication/food/etc.  I'd place having health insurance above having pets.

Mortgage Free Mike

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Re: Who else reads The Prudent Homemaker?
« Reply #68 on: February 23, 2014, 06:19:24 AM »
I take issue with the idea that pets are disposable. For many people, they're part of the family. I will agree that too many people adopt pets without considering the financial impact.
However, many people have CHILDREN without considering the financial impact, too.
Society doesn't accept abandoning babies, right? So why is it okay for people to find any excuse they want (moving, layoff, time) to get rid of an animal? Pets are not possessions.

wileyish

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Re: Who else reads The Prudent Homemaker?
« Reply #69 on: February 23, 2014, 12:06:42 PM »
#29. Unplug your....ceiling fan?

totoro

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Re: Who else reads The Prudent Homemaker?
« Reply #70 on: February 23, 2014, 04:02:26 PM »
I read her posts all the time.  I may have been the one to introduce her blog to this site.  She has a new one on saving even more money: http://theprudenthomemakerblog.blogspot.ca/2014/02/cutting-expenses-when-you-think-you.html

Here is my take:  there is much to admire and little to criticize.  Differences of opinions on religious stuff or homeschooling or having a lot of kids are just that: differences.

Here is a woman who manages her home and family in a way that is so fiscally responsible/frugal that I would hire her in a heartbeat to run my company.  Everything in her circle of control is cared for and thought about. 

She is asking for hand-outs from no-one.  She volunteers at her church.  She homeschools her kids.  The kids look happy, clean, well-fed and well cared for.  Everything is done in an esthetically pleasing way and she has a real knack for gardening, cooking, canning, sewing, and photography.  She reuses, recycles and repurposes.

As far as finding new homes for pets, it is sound advice if you are so close to the line that you can't feed your family.  She doesn't say you have to do this, but it is a way to save money.  I personally wouldn't do it, but I make a lot of money.

Where I do differ with her is that I think there must be a way to bring a bit more income in.  In her shoes I would consider looking after another child after school. 

As far as the criticisms about the car go, her husband needs it for work.  They do have bicycles and they do often use them and they walk to save gas. 

I am not Morman and not particularly religious.  I work outside the home.  I have fewer children.  I would be very stressed out to live that close to the edge myself.  That all said, I admire so many aspects of her lifestyle and her competence.

Gin1984

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Re: Who else reads The Prudent Homemaker?
« Reply #71 on: February 24, 2014, 07:06:53 AM »
I read her posts all the time.  I may have been the one to introduce her blog to this site.  She has a new one on saving even more money: http://theprudenthomemakerblog.blogspot.ca/2014/02/cutting-expenses-when-you-think-you.html

Here is my take:  there is much to admire and little to criticize.  Differences of opinions on religious stuff or homeschooling or having a lot of kids are just that: differences.

Here is a woman who manages her home and family in a way that is so fiscally responsible/frugal that I would hire her in a heartbeat to run my company.  Everything in her circle of control is cared for and thought about. 

She is asking for hand-outs from no-one.  She volunteers at her church.  She homeschools her kids.  The kids look happy, clean, well-fed and well cared for.  Everything is done in an esthetically pleasing way and she has a real knack for gardening, cooking, canning, sewing, and photography.  She reuses, recycles and repurposes.

As far as finding new homes for pets, it is sound advice if you are so close to the line that you can't feed your family.  She doesn't say you have to do this, but it is a way to save money.  I personally wouldn't do it, but I make a lot of money.

Where I do differ with her is that I think there must be a way to bring a bit more income in.  In her shoes I would consider looking after another child after school. 

As far as the criticisms about the car go, her husband needs it for work.  They do have bicycles and they do often use them and they walk to save gas. 

I am not Morman and not particularly religious.  I work outside the home.  I have fewer children.  I would be very stressed out to live that close to the edge myself.  That all said, I admire so many aspects of her lifestyle and her competence.
But to me, it is not competence to leave your child's health at risk because you'd rather be at home.  She could work at night, her husband could pick up a side job during the winter when real estate is low.  There are a lot of options that don't require putting the parents' wants ahead of the kids' needs.  That is not a little thing and for me, that covers everything else she does.  It put her personhood in question for me.  What kind of person would do that?  Her children are not cared for without health insurance to me and that makes me judge her very hard. 
You may be able to see past that and find some use from her and I am happy for you.  I can't.

