Wealthysinglemommy.com

Are you a mom thinking about starting your own business to bring in some extra income or replace your current job?

That’s great! Running your own business gives you the flexibility to set your own hours and choose the kind of work that you do—and don’t—want to do. This flexibility is a big part of why moms, including myself, are often so drawn to entrepreneurship to begin with.

What business can I do as a mother? 

Whether you’re happily married, newly divorced, or just a single mom, if you’re interested in starting your own business, the good news is there are tons of options out there to choose from.

Below are many business ideas to consider, including a number of work-from-home ideas that can be done with little more than an internet connection:

• Business idea #1: Bookkeeping
• Business idea #2: Proofreading
• Business idea #3: Doula
• Business idea #4: Graphic design
• Business idea #5: Coding
• Business idea #6: Freelance writing
• Business idea #7: Project management
• Business idea #8: Resale shop owner
• Business idea #9: Virtual Assistant
• Business idea #10: Blogging
• Business idea #11: YouTuber
• Business idea #12: Amazon pallet flipper
• Business idea #13: Dog groomer
• Business idea #14: Crafting and selling handmade items

Bottom line: What is the best business for a woman to start?

Business idea #1: Bookkeeping

Earning potential: Average of $49,523 per year / $24 per hour*, though experienced bookkeepers with a mature client base can earn up to $72,500 per year or more.

What they do: At its simplest, bookkeeping involves keeping track of financial transactions for a business. The work can involve recording financial details, updating various financial statements, and reading over financial documents for accuracy. 

If you like working with numbers and want the freedom to work from home, then freelance bookkeeping could be an excellent business idea for you.

*All salary averages in this article are based on the most recent data from Ziprecruiter.

How to become a freelance bookkeeper

All it takes to be a freelance bookkeeper is a computer, internet connection, bookkeeping software, and the skills to get the job done. With the right training, it’s possible to kick off your career in a matter of weeks.

Bookkeeper Launch— an online course launched by Ben Robinson, a certified public accountant, and our recommended bookkeeper training program — takes just 90 days to complete and teaches you everything you need to know about starting your own bookkeeping business, and earn into the six-figures.

Learn more about how to become a bookkeeper in this post. And how to start a bookkeeping business here.

Read our review for Bookkeeper Launch.

Business idea #2: Proofreading

Earning potential: Average of $46,466 per year / $22 per hour, while those with more experience can make $74,500 per year or more. 

What they do: Proofreaders act as the final set of eyes to review a piece of content before it is published or otherwise pushed out into the world. Their job is to find and correct errors or inconsistencies in text.

Virtually any business that produces content can hire proofreaders. This includes:

• Book publishers
• Magazines
• Newspapers
• Websites
• Advertisers
• Television writers
• Grant writers
• Academics
• Business owners
• Speakers

Anywhere you see words out in the world, there’s a good chance that a proofreader was involved at some point in creating it.

Become a freelance proofreader

Proofreaders need to have an extremely strong handle on language, spelling, punctuation, and grammar. For that reason, many freelance proofreaders who are just starting out will complete some form of proofreading training to learn the tricks of the trade.

Learn more about what a proofreader does, how to learn the skills needed, find clients and work from anywhere.

Business idea #3: Doula

Earning potential: Average of $50,685 per year / $24 per hour, though some with more experience and credentials can earn $68,500 per year or more.

What they do: Doulas play a critical role providing physical and emotional support to new parents before, during, and after childbirth.

A doula’s role can vary significantly from professional to professional and also from client to client. These are some of the typical responsibilities a doula could have:

• Educating parents about childbirth
• Making parents more comfortable during labor
• Providing physical care during and after delivery 
• Ensuring the mother has a positive birth experience
• After birth, ensuring that a mother is properly healing and adjusting to motherhood
• Educating the mother on issues of breastfeeding and childcare

Become a freelance doula

You can get doula training and earn a certification from organizations like:

• Doulas of North America International (DONA)
• Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association (CAPPA)
• Childbirth International
• International Childbirth Education Association (ICEA)

Then you can begin to advertise your services so you can build a clientele base. Check with your certifying organization for programs to help you find clients and get established.

How to become a certified doula

Business idea #4: Graphic design

Earning potential: Average of $55,650 per year / $27 per hour, though experienced graphic designers can earn $90,500 per year or more.

