Podcast Summary: What We Spend – "How to Support 10 Kids? Write 55 Books"

Episode Overview

In the June 11, 2025 episode of What We Spend, hosted by Courtney Harrell and produced by Audacy, listeners are introduced to Angela, a 40-year-old single mother from Iowa who supports her family of ten through her prolific writing career. The episode delves deep into Angela's life, exploring how she manages her finances, balances family responsibilities, and sustains herself by authoring 55 books across various genres. This comprehensive summary captures the key discussions, insights, and conclusions drawn throughout the episode.

1. Introduction to Angela

The episode opens with Angela, a single mother juggling the demands of raising ten children. Courtney sets the stage by highlighting Angela's unconventional method of financial support—her writing career.

Notable Quote:

Angela [02:07]: "It's just life I guess."

2. Angela's Personal Background

Angela reveals her family dynamics, mentioning that one of her sons serves in the Marines, while the remaining nine children, aged between six and twenty, live at home. Her husband, a truck driver, occasionally contributes financially, but Angela primarily shoulders the responsibility of providing for the family.

Notable Quote:

Narrator [02:07]: "This is Angela. She lives in Iowa and she's a 40-year-old single mother of 10."

3. The Turning Point: From Adversity to Entrepreneurship

A pivotal moment in Angela's life occurred when her home was devastated by a fire on her oldest son's 12th birthday. This tragedy forced her to reevaluate her finances and career path, leading her to embrace writing as a means of financial independence. She sought assistance from Dress for Success, which not only provided her with professional attire but also introduced her to financial education and her passion for writing.

Notable Quote:

Angela [15:38]: "It was almost like the fire just completely woke me up and changed my entire life."

4. Building a Writing Career: Strategy and Execution

Angela discusses her disciplined approach to writing, often working from the early hours of the morning and during her children's school hours. She emphasizes the importance of productivity and creativity during these times, allowing her to produce multiple chapters daily.

Notable Quote:

Angela [03:49]: "I get up at 4 in the morning... I was actually at my most highly productive and creative."

5. Navigating the Publishing Landscape: Indie vs. Traditional Publishing

Choosing to self-publish, Angela explains that being an independent author offers her greater control over her work. She utilizes multiple pen names to cater to different genres, thereby diversifying her market and maximizing her income potential.

Notable Quote:

Angela [04:48]: "I'm an indie. Yep. By choice... it's mainly we like control of our work is the main reason."

6. Financial Management: Income and Expense Breakdown

Angela provides a transparent look into her financials, revealing an annual income ranging between $120,000 to $150,000 from her books. She outlines her monthly expenses for her large household, which include housing, utilities, insurance, groceries, and other essentials. Her meticulous budgeting enables her to support her family efficiently.

Monthly Expenses Overview:

• Mortgage: $1,600
• Utilities: $320
• Cell Phones: $350
• Car Insurance: $140
• Gas: $300
• Health Insurance: $1,500
• Groceries and Household Items: $1,500 - $2,000
• Student Loans: $200
• Family Fun Budget: $500

Notable Quote:

Angela [09:46]: "It's living off the $120 to $150,000 from my books."

7. A Week in the Life: Detailed Expense Diary

The episode features an in-depth account of Angela's weekly expenditures, illustrating how she meticulously plans and manages her finances to accommodate her family's needs and her writing business.

• Day 1: Royalty payments received, investment in audiobook production ($185 for narrator, $40 for voiceover rights), and shipping supplies ($22.87). Total: $661.95.

• Day 2: Book promotion expenses ($360 for advanced reader copies), lunch orders ($18.79), and household purchases on Amazon ($15.95). Total: $2,471.74.

• Day 3: Gas ($32.54), meal planning, and inventory management. Minimal spending with essential purchases.

• Day 4: Bulk grocery shopping with a strict meal plan, resulting in significant savings and efficient budget adherence.

• Day 5: Personal treats ($19.75 for a protein drink), continued business development, and additional groceries ($83.22).

• Day 6: Household item purchases ($81.22) and business-related expenses like Amazon ad spend ($200). Total: $113.65.

• Day 7: Focused on business growth, including researching Kickstarter campaigns and grappling with increased shipping costs due to tariffs. No immediate expenditures recorded.

Notable Quote:

Angela [28:33]: "We used to do Sam's club runs, and we'd have four carts. It was quite an ordeal."

8. Overcoming Challenges: Tariffs and Market Adaptation

Angela confronts the rising costs of producing special edition books due to international tariffs. This economic shift poses a threat to her publishing strategy, as increased expenses may necessitate raising book prices, potentially impacting sales. Despite these hurdles, Angela remains resilient, emphasizing adaptability and a positive mindset.

Notable Quote:

Angela [42:18]: "You hit a roadblock, you figure out a way through it or around it, because you have to keep going."

9. Personal Reflections and Financial Philosophy

Angela shares her evolving relationship with money, highlighting a transition from financial stress to a more balanced and organized approach. Her past experiences of poverty and adversity have instilled in her a determination to provide her children with stability and opportunities she lacked in her upbringing.

Notable Quote:

Angela [27:53]: "We used to do Sam's club runs, and we'd have four carts. It was quite an ordeal."

10. Conclusion: Balancing Family, Finances, and Passion

The episode concludes with Angela reflecting on her journey of balancing a large family, financial responsibilities, and a demanding writing career. Her story serves as an inspiring testament to resilience, strategic planning, and the pursuit of passion as a means of overcoming life’s challenges.

Notable Quote:

Angela [43:22]: "It's not just finances. It's on every area of life. I'm like, hey, this is what I wish I had known when I was your age."

Key Takeaways

• Resilience and Adaptability: Angela’s ability to pivot her career in the face of adversity showcases the importance of adaptability in overcoming personal and financial challenges.

• Strategic Financial Management: Meticulous budgeting and proactive financial planning are crucial for managing large households and sustaining a writing career.

• Passion as a Sustaining Force: Angela’s dedication to writing, despite initial challenges, underscores how following one’s passion can lead to both personal fulfillment and financial stability.

• Importance of Support Systems: Organizations like Dress for Success play a vital role in empowering individuals to take control of their financial futures and pursue their dreams.

Final Thoughts

Angela's narrative is a powerful example of how determination, strategic planning, and embracing one’s passions can transform lives. Her ability to support a large family through self-publishing not only provides practical insights into managing finances under pressure but also offers inspiration to others facing similar challenges. What We Spend successfully highlights the intricate balance between personal responsibilities and professional ambitions, making Angela’s story both relatable and motivating for listeners.