PajamaMama

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Re: Who else reads The Prudent Homemaker?
« Reply #72 on: February 24, 2014, 07:43:34 AM »
I read her posts all the time.  I may have been the one to introduce her blog to this site.  She has a new one on saving even more money: http://theprudenthomemakerblog.blogspot.ca/2014/02/cutting-expenses-when-you-think-you.html

Here is my take:  there is much to admire and little to criticize.  Differences of opinions on religious stuff or homeschooling or having a lot of kids are just that: differences.

Here is a woman who manages her home and family in a way that is so fiscally responsible/frugal that I would hire her in a heartbeat to run my company.  Everything in her circle of control is cared for and thought about. 

She is asking for hand-outs from no-one.  She volunteers at her church.  She homeschools her kids.  The kids look happy, clean, well-fed and well cared for.  Everything is done in an esthetically pleasing way and she has a real knack for gardening, cooking, canning, sewing, and photography.  She reuses, recycles and repurposes.

As far as finding new homes for pets, it is sound advice if you are so close to the line that you can't feed your family.  She doesn't say you have to do this, but it is a way to save money.  I personally wouldn't do it, but I make a lot of money.

Where I do differ with her is that I think there must be a way to bring a bit more income in.  In her shoes I would consider looking after another child after school. 

As far as the criticisms about the car go, her husband needs it for work.  They do have bicycles and they do often use them and they walk to save gas. 

I am not Morman and not particularly religious.  I work outside the home.  I have fewer children.  I would be very stressed out to live that close to the edge myself.  That all said, I admire so many aspects of her lifestyle and her competence.
But to me, it is not competence to leave your child's health at risk because you'd rather be at home.  She could work at night, her husband could pick up a side job during the winter when real estate is low.  There are a lot of options that don't require putting the parents' wants ahead of the kids' needs.  That is not a little thing and for me, that covers everything else she does.  It put her personhood in question for me.  What kind of person would do that?  Her children are not cared for without health insurance to me and that makes me judge her very hard. 
You may be able to see past that and find some use from her and I am happy for you.  I can't.


Am I missing something here? Not having health insurance doesn't mean your children can't get healthcare. When my first child was born 
I went six months without health insurance. I worked PRN while a waited for a position I wanted to open up. It was a risk I took. I still took my daughter to all her well baby check ups. I just paid out of pocket. I eventually took a less desirable position because I didn't feel I should wait any longer. I'm lucky nothing catastrophic happened. I don't feel like I was a bad mother. If something has happened she still would have gotten care and I would have found a way to pay for it. I don't know that having health care is a better choice than leaving so many kids with a sitter. I hope her situation gets better someday and they can afford health care.

Gin1984

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Re: Who else reads The Prudent Homemaker?
« Reply #73 on: February 24, 2014, 07:50:58 AM »
I read her posts all the time.  I may have been the one to introduce her blog to this site.  She has a new one on saving even more money: http://theprudenthomemakerblog.blogspot.ca/2014/02/cutting-expenses-when-you-think-you.html

Here is my take:  there is much to admire and little to criticize.  Differences of opinions on religious stuff or homeschooling or having a lot of kids are just that: differences.

Here is a woman who manages her home and family in a way that is so fiscally responsible/frugal that I would hire her in a heartbeat to run my company.  Everything in her circle of control is cared for and thought about. 

She is asking for hand-outs from no-one.  She volunteers at her church.  She homeschools her kids.  The kids look happy, clean, well-fed and well cared for.  Everything is done in an esthetically pleasing way and she has a real knack for gardening, cooking, canning, sewing, and photography.  She reuses, recycles and repurposes.

As far as finding new homes for pets, it is sound advice if you are so close to the line that you can't feed your family.  She doesn't say you have to do this, but it is a way to save money.  I personally wouldn't do it, but I make a lot of money.

Where I do differ with her is that I think there must be a way to bring a bit more income in.  In her shoes I would consider looking after another child after school. 

As far as the criticisms about the car go, her husband needs it for work.  They do have bicycles and they do often use them and they walk to save gas. 