What they do: Graphic designers perform a variety of tasks depending on what their clients need. This can include designing anything from logos and websites to business cards, books, magazines, newspapers, ads, images, product packaging, and literally everything in between.

Become a freelance graphic designer

Becoming a successful graphic designer requires more than just solid art skills. You must also have a solid grasp on design best practices, the specific computer programs used for design, and the business acumen required to handle, manage, and communicate with clients.

While some graphic designers learn these skills by completing a degree in graphic design, it has become increasingly common for graphic designers to be self-taught through online courses.

Coursera, for example, offers a number of great graphic design courses that can help you learn what you need to do the job well. Classes and certifications cost $59 per month with a Coursera Plus subscription.

Learn more about what graphic designers do, the job market for designers, and how to find freelance design clients and full-time jobs.

Business idea #5: Coding

Earning potential: Average of $57,055 per year / $27 per hour, though experienced coders can earn $91,500 per year or more.

What they do: Coders perform the important task of designing, writing, and testing computer code for various applications, from web development to app development, software development, and everything in between. 

Demand for coders is increasing as more businesses find themselves needing websites or apps to interact with their customers. And because all you need is a computer and know-how to do the job, it’s possible to do this job from anywhere, including your home. 

Become a freelance coder

Many coders will enter the field after completing a college degree, but this isn’t always required. More important than holding a specific degree is being able to demonstrate your proficiency in the specific language needed by an employer or client.

Depending on the job, coders might need to know one or multiple programming languages. The most popular include Python, R, Javascript, C, C++, and PHP.

Before enrolling in a degree program, you might want to consider a self-paced, online course like those offered by Coursera, which are usually very affordable and high-quality.

How to become a coder (high paying and you can work from home)

Business idea #6: Freelance writing

Earning potential: Average of $60,985 per year / $29 per hour, though experienced writers can earn $156,000 per year or more.

What they do: Freelance writers create content for multiple projects, including:

• Websites
• Marketing or advertising efforts
• Books
• Blogs
• Podcasts
• Whitepapers

But this is just a short list of the options freelance writers can pursue. You can make money as a freelance writer either by contracting with clients (there are literally thousands of businesses that rely on freelance writers to create the content for their websites) or by launching and monetizing your own website and blog (more on that next). Many full-time blog owners earn in the six-figures, or even millions of dollars per year. (Check out these tips from millionaire moms on how to build wealth.)

Become a freelance writer

All you need to launch your freelance writing business is a computer and access to the internet. Well, that, strong writing skills, and a little bit of business know-how. 

Freelance writers monetizing their own websites will often start off making small amounts of money until their site truly starts taking off, but once it is rolling, the money can likewise be substantial.

Business idea #7: Project management

Earning potential: Average of $98,788 per year / $47 per hour, though experienced project managers can earn $157,500 per year or more.

What they do: When a business has a complex project to complete, they turn to project managers to get the job done. Project managers perform a variety of tasks designed to usher a project from planning all the way through to completion. This can include:

• Scheduling
• Budgeting
• Assigning tasks
• Managing personnel
• Removing roadblocks
• Communicating with project leaders and teams 

Most project managers work as employees of large organizations, but it is possible to work as a freelance project manager as well, especially for smaller businesses.

Become a freelance project manager

Many project managers will earn a degree in project management, with master’s degrees being very common amongst more senior-level PMs.

That being said, for those who are first starting out, certificate programs can be a great way of testing the waters and seeing if the work is right for you. They can also be a great way of learning enough of the basics to get an entry-level project management job.

Google offers certificate programs that you might want to consider if you think project management could be for you.

Google’s project management program:

• No experience or degree required
• Job ready in 6 months or less
• Flexible schedule with 100% of courses completed online
• Certificate upon completion
• Financial aid available for those who qualify

If you think of yourself as a natural problem-solver, consider going for Google’s Project Management certificate.

Business idea #8: Resale shop owner

Earning potential: Average of $67,469 per year / $32 per hour, though some experienced resellers can earn $230,500 per year or more.

What they do: Resellers find and purchase items at a low price and sell them to make a profit.

When it first launched in 1995, eBay was a platform for people to make a few extra dollars on the side selling items they no longer wanted. But in recent years, online resale shops have become a gold mine for savvy sellers looking to launch lucrative businesses selling new and used goods. 

Become a resale shop owner

The fastest way to get your feet wet in the world of online resale is to start by selling your own items online. Once you’ve become familiar with the process and see what people are buying, you can start sourcing items through thrifting or wholesaling. 

