Money, Money, Money! Can Homeschooling on One Income Work?

The short answer, YES, but it depends on each family's financial responsibilities and situation. Homeschooling has been a wonderful journey for my family and me. At first, I was worried about how to afford quality education at home. Balancing my passion for teaching with our daily expenses felt overwhelming. However, as time passed, I found ways not only to make homeschooling affordable, but I also use my gifts and talents to earn money. Let me share my story and the lessons I learned along the way.

Embracing the Homeschooling Lifestyle

When I started homeschooling, I was excited about the flexibility and the opportunities for real-world learning. I imagined all the educational trips to museums, science centers, extra-curricular activities, picnics, etc . However, my initial excitement was met by the reality of our delicate financial situation.

As most homeschooling families already know, looking for affordable or free classes or activities without sacrificing quality is an art. I explored free online platforms like Khan Academy and Easy Peasy which offer lessons in various subjects. Additionally, local libraries provided access to educational programs and workshops that were free of charge. By tailoring a curriculum that reflected my child's interests, such as combining math with cooking or science with gardening, I avoided the need for pricey textbooks. If I needed books, I usually purchased gently used books from Thriftbooks.com.

Finding Creative Ways to Save

A huge part of my savings came from re-examining our spending habits and purchasing used materials. We maintained a well-structured budget and tracked our expenses each month. I also joined local homeschooling programs/activities, which not only offered shared curriculum, but also organized group classes. Studies show that families who participate in co-ops can save up to 30% on educational expenses. My daughter loved the social interaction, and we enjoyed a sense of community while learning together.

Embracing the Entrepreneurial Spirit

As I gained confidence in our homeschooling routine, I realized I could harness my love for teaching into a side business. I started Sage Academics in the summer of 2024 to offer homeschooling families educational services and resources they will need for their journey. I expect it to grow exponentially as I continue to promote and market it to the wider homeschooling community.

Turning Passion into Products

I had another business venture, Radiant By Design. I handcrafted all natural hair, skin, and facial products for those customers seeking healthy beauty products. My daughter loved to help me with testing, creating, designing and even making some of the products. It was a hands-on learning experience for her and she enjoyed every bit of it. Even though, I did not maximize my earning potential due to limited funding, I gained invaluable experience that helped me to launch my next business venture - Sage Academics.

A well-organized homeschooling study area bursting with creativity.

Establishing Financial Goals

Setting clear financial goals is crucial. I am in the initial stage of my new business venture and I need to establish both short-term and long-term objectives for effective income management. We will also focus on creating additional savings plans for emergencies, a college fund for my daughter, investing in God's work, and reinvesting in the business. This strategy will enable us to be ready for the future and seize new opportunities.

Lifelong Learning

Homeschooling and entrepreneurship taught me the value of lifelong learning. I committed myself to growing my knowledge through online courses and webinars that focused on both teaching and business skills. The more I learned, the more I shared with my daughter so that she will have these skills in her tool box. I firmly believe that learning never ends and that growth happens continuously. Let's remember that, everyday, God is educating us for eternity.

Community Connections

One of the biggest lessons I learned was the importance of community. Connecting with other homeschooling families has been invaluable. We organized field trips, lessons, volunteered- community service, and other activities, to enhance our children's social skills and foster lasting friendships. Our homeschooling journey was transformed into a vibrant community effort, where we all benefitted from one another's strengths.

Balancing Work and Family Life

Balancing homeschooling and business took careful planning. I established a well-structured schedule for school, work, and family time. I trained my daughter how to work independently and to take charge of her learning. This helped free up my time for work-related activities. It was fulfilling to watch her thrive independently, knowing I was instilling in her invaluable life skills.

Reflections on a Journey

I am so grateful that I have had the awesome opportunity of homeschooling my daughter. I feel extremely blessed. Homeschooling has enriched our lives and has helped us to nimbly meet our financial responsibilities. We have had our challenges, but God is faithful!

As I continue to explore new possibilities in our homeschooling journey, I hope to inspire other families to enjoy their own unique journey.

Candidly Homeschooling- Authentic Stories for Your Journey.