I am not Morman and not particularly religious.  I work outside the home.  I have fewer children.  I would be very stressed out to live that close to the edge myself.  That all said, I admire so many aspects of her lifestyle and her competence.
But to me, it is not competence to leave your child's health at risk because you'd rather be at home.  She could work at night, her husband could pick up a side job during the winter when real estate is low.  There are a lot of options that don't require putting the parents' wants ahead of the kids' needs.  That is not a little thing and for me, that covers everything else she does.  It put her personhood in question for me.  What kind of person would do that?  Her children are not cared for without health insurance to me and that makes me judge her very hard. 
You may be able to see past that and find some use from her and I am happy for you.  I can't.


Am I missing something here? Not having health insurance doesn't mean your children can't get healthcare. When my first child was born 
I went six months without health insurance. I worked PRN while a waited for a position I wanted to open up. It was a risk I took. I still took my daughter to all her well baby check ups. I just paid out of pocket. I eventually took a less desirable position because I didn't feel I should wait any longer. I'm lucky nothing catastrophic happened. I don't feel like I was a bad mother. If something has happened she still would have gotten care and I would have found a way to pay for it. I don't know that having health care is a better choice than leaving so many kids with a sitter. I hope her situation gets better someday and they can afford health care.
She could get medicaid for her children and has chosen not to.  This is also not a short term issue but a lifestyle choice.  And based on her "solutions" that she has posted for saving for medical care, it does not appear she is having them have basic care.  And, personally, if you have another choice, leaving your kids without insurance/ health care because you want to home school them (or not find a night job), is putting your wants above their needs. 

RadicalPersonalFinance

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Re: Who else reads The Prudent Homemaker?
« Reply #74 on: February 24, 2014, 08:19:39 AM »
But to me, it is not competence to leave your child's health at risk because you'd rather be at home. 

Her child's health is not at risk.  Her children are healthy and well cared for.

Their health might be at risk if they were in a toxic environment, playing in dangerous circumstances, etc.  But their health is not at risk in a loving, caring home environment with a mother who lays down her life for them.

What is the worst that can happen?

Her children could experience some catastrophic medical problem.  She would then take them for medical treatment.  In this country, treatment would not be refused to them.

After the treatment, the parents would be left with a mountain of medical bills for which they are responsible.  They would then be forced to pay those bills in full, negotiate the bills with the providers and pay what they can, pay them over time as they're able, not pay the bills and be delinquent, or declare bankruptcy and not pay the bills.

At no point in any of those scenarios is the child's health affected by the parents having or not having health insurance.

The parent's financial health is protected from a medical catastrophe by the paying of health insurance.

The parents have evidently made their decision and are aware of the potential repercussions and consequences.  It's their choice (or in my opinion should be--PPACA makes that choice now unlawful, so clearly the courts have sided with your point of view).

My point is simply that "health" and "health insurance" are not synonymous.  Health is something that you have the responsibility to care for.  Health insurance is something that you can purchase to protect your finances from a failure to care for your health.

totoro

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Re: Who else reads The Prudent Homemaker?
« Reply #75 on: February 24, 2014, 08:23:36 AM »
On what basis are you both informing the world that she has no health insurance?  Her tips for those who do not have health insurance - of which I presume there are many among low income folks in the US?  Her list of medical tips is for those who don't have coverage and she does not state how she manages health care for her children.

Also, gin1984 stated that: "She could get medicaid for her children and has chosen not to."  On what basis do you state this? She has a blog and a facebook site you can ask questions on.  Are you sure of this or are you making things up based on some inference that cannot be logically connected to your statement?

Given that they have seven healthy children and have had three births since having a loss of income I think asking would be better than inferring a lack of competence or negligence.

totoro

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Re: Who else reads The Prudent Homemaker?
« Reply #76 on: February 24, 2014, 10:48:55 AM »
I looked into medical coverage for Nevada where Brandy lives. 

They make approx. $36,000 a year or less for a family of nine.  Nevada check-up offers 100% coverage for medical and dental with no deductible for children until the age of 18 at this income/family level.  It costs $100 a year total.   