Successful resale businesses understand which items to sell on which platforms and how to set prices to increase profitability. Different resale shops have different commission models.

Popular resale sites where you can make money

Here are some of the most popular sites for selling items: 

Poshmark

Poshmark is like a social media site for resale. You can like and share listings to help them gain more traction, and people can follow your account to shop for new items you add. Poshmark began as a site strictly for clothing and accessories but has since expanded to include jewelry, children’s toys, art, and home goods.

For sales under $15, Poshmark takes a flat commission of $2.95. For items $15 and up, Poshmark has a 20% commision rate. Read our full Poshmark review here >>

Mercari

Mercari has a similar structure to Poshmark. Sellers can list items for free on Mercari — everything from clothing to electronics — and the site takes a 10% fee on each item when it sells. See our Mercari review here >>

thredUP

Unlike other resale sites, thredUP does not have individual seller profiles. Sellers submit their items to thredUP in free Clean Out Kits, then thredUP decides the value of the items and pays out commissions on a sliding scale of 5-80% (commission percentage increases with the value of the item).

thredUP only accepts about 50% of the items submitted and donates anything unusable, though sellers can choose to have their unsellable items returned for a $10.99 fee. Check out our review of thredUP here >> 

eBay

It’s free to post items for sale on eBay — unless you start listing more than 250 items per month. High-quantity sellers pay a $0.35 insertion fee per listing. In either case, if your items sell, they’ll be subject to a fee between 12-15%, depending on the type of item, plus $0.30 per order.

Business idea #9: Virtual assistant 

Earning potential: Average of $70,393 per year / $34 per hour, though some experienced virtual assistants can earn $171,000 per year or more.

What they do: Virtual assistants handle tasks like:

• Scheduling meetings
• Responding to emails
• Managing social media accounts
• Drafting presentations
• Supporting the day-to-day operations of a company or individual.

Become a virtual assistant

If you can type and have basic computer skills, you can start your own business as a virtual assistant. 

As more companies shift to a remote model, more of these positions should become available. If you start your own business as a virtual assistant, you can pick up multiple clients and market any unique skills you have (like marketing, copywriting, or graphic design). 

Learn how to become a virtual assistant and market yourself and get started on a lucrative new career.

Business idea #10: Blogging

Earning potential: Average of $73,199 per year / $35 per hour, though some experienced bloggers can earn $122,500 per year or more.

What they do: Bloggers create and manage a blog about a subject they are passionate about such as:

• Personal finance
• Health and lifestyle
• Fashion
• Celebrity news
• DIY and crafts
• Food

Blogging is a flexible career, and studies find that most moms prefer to have the flexibility to work at home at least part of the time. I get why! When you’re your own boss, own your time, decide how much money you can earn (opposed to a boss telling you what your salary is), you are in control. That is power. Control. Freedom. Joy.

Become a blogger

Starting a blog is easy.

First, find a URL, also called a blog address or domain name, and buy it. (My URL is Wealthysinglemommy.com).

In the past, I had good experience with the hosting service BlueHost that will help you buy your domain name quickly and cheaply (a few years ago when my site was getting really big and I needed high-end security and tech support, I upgraded to WPEngine as a host. WPEngine is amazing but costs about $3,000+ per year. Start small and cheap and upgrade as you grow).

Find partnerships either directly through the company sites, or through networks like:

• Commission Junction
• Awin
• Impact

To build a successful affiliate blog requires focusing on search engine optimization, or SEO. Spend some time with SEO expert Neil Patel‘s blog and videos to get the basics as well as deeper insight into this critical and frankly complicated and competitive industry.

Bloggers and social media influencer income ranges from $0 to millions of dollars. I recently attended a blogger conference where a few of my colleagues shared their experience in building sites that they all recently sold for between $6 million and $7 million.

What they shared is not highly technical, or complicated. It is what many of us can do, but they were diligent and ran their sites like businesses. It took them years — between six and 11 years, in these cases, but it is possible.

Business idea #11: YouTuber

Earning potential: Average of $65,999 per year / $32 per hour, though some experienced YouTubers can earn $81,100 per year or more.

What they do: Like a blogger, a YouTuber can take on many forms — from posting funny videos about your kids, to teaching your audience how to do a certain professional or creative skill, to social activism.

