I've worked with hundreds of single parents on their finances. The same 3 mistakes come up every time:

1. No emergency fund before investing

I get it — you want your money to grow. But without 3 months of expenses saved, one car repair can spiral into credit card debt. Build the floor before the ceiling.

2. Ignoring life insurance

Nobody wants to think about it. But as the sole provider, a $250K term life policy can cost as little as $20/month and it's the single most important financial decision you'll make for your kids.

3. Not using a 529 plan

You don't need thousands to start. Even $25/month into a 529 grows tax-free for your child's education. Starting when they're 5 gives you 13 years of compound growth.

I built Solo Parent Blueprint to help single parents stop guessing and start building real financial security. The course covers budgeting, saving, investing, insurance, and long-term planning — all designed for people doing it solo.

If any of this hit home, check it out.