Unless there is some downside I'm unaware of I'd be very surprised if this coverage was not in place - but again, you should ask before posting.

http://nevadacheckup.state.nv.us/faq.htm

Gin1984

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Re: Who else reads The Prudent Homemaker?
« Reply #77 on: February 24, 2014, 11:07:01 AM »
I looked into medical coverage for Nevada where Brandy lives. 

They make approx. $36,000 a year or less for a family of nine.  Nevada check-up offers 100% coverage for medical and dental with no deductible for children until the age of 18 at this income/family level.  It costs $100 a year total.   

Unless there is some downside I'm unaware of I'd be very surprised if this coverage was not in place - but again, you should ask before posting.

http://nevadacheckup.state.nv.us/faq.htm
I asked a couple years back about medicaid for her kids, and she directed me to her ways to save if you don't have insurance.   Maybe it has changed since then, but that was the last I could be comfortable reading her site.

Gin1984

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Re: Who else reads The Prudent Homemaker?
« Reply #78 on: February 24, 2014, 11:08:41 AM »
But to me, it is not competence to leave your child's health at risk because you'd rather be at home. 

Her child's health is not at risk.  Her children are healthy and well cared for.

Their health might be at risk if they were in a toxic environment, playing in dangerous circumstances, etc.  But their health is not at risk in a loving, caring home environment with a mother who lays down her life for them.

What is the worst that can happen?

Her children could experience some catastrophic medical problem.  She would then take them for medical treatment.  In this country, treatment would not be refused to them.

After the treatment, the parents would be left with a mountain of medical bills for which they are responsible.  They would then be forced to pay those bills in full, negotiate the bills with the providers and pay what they can, pay them over time as they're able, not pay the bills and be delinquent, or declare bankruptcy and not pay the bills.

At no point in any of those scenarios is the child's health affected by the parents having or not having health insurance.

The parent's financial health is protected from a medical catastrophe by the paying of health insurance.

The parents have evidently made their decision and are aware of the potential repercussions and consequences.  It's their choice (or in my opinion should be--PPACA makes that choice now unlawful, so clearly the courts have sided with your point of view).

My point is simply that "health" and "health insurance" are not synonymous.  Health is something that you have the responsibility to care for.  Health insurance is something that you can purchase to protect your finances from a failure to care for your health.
I've worked in the medical field, that is not what happens.  A person without insurance is not going to get the same care at a hospital as someone with insurance.  You will be stabilized and sent on your way.  If you can write a check up front, then you may get more (depending on the hospital).  Hospitals are in the business of making money. 

totoro

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Re: Who else reads The Prudent Homemaker?
« Reply #79 on: February 24, 2014, 11:28:33 AM »
I looked into medical coverage for Nevada where Brandy lives. 

They make approx. $36,000 a year or less for a family of nine.  Nevada check-up offers 100% coverage for medical and dental with no deductible for children until the age of 18 at this income/family level.  It costs $100 a year total.   

Unless there is some downside I'm unaware of I'd be very surprised if this coverage was not in place - but again, you should ask before posting.

http://nevadacheckup.state.nv.us/faq.htm
I asked a couple years back about medicaid for her kids, and she directed me to her ways to save if you don't have insurance.   Maybe it has changed since then, but that was the last I could be comfortable reading her site.

I see. So because she directed you to that post you made the leap of logic that she is not enrolled in the $100/year plan which is readily available?

You know what my inference is?  She intends to keep that aspect of her life private and it is therefor none of your business.  Perhaps she wishes not to invite criticism for accessing a publicly funded program given that they have seven children on a low income.  Many people on this site would find that irresponsible given that the system is subsidized by taxpayers.  I find the US medical system irresponsible myself - medically necessary health care should be protected as a human right.  Just my two cents and one I have no problem paying taxes for.

In any event, given the level of care and attention to detail she exhibits in every other published aspect of her life it seems more likely than not that this is attended to - that and you can see the pictures of her kids and know that she has had three additional births on a low income.

So, I would suggest that before you start posting derogatory information about someone publicly that you do not know to be a the truth you consider that this action constitutes libel if untrue.   I would suggest you modify or remove your post accordingly as not falling within the parameters of fair comment.