Become a YouTuber

It’s free to set up a YouTube account. It’s actually included if you already have a Google account. You have a Google account if you have a Gmail email address. Once you set up your account, you can create a YouTube channel.

YouTubing is very competitive, but those who stick it out long-term and invest time and money in their platform can earn six figures or more through advertising, affiliate revenue, selling a product or course of their own — or a combination. YouTube marketing agencies can be a good investment by offering expert guidance on strategy, content, and audience engagement.

Many YouTubers take the audio from their videos and turn those into podcast episodes, and repurpose their material on a blog and social media accounts like TikTok and Instagram.

When making TikTok or YouTube videos, outfits from ellaelisque.com can make your video content pop because they’re luxuriously tailored and unapologetically bold, so you can own the screen.

Business idea #12: Flipping pallets on Amazon

Earning potential: Average of $67,469 per year / $32 per hour, though some experienced flippers can earn $230,500 per year or more.

One Redditor says their friend makes about $40,000 per month from flipping pallets:

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What they do: Pallet flipping is a lucrative way to make money on Amazon returns. When buyers return an item to Amazon, many sellers don’t pay to have Amazon ship merchandise back to them. As a result, Amazon has a large stock of returned items they are willing to sell for a steep discount.

A pallet can be a large box of returned goods or an actual wooden pallet (platform with shrink-wrapped, stacked goods). These pallets can be filled with anything, from electronics to clothing and jewelry.

You can buy them from Amazon Liquidation Auctions through its partner, B-Stock, liquidators like BULQ, Liquidation.com, or local liquidators in your area. Then, resell the items through eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Mercari, and other selling platforms. 

Other ways to find pallets:

• Facebook – Search Facebook for liquidator groups and become a member to find out when they offer pallet sales
• Seller/reseller forums – Forums on sites like Reddit, Warrior Forum, and eCommerceBytes can offer helpful information on where you can buy a pallet
• Online searches – Use your preferred search engine to look for “buy Amazon return pallets near me”

Can you make money flipping pallets on Amazon?

Yes, you can make money flipping pallets on Amazon. However, there is some risk involved. When you buy a pallet, you won’t know what’s in it until you open it. For example, these resellers spent $500 at a liquidator and ended up with items that they could sell at over $1,400:

However it doesn’t always work out. These Redditors share the not-so-good experiences:

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If you’re buying direct from Amazon, they offer an estimated value on the pallet and accept bids from the public. 

Here are some tips for making it a profitable business:

• Do your research, buy only from Amazon or a reputable liquidator
• Refurbish or fix your goods to make them look like new to get better profits
• If the original box is missing, buy a replacement or use a box branded to your business
• Factor in any selling and shipping fees to price your goods competitively
• Join a reseller support group or connect on seller forums to ask questions
• Bundle similar products
• Have a designated area where you can store, refurbish, and ship the merchandise

Business idea #13: Dog groomer

Earning potential: Average of $47,659 per year / $23 per hour, though some experienced groomers can earn $72,000 per year or more

What they do: Dog groomers bathe, brush, and trim nails and fur to maintain a dog’s appearance. They may also provide special services such as creative grooming, which involves dying fur or painting nails with animal-safe products.

There is a great demand for dog groomers, and many who are in the profession express a great love for dogs and a high level of satisfaction about the work. However, dog grooming can be physically demanding, and you need a lot of patience to deal with different temperaments of dogs (and their humans)!

If you’re building a pet-related business, it can also help to partner with trusted food brands like California Dog Kitchen to offer clients better nutrition options for their pets.

These Reddit users share their experiences, both good and bad:

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Your level of experience will make a difference in your earnings. This is a career where your salary can grow from year to year as you build your skills, services and client list. Once you have the basic skills under your belt, you can think about how you want to continue:

• Home-based: You will perform dog grooming services at your home
• Mobile: You will travel to clients to perform dog grooming services
• Storefront: You will groom dogs in a corporate setting (you can open your own shop)

Become a dog groomer

To become a dog groomer, you need to take classes to learn grooming skills and practice those skills in real life.

You can:

• Take classes online or in a classroom setting from dog grooming schools like the Paragon School of Pet Grooming or Nash Academy of Animal Arts
• Start as a bather working for a business, and learn skills on the job
• Volunteer for a business that shows and breeds dogs to learn the basics

While there is no required license for the profession, having formal training and certifications will increase your credibility and earning potential. It’s also good idea to attend dog grooming conferences to learn about the industry and stay on top of tools, techniques and trends.

