Funding your parent coaching education doesn’t have to be limited to, “Do I currently have this much cash sitting in a savings account?” If that was the requirement most people would never get an education or make a career move like becoming a parent coaching professional, which naturally involves further training or certification.
If that’s your initial thought when it comes to investing in your parent coaching education, don’t worry. We have some great news for you ahead. There are two important things that can be adjusted to open up possibilities for you if you’re interested in pursuing the opportunity (or dare I say… your dream) of becoming a parenting coach:
- You are not limited in how creative you get to be in coming up with the amount you need to pay for your tuition.
- An important shift can be made in the way you are potentially viewing what coming up with this money means for your life. This shift in perspective may drastically change what you are able to create to get it.
7 Ways to Start Funding Your Certification
First, let’s begin with some inspiring ideas. Many of these are taken directly from stories we have been told by Jai students and graduates who, when faced with the challenge to immediately invest in becoming a certified parenting coach, became incredibly creative and resourceful about how they came up with the money they needed.
- Friends and family (hear me out): Most of us are programmed not to ask for things, especially as adults. But the truth is, sometimes we need to. The best case scenario is that your family and friends are delighted you asked them to support you in your next big life move and are able to help. The worst case scenario is they can’t or won’t, and you’ll have to receive no as the answer. Either way, you won’t know if you don’t ask and what you’re asking for is for access to a life-changing opportunity.
- GoFundMe: Crowdfunding is an amazing opportunity to create some or all of your tuition. You may not have friends or family who can afford to loan or give you all the money you need to become a certified parenting coach, but you probably have many who would be delighted to contribute! This option allows people to contribute as much or as little as they’re able to. Even if you don’t generate all of your investment, you’ll still be that much closer to your goal!
- Church groups: There are many church groups that have funds available to help members of their congregation. If you are a member of a religious community, why not ask if there is anything like that available for you to take part in. Even if there are no specific funds earmarked for these types of requests, they may be willing to help you fundraise!
- Sell something: Many of us have things in our homes and lives that we just don’t use, need or want. And even if we’ve been holding onto them for a long time, sometimes we just need something we want more to come along so we can find a way to part with them! Look around and see what might find a new home through Etsy, Ebay, a garage sale, Facebook Marketplace, or a consignment store.
- Create a partnership: Perhaps your local Montessori school or daycare center is looking for someone to train their staff or provide support to their parents; that’s where a mutually beneficial partnership opportunity might exist. You can make an arrangement with them to pay your tuition in exchange for your services post graduation. Make a list of all the organizations in your area that might be interested and start making phone calls! If you happen to have any personal connections, even better. Don’t be afraid to ask friends to make introductions to people they know as well.
- Small business programs: Many cities, states or provinces have small business start-up programs that offer seed money or grants and free services to people who are starting a business. Many of these programs are specifically aimed at supporting women and marginalized communities. Mom-Preneurs in the USA can get up to $500 from Founders First every year. It’s easy to apply and a great place to start!
- Zero interest credit cards: Many credit card companies provide anywhere from 12 to 21 months of interest-free time to use the card. This allows you to make a payment schedule that suits your life and gives you time post-graduation to earn the money from parent coaching to repay it! Here is one website that outlines some offers or simply Google interest-free credit cards in your country and do some research to find one that's right for you.
The biggest mindset shift you need to make
There is a huge difference between spending money and investing money. Money spent is gone, even when it is spent on important things. Money invested is not. Money invested holds the possibility and probability of a return on your investment.
Tuition is an investment in your life and future. Getting certified as a professional parenting coach is the first step in starting a business that can provide ongoing financial resources for you and your family. Depending on what you charge,
getting just a few clients will more than return your initial investment!
Ultimately it’s up to you to decide what you want to do with the opportunity before you. All kinds of possibilities exist, it’s up to you to choose which ones are right for you!
Meet Your Author, Katie Owen
Jai Business Coach & Marketing Mentor
As a former practicing therapist turned copywriter and marketing strategist, Katie is passionate about the intersection of marketing and mindset. Katie embodies the practices of taking the simple actions, consistently over time, that create epic results.
A master storyteller, Katie works with our coaches to refine their message, increase their visibility and get clients!
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