Cassie

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Re: Who else reads The Prudent Homemaker?
« Reply #80 on: February 24, 2014, 12:28:09 PM »
Considering that she is making her life public by writing a blog she is open to others interpretations/comments, etc.  Since she directed someone to her posts about how to do things without insurance I think it is a fair assumption that they do not have insurance.  It is fine to have a large family if you can afford it but not so much when you live in poverty and have no $ to buy food, etc. No one is doubting that she is taking good care of her kids but being a responsible parent goes further then that. It is also providing healthcare, some activities, worthwhile experiences, etc without spoiling kids.  Not to be so dirt poor that they only survive.  The fact that they have no $ to buy food but must live on the pantry, etc and then still continue to have kids-sorry but I & others think it is irresponsible!

CommonCents

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Re: Who else reads The Prudent Homemaker?
« Reply #81 on: February 24, 2014, 12:44:23 PM »
Considering that she is making her life public by writing a blog she is open to others interpretations/comments, etc.  Since she directed someone to her posts about how to do things without insurance I think it is a fair assumption that they do not have insurance.  It is fine to have a large family if you can afford it but not so much when you live in poverty and have no $ to buy food, etc. No one is doubting that she is taking good care of her kids but being a responsible parent goes further then that. It is also providing healthcare, some activities, worthwhile experiences, etc without spoiling kids.  Not to be so dirt poor that they only survive.  The fact that they have no $ to buy food but must live on the pantry, etc and then still continue to have kids-sorry but I & others think it is irresponsible!

I was driven to post again, because there's a LOT of assumptions in that post.
I too, disagree that directing you to the post on insurance is the same as saying she has none.  I don't think there's enough evidence either way to call it.

But I was most concerned by your remarks regarding providing experiences and activities.  I challenge you to ask if you did so many activities in December?  Do you think many parents did? http://theprudenthomemakerblog.blogspot.com/2013/12/advent-activities.html  On this site of all place, I would hope that activities/experiences are not confused with requiring money (e.g. one needn't pay for Disney trips or private piano lessons to have meaningful experiences)!

Also from this interview "We’ve spent time teaching new skills to our children, including sewing, painting, cooking, and gardening. These simple activities have given us great conversations with our children as well as helped them to learn to enjoy something new....We take turns letting our children stay up one night a month, where they can do an activity of their choice with mom or dad. We’ll watch a movie that we already have and eat popcorn, play a game, or cook something together. The children enjoy our undivided attention, and we enjoy that time with each child." http://www.blueberrycottage.org/2010/10/interviewthe-prudent-homemaker.html

Cassie

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Re: Who else reads The Prudent Homemaker?
« Reply #82 on: February 24, 2014, 12:58:19 PM »
When I was raising my 3 kids we did a lot of free outdoor activities and played a lot of board games, etc with them. However, we also did things that cost $. They were in cub scouts/boy scouts/played sports, went to scout camp in the summer for a week, etc.  We lived frugally on one income for many years while saving $ but also provided experiences that cost $.  It is one thing to be poor with a large family because of circumstances but quite another to continue to have kids when you obviously can not afford them.  I love to rescue Maltese dogs but are limited to 3 because of my ability to provide vet care, etc. It would be irresponsible of me to rescue a bunch more but then not be able to afford vet care, etc.

totoro

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Re: Who else reads The Prudent Homemaker?
« Reply #83 on: February 24, 2014, 01:03:29 PM »
Considering that she is making her life public by writing a blog she is open to others interpretations/comments, etc.  Since she directed someone to her posts about how to do things without insurance I think it is a fair assumption that they do not have insurance.  It is fine to have a large family if you can afford it but not so much when you live in poverty and have no $ to buy food, etc. No one is doubting that she is taking good care of her kids but being a responsible parent goes further then that. It is also providing healthcare, some activities, worthwhile experiences, etc without spoiling kids.  Not to be so dirt poor that they only survive.  The fact that they have no $ to buy food but must live on the pantry, etc and then still continue to have kids-sorry but I & others think it is irresponsible!

I agree that you have a right to fair comment.  Fair comment is limited to truth and opinion.  Opinion on facts is fine, making up facts that are not based on truth is not.  Making up facts that would bring someone's reputation into disrepute and posting them online is libel.