11 local and online jobs that don’t require a background check

Business idea #14: Crafting and selling handmade items

If you have a knack for crafting, turning your hobby into a business can be both fulfilling and profitable. Platforms like Etsy make it easier than ever to reach a global audience.

Potential Products to Create and Sell:

• Home décor: Craft items like candles, wall art, or decorative pillows that cater to current interior design trends.
• Pet products: Handmade pet accessories, including collars and leashes, made with durable materials, such as high-quality webbing and durable plastic buckles for backpacks, ensures longevity and appeals to pet owners looking for cute, unique and high-quality products for their fur babies.

Steps to start your crafting business:

Identify your niche: Focus on a specific type of product that you are passionate about and that has market demand.

Source quality materials: Invest in high-quality supplies to ensure your products are durable and appealing. For instance, using durable plastic buckles for backpacks can enhance the functionality and attractiveness of your items.

Create an online presence: Create an online store on platforms like Etsy or Shopify, and use social media to showcase your creations and connect with potential customers.

Price competitively: Research similar products to set pricing that reflects the quality and uniqueness of your work while remaining attractive to buyers.

Bottom line: What is the best business for a woman to start?

There truly is no one-size-fits-all approach to deciding which business to start. Choosing the right business for yourself is all about figuring out what you love to do and how you can make money doing it. 

There are three key questions to ask yourself when you’re thinking about starting a business: 

1. Am I passionate about it?
2. Do I have the skills or knowledge to run it?
3. Can I make money doing it? 

If you answered yes to all three, you’ve found your match. But whatever business you decide to start, you can’t run it successfully without a top-notch website. A website is the primary way you can communicate the value of your business and build trust with the people who will become your customers.

Looking for more ways to earn extra income? Here are 86 side hustles and ways to earn passive income. Plus, learn about how to manifest money (if you believe in that sort of thing).

7 recession-proof businesses to start now to earn more money

If you’re a freelancer or entrepreneur, or thinking about becoming one, it’s vital to protect yourself and your business.

Here are the top disability insurance providers for self-employed workers:

• Northwestern Mutual
• Guardian
• Mutual of Omaha
• Assurity
• Breeze

Which is the best?

Quick answer: You need disability insurance as well as life insurance. Those who do not have disability insurance through a job, including the self-employed, can find individual coverage through reputable companies for an affordable price. Breeze disability insurance plans start at $9/month for people aged 18 to 60 years old, with monthly benefits ranging from $500 to $20,000.

In the market for life insurance? Bestow’s rate is as low as $10/month and policies up to $1.5 million, with guaranteed no medical or lab exam. Read our Bestow review.

Here’s what you need to know about disability insurance for the self-employed and Breeze insurance:

What is Breeze?

What disability insurance Breeze offers

• Breeze long-term disability terms
• Breeze long-term disability optional riders
• Breeze Critical Illness Insurance 

How much a Breeze disability insurance policy cost

How Breeze works

Pros and cons of Breeze insurance

Breeze insurance reviews

Disability insurance for self-employed individuals

• How does disability insurance work for individuals who are self-employed?

• How much disability insurance do I need as a self-employed individual?
• How much does disability insurance cost for individuals who are self-employed?
• How do I get disability insurance?

Common questions about disability insurance

Bottom line: Is disability insurance worth it?

What is Breeze?

Breeze is an insurtech start-up that specializes in long-term disability insurance. Founded in 2019, it is underwritten by Assurity Life Insurance Company, which has been in business for more than 125 years and has an “excellent” rating from A.M. Best.

Currently, Breeze is the only insurance company offering a 100% online application process. Thanks to fully automated underwriting, Breeze can provide instant quotes and set you up with a long-term disability insurance policy in as little as 15 minutes from start to finish. You probably won’t even need to take time out from your workday for a doctor’s exam or blood work.

Bonus: If your income is under $4,000 per month, you don’t have to provide any proof of earnings. Those making more than $4,000 monthly have to provide just a pay stub or tax return.

Here are a few of the free features in every Breeze policy:

• Presumptive disability: In the case of loss of eyesight, hearing, speech or limbs, there’s no elimination period – benefits begin immediately.
• Partial disability: If you return to work part-time after full disability, you’ll get a monthly benefit for up to six more months.
• Home modification: This is a benefit for those who have to retrofit your home to accommodate a disability.
• Survivor benefit: If you die after receiving payments for at least 12 months, Breeze pays a lump sum equal to six times the monthly benefit.

