Single Parenting and Finance: Getting Ahead Through Education

Last time we covered single parenting and finances, we took a look at how to get on stable ground, which included information about applying for government assistance. Now that we're on solid ground, it's time to work at getting ahead and breaking the poverty line. One of the very best ways to accomplish this is to become educated. Let's take a look at education as the springboard to your financial future.

Why Attend School?

Most jobs that will allow you to reach middle class are jobs that require some kind of education beyond high school. I'm not saying that you have to get a PhD, a Master's, a Bachelor's or even an Associate's degree. In fact, sometimes those degrees don't really put you ahead of the curve. Depending on your choice of study, the amount of money you pour into the education and the jobs available upon graduation, an advanced degree may not return the salary you'll need to pay back borrowed funds.

Instead, what I'm suggesting is to pursue education in either traditional or non-traditional ways. Traditional degree programs like an Associates or Bachelor's could work for you. On the other hand, trade schools, apprenticeships, internships, management programs and on-the-job-training (OJT) could also help you get ahead in your career of choice. The kicker here is choice: pursuing education in a field that you find interesting will almost always help you stay interested in the career path as you move forward.

How to Attend School

As a single parent, you may be thinking, "This all makes sense, but how can I make it work financially?" Obviously, you're right to consider the financial aspect of obtaining an education. Almost every program you'll look into will cost time and money, and both can be hard to come by as a single mom or dad.

Thankfully, financial aid is often available for traditional schools and trade schools. If you're unfamiliar with financial aid, you might wish to speak to the financial aid office at your school of choice or fill out a FAFSA online. We won't go over financial aid in depth because there's a lot to it, but I do want to say that aid can often cover the majority of schooling expenses through grants or loans.

How to Make Job-Based Education Work for You

However, if you are looking at more of a job-based education program like an apprenticeship, internship or OJT, financial aid may be limited. To make these types of programs work for you, government assistance might help you more. I know, I know; we've already covered government assistance programs in our last post in the series. But that was about getting you on solid ground, not getting ahead, so it's worth revisiting briefly.

For these types of education programs, it's important to note that you might qualify for more assistance from the government since your situation will be changing. For example, let's say you didn't qualify for housing assistance the first time you applied because you were working 40 hours per week at your minimum wage job. Well, if you decide to take on an unpaid apprenticeship, DSS might reconsider your request and grant you housing assistance. In any case, if your situation changes, it's worth checking in with DSS to see if you can make your employment dreams come true.

Whatever you decide in your education, the path will not be easy. On the other hand, landing a job that can support you and your children will be an accomplishment you'll both remember for a lifetime. So chase those education dreams; soon you'll be on your way to financial freedom.

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