Let's examine your statement: " (a responsible parent is) also providing healthcare, some activities, worthwhile experiences, etc without spoiling kids.  Not to be so dirt poor that they only survive."

1.  We don't know about healthcare - but it is available for all the kids at a cost of $100 a year at their income level.  Given that we do not know, you can post your opinion that it is necessary and that if she does not have it you disagree with this choice, but you cannot state that she is irresponsible for not having it when you do not know it to be true without being at risk of engaging in defamation.

2.  The kids are involved in archery and many church and extended family activities.  They have music and sewing lessons.  They do a large amount of craft and science projects.   They have an in ground trampoline and playground equipment in their yard including a merry-go-round.  They do daily chores together.  They have and attend birthday parties and parties on other occasions.  They volunteer a lot of their time at the church.

3.  Worthwhile activities - see 2 above.  I personally know a lot of kids who spend time on video games/computer - my kids included.  I do spend a lot of time with my kids because I work from home and they have music lessons and play sports and have lots of friends, but my impression is that Brandy is doing a better job on the "worthwhile activities" aspect than I am.   She has devoted her time to her family, has schedules for schooling, and this is pretty valuable in my books.

4.  "Not to be so dirt poor that they only survive"... the sense I get from her blog is that she has a deep sense of satisfaction with her home, garden and family life and her children seem very happy.  It is far from "merely surviving".  When I finished law school I had to work long hours.  I made money, but it was "merely surviving" because money is simply not the measure of a good quality of life in my books.  I soon quit because I was merely surviving.   

Where I would agree with you is that a little extra money would go a long way in their situation.  I would look for a small pt job from home - which she has in her blog.  This is merely my opinion though.
 
I also agree that public figures are subject to a slightly different standard re. defamation in the US.  However, having a blog does not necessarily mean you are a "public figure" and even "limited purpose public figures" and "public figures" can sue for defamation when untrue statements are made that are calculated to bring them into disrepute. 

You may wish to reference this US guide for bloggers:
https://www.eff.org/issues/bloggers/legal/liability/defamation#7

Carrie

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Re: Who else reads The Prudent Homemaker?
« Reply #84 on: February 24, 2014, 02:05:45 PM »
There seems to be an overwhelming disdain for large families on this board.  Some people would actually rather have children than travel the world.  Imagine that.
(Yet on this board traveling the world is the epitome of worthwhile things to spend time & money on.)

Cassie

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Re: Who else reads The Prudent Homemaker?
« Reply #85 on: February 24, 2014, 03:50:05 PM »
I do not mind large families at all. My uncle had 8 kids and one of my best friends had 6. However, the difference between them and her is that they could afford them.  Sorry but she can not.  If she had all those kids and something bad happened people would feel sorry for her. However, she had a few more kids after their financial situation took a dump. Many see that as irresponsible as do I!

totoro

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Re: Who else reads The Prudent Homemaker?
« Reply #86 on: February 24, 2014, 04:06:13 PM »
I see absolutely no evidence to support your statement that "she cannot afford them". 

The kids are well fed, active, involved in their community, and appear well-adjusted.  Their house backs' on to their grandparents home and they have a large extended family.  Her husband owns a real estate business that hit hard times when prices fell - which won't keep on that way forever.  What will not last forever are child-bearing years.

I'm sure that many people felt that Amy Daczcyn's children were not affordable on their incomes.  However, her children turned out to be quite grateful for their upbringing:

(her daughter Jamie)
"At the time, I didn't realize how valuable it was that we always had at least one stay-at-home parent. Looking back, I see that this was a massive luxury that I might not be able to give my future kids. Because our parents were so frugal, we got to see more of them because they weren't working long hours to make ends meet."

http://thefrugalshrink.blogspot.ca/2013/05/dacyczyn-interviews-jamie-part-1.html

totoro

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Re: Who else reads The Prudent Homemaker?
« Reply #87 on: February 24, 2014, 04:18:14 PM »
Another daughter Laura states:

"I want to make sure this is clear- we were not deprived in any way, I had a wonderful childhood, and I would not have traded it for anything. It wasn’t until I was older that I learned about the allegations some readers made about the effects my parents lifestyle would have on their children. I have read some people’s claims that the cheap foods our parents fed us would cause us to become malnourished. I grew up eating garden fresh vegetables and made-from-scratch meals instead of junk food. I have frequently seen readers claim that my parent’s approach to money would cause all of us kids to turn into shopaholics who would spend frivolously to fill some emotional void. Or at the very least we would rebel when we were teenagers and come to hate our parents for not buying us the latest fads."