Based on the information you provide, Breeze will give you personalized options (good, better, best) that you can customize. For example, you can add options like a non-cancelable policy or “guaranteed insurability,” which lets you buy more coverage to add to your base policy monthly benefit. 

What disability insurance Breeze offers

Breeze long-term disability terms

Breeze primarily offers long-term disability insurance coverage. While 10-year terms are the most common, Breeze does offer a variety of other terms as well:

• 1-year term
• 2-year term
• 5-year term
• 10-year term
• To age 65
• To Age 67

For most individuals, a 10-year term will offer an appropriate level of coverage, but other term lengths have their own role to play. 

For example, if you have just 1, 2, or 5 years until you will be eligible for retirement benefits, then those shorter terms can help you protect your ability to bring in money during those final years. Likewise, if you are particularly risk-averse, longer terms that cover you until you are full retirement age (65 or 67 years old, depending on when you were born), then those policies can also be a good fit.

Breeze long-term disability optional riders

Breeze also offers a number of optional riders that you can add to your policy in order to account for a variety of possible scenarios. While the addition of riders will increase your total cost, they can often be a good idea. The optional riders offered by Breeze include:

• Automatic Benefit Increase Rider: Each year you maintain your coverage, your base monthly benefit will increase by 5% (of the original amount) until the monthly benefit has increased to double the original amount.
• Guaranteed Insurability Rider: This rider gives you the option to increase your monthly benefit by purchasing additional coverage at a later date if your salary increases, essentially locking in your ability to purchase disability insurance. These increases won’t require evidence of insurability.
• Own Occupation Rider: Own occupation insurance provides disability insurance in the event that you become disabled and can no longer work in the occupation you held before becoming disabled—even if you can technically work in a different occupation. The addition of this rider extends the own occupation period of your policy from two years through the full term.
• Residual Disability Benefit Rider: This rider provides a residual disability monthly payment in the event you become residually disabled and the elimination period has been satisfied.
• Supplemental DI Rider: This rider provides additional insurance on top of the monthly benefit provided by social insurance benefits in the event you are totally disabled. 

Breeze Critical Illness Insurance 

In addition to long-term disability insurance, Breeze also provides critical illness insurance. This is insurance that is specifically designed to pay you a cash benefit if you become afflicted by a serious illness that impacts your ability to work.

Conditions covered by Breeze’s critical illness insurance policies include:

• Heart attack
• Major Organ Transplant
• Angioplasty
• Stroke
• Paralysis
• Coma
• Kidney failure
• Coronary artery bypass surgery
• Advanced Alzheimer’s disease 
• Cancer (invasive and non-invasive)

If the event that you are afflicted by a covered condition, you will receive a lump-sum cash payment that you can either use to cover you medical expenses, regular monthly expenses, or other things.  

How much a Breeze disability insurance policy cost

Plans start as low as $9 per month for people aged 18-60 years old. Monthly benefits range from a low of $500 to a high of $20,000.

Ultimately, the cost of your monthly premium will depend on a number of factors, including:

• Your age and health at the time of application
• Your occupation
• The coverage amount (monthly benefit) you choose
• The benefit period or term you select
• The elimination period/waiting period you choose
• Whether or not you add any additional optional riders

How Breeze works

Getting an initial quote through Breeze is 100% online and takes less than 5 minutes from start to finish.

To get your initial quote, provide:

• Birthdate
• Gender
• Work status (whether you are an employee, a business owner, or an independent contractor)
• Type of work (professional, technical, light labor, labor)
• How many hours you work per week
• Net annual income (income minus taxes, work-related expenses, pre-tax retirement contributions, etc.)
• Zip code
• Whether or not you use nicotine
• Whether you are looking to protect your future, purchase coverage during maternity leave, or are looking for financial assistance because you are currently disabled

You’ll then receive three different recommended coverage options, designed to fit within your budget. You can customize these options easily by adjusting the term length, coverage amounts, elimination/waiting period, and adding optional riders. 