And daughter Rebecca:

"I can very clearly say that the frugality I was raised with has made my adult life much easier...

I am already raising my children in a similar way. My childhood was awesome, and I want the same things for my children...

I remember reporters coming to our house and asking if we felt deprived. There may have been a VERY brief period in my early teens that I felt like my parents were being unfair to us. Looking back, I am so glad that they spent all those years teaching us the importance to spending money wisely. I know that an important part of parenthood is not necessarily doing what makes your child feel good at the time, but making choices that will help raise a responsible adult."

Cassie

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Re: Who else reads The Prudent Homemaker?
« Reply #88 on: February 24, 2014, 05:00:47 PM »
Has not been able to buy any groceries for a year.  Got gift card for $ to buy food from someone. sure sounds like can not afford to me!

Cassie

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Re: Who else reads The Prudent Homemaker?
« Reply #89 on: February 24, 2014, 05:07:34 PM »
Remind me to nominate her for mother of the year award-ugh!

Cassie

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Re: Who else reads The Prudent Homemaker?
« Reply #90 on: February 24, 2014, 05:28:19 PM »
Obviously we are going to have to agree to disagree on this woman! 

totoro

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Re: Who else reads The Prudent Homemaker?
« Reply #91 on: February 24, 2014, 05:33:18 PM »
What is the problem with not buying groceries when you have a very large year-round garden, a stock of frozen meat, lots of canning and a separate storeroom of dry goods?

Her canning: http://theprudenthomemaker.com/index.php/pantry/this-years-canning

And they eat a varied diet with lots of fresh vegetables and fruit in season and very little processed stuff. http://theprudenthomemaker.com/index.php/recipes

It is not my lifestyle but it seems more nutritious than the average North American diet.  We have enough money to eat whatever we like and probably have less variety than she does.

goatmom

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Re: Who else reads The Prudent Homemaker?
« Reply #92 on: February 24, 2014, 07:02:27 PM »
I check her blog ou from time to time.  I think she is pretty awesome.  I don't agree with everything she does but I think I am open minded enough to appreciate her hard work, her creativity, and her overall attitude. I wish I had her energy and her self discipline. I think her children have many benefits many other kids don't have.  If there were more mothers like her, our country would be a better place

Josiecat

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Re: Who else reads The Prudent Homemaker?
« Reply #93 on: February 24, 2014, 08:46:02 PM »
It is a fact they don't have insurance.  She states is directly on the website.  'We do not have insurance'. 

mm1970

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Re: Who else reads The Prudent Homemaker?
« Reply #94 on: February 24, 2014, 09:07:07 PM »
But to me, it is not competence to leave your child's health at risk because you'd rather be at home.  She could work at night, her husband could pick up a side job during the winter when real estate is low.  There are a lot of options that don't require putting the parents' wants ahead of the kids' needs.  That is not a little thing and for me, that covers everything else she does.  It put her personhood in question for me.  What kind of person would do that?  Her children are not cared for without health insurance to me and that makes me judge her very hard. 
You may be able to see past that and find some use from her and I am happy for you.  I can't.
How is she leaving her children's health at risk?  She cares for them and feeds them a healthy diet.

Do you think she'd be able to feed her children a healthy diet if she were working nights?  I wonder how exhausting it is to care for 7 children all day?

Health insurance =/= health care.  Even without health insurance, I had health CARE as a child.  Even these days, I have family members without health insurance who have health CARE. It is VERY common to not have health insurance in this country, even if you work a full time job.

Her children are WELL cared for.  Better than many children (if not most) in this country who have health insurance.

mm1970

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Re: Who else reads The Prudent Homemaker?
« Reply #95 on: February 24, 2014, 09:11:46 PM »
I see absolutely no evidence to support your statement that "she cannot afford them". 

The kids are well fed, active, involved in their community, and appear well-adjusted.  Their house backs' on to their grandparents home and they have a large extended family.  Her husband owns a real estate business that hit hard times when prices fell - which won't keep on that way forever.  What will not last forever are child-bearing years.

I'm sure that many people felt that Amy Daczcyn's children were not affordable on their incomes.  However, her children turned out to be quite grateful for their upbringing:

(her daughter Jamie)
"At the time, I didn't realize how valuable it was that we always had at least one stay-at-home parent. Looking back, I see that this was a massive luxury that I might not be able to give my future kids. Because our parents were so frugal, we got to see more of them because they weren't working long hours to make ends meet."

http://thefrugalshrink.blogspot.ca/2013/05/dacyczyn-interviews-jamie-part-1.html

This.  Who are you to say she cannot afford her children?

Gin1984

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Re: Who else reads The Prudent Homemaker?
« Reply #96 on: February 24, 2014, 09:28:33 PM »
But to me, it is not competence to leave your child's health at risk because you'd rather be at home.  She could work at night, her husband could pick up a side job during the winter when real estate is low.  There are a lot of options that don't require putting the parents' wants ahead of the kids' needs.  That is not a little thing and for me, that covers everything else she does.  It put her personhood in question for me.  What kind of person would do that?  Her children are not cared for without health insurance to me and that makes me judge her very hard. 
You may be able to see past that and find some use from her and I am happy for you.  I can't.
How is she leaving her children's health at risk?  She cares for them and feeds them a healthy diet.

Do you think she'd be able to feed her children a healthy diet if she were working nights?  I wonder how exhausting it is to care for 7 children all day?

Health insurance =/= health care.  Even without health insurance, I had health CARE as a child.  Even these days, I have family members without health insurance who have health CARE. It is VERY common to not have health insurance in this country, even if you work a full time job.

Her children are WELL cared for.  Better than many children (if not most) in this country who have health insurance.
It is my opinion, which is my right to have thank you very much, that health insurance is the USA is a basic need (which is a common opinion).  As I have said beforehand, this decision to put her wants (to stay home) over a basic need of health insurance means I don't read the blog.  Why is my choices in reading and my judgements something you need to fight against?
You may think that what she is doing is good care, I don't.  Why do you need to argue with me on it.  How is my opinion harming you or her for that matter?

Gin1984

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Re: Who else reads The Prudent Homemaker?
« Reply #97 on: February 24, 2014, 09:30:08 PM »
I see absolutely no evidence to support your statement that "she cannot afford them". 

The kids are well fed, active, involved in their community, and appear well-adjusted.  Their house backs' on to their grandparents home and they have a large extended family.  Her husband owns a real estate business that hit hard times when prices fell - which won't keep on that way forever.  What will not last forever are child-bearing years.

I'm sure that many people felt that Amy Daczcyn's children were not affordable on their incomes.  However, her children turned out to be quite grateful for their upbringing:

(her daughter Jamie)
"At the time, I didn't realize how valuable it was that we always had at least one stay-at-home parent. Looking back, I see that this was a massive luxury that I might not be able to give my future kids. Because our parents were so frugal, we got to see more of them because they weren't working long hours to make ends meet."

http://thefrugalshrink.blogspot.ca/2013/05/dacyczyn-interviews-jamie-part-1.html

This.  Who are you to say she cannot afford her children?
That is not the same person the OP was talking about.

totoro

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Re: Who else reads The Prudent Homemaker?
« Reply #98 on: February 24, 2014, 09:32:49 PM »
It is a fact they don't have insurance.  She states is directly on the website.  'We do not have insurance'.

Can you post the link where she states that her children do not have insurance please?  That would certainly provide an answer.  I did not see it on her site myself but perhaps I missed it.

totoro

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Re: Who else reads The Prudent Homemaker?
« Reply #99 on: February 24, 2014, 09:34:56 PM »
 Gin 1984 stated"
"As I have said beforehand, this decision to put her wants (to stay home) over a basic need of health insurance means I don't read the blog.  [/quote]

Really?  She is not required to work to obtain full coverage for her children - they are already eligible at a cost of $100 a year for all seven of them. How would working help that?

While you are entitled to your opinion I am unclear how the logic works.
« Last Edit: February 24, 2014, 09:38:27 PM by totoro »