If you’d like to proceed, just click “Apply Now” to begin the full application. You’ll be asked questions about whether or not you have ever:

• Filed for bankruptcy
• Had a heart attack or stroke (in last 5 years)
• Been diagnosed with cancer (in last 5 years)
• Used cocaine, heroin, or other illegal drugs (in last 5 years)
• Been charged or convicted of a felony (in past 10 years)
• Are currently on probation
• Been diagnosed or treated with diabetes (in past year)
• Ever been diagnosed with AIDs/HIV-related conditions

You will then create an account by providing your name, email address, phone number, and physical address. At this point, you’ll need to confirm your previous answers, and provide some additional details about your:

• Employment status
• Legal documents (driver’s license, Social Security Number)
• Lifestyle
• General health & health history

You will also need to consent to Breeze obtaining relevant information from third parties (such as health information, driving records, credit history, etc.).  

Upon completion of these questions, if you qualify for coverage Breeze will provide you with a final quote.

Pros and cons of Breeze insurance

Pros of Breeze

• Breeze’s application process is entirely online
• Breeze rarely requires medical examinations
• It takes less than 5 minutes to complete the initial application and get a variety of quotes
• Policies are extremely affordable, starting at just $9 per month 
• A variety of term lengths (1-, 2-, 5-, 10-year, etc.) allow you to choose the right policy for your needs
• Additional riders (automatic benefit increase, guaranteed insurability, own occupation, residual disability benefit, supplemental DI) give you even more customization options
• Breeze offers critical illness insurance coverage in addition to long-term disability insurance, providing even more coverage options

Cons of Breeze

• Breeze does not offer short-term disability coverage
• If you are denied coverage during the application process, you will not immediately receive an explanation why. That being said, you will receive a letter in a number of weeks with more details about Breeze’s decision. 

Breeze insurance reviews

Breeze unfortunately does not currently have a profile with the BBB. That being said, Breeze does have a profile on Trustpilot, where it maintains an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on more than 45 reviews. 

Most reviews of Breeze on Trustpilot are very positive. Below are a number of example positive reviews:

For comparison, below is a screenshot of the single negative review which was left (along with Breeze’s response):

Disability insurance for self-employed individuals

Short-term disability insurance, which is generally available through an employer, provides benefits for up to one year after a short “elimination” (waiting) period.

Long-term disability insurance may also be offered through an employer, but can easily be purchased by individuals. It has a longer elimination period (generally 30 to 90 days), but continues to pay out until the disability ends or the insured reaches retirement age.

The benefits will depend on the kind of insurance you buy. For example, some policies will pay if you can’t work in your current occupation, while others will pay only if you can’t work in any job you’re qualified to do. It’s essential to compare apples to apples when researching the cost of disability insurance.

Still have a day job but looking at self-employment? Consider buying long-term disability insurance now, so you can take it with you when you segue into solopreneur-ing. Specify a non-cancelable, guaranteed-renewable policy. That way, your coverage will continue as long as you make your payments.

If you’re already self-employed, look at getting disability insurance right away. As noted, you’ll likely get the lowest premiums when you’re young. For example, Breeze offers policies beginning at just $9 per month, and you can apply online in minutes.

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How does disability insurance work for individuals who are self-employed?

If illness or injury strikes, you can file a claim for disability benefits with supporting documents from your doctor. After the “elimination” (waiting) period ends, your monthly payments begin.

Benefits are paid for the number of years specified in the policy; in some cases, that could mean until you reach full retirement age. Some policies also pay for related expenses, such as home modification (e.g., a wheelchair ramp) or vocational rehabilitation.  

When you’re cleared to go back to work, you notify the insurance company to end the payments. Some policies provide partial benefits if you go back to work part-time, or if you can work only in a different kind of job.

How much disability insurance do I need as a self-employed individual?

As noted, a typical policy covers as much as 60% of your current income, up to a cap set by the company. Before choosing your benefit level it’s important to add up all essential expenses. (If you’ve already got a budget plan in place, you’ll know exactly how much it costs to support your lifestyle.)

The earlier you buy the policy, the less it will cost. That’s because the older we get, the more likely we are to become sick or injured. For example, suppose in your late 20s you’re treated for a repetitive strain injury. When you apply for disability insurance at 35, RSI might be excluded from coverage.

Note: When you buy your own disability insurance policy, any benefits paid out are not taxed. However, benefits from an employer-paid policy are subject to income tax.

How much does disability insurance cost for individuals who are self-employed?

Generally speaking, a policy will run between 1% to 3% of your salary.

If you are self employed, disability coverage is based on your income as reported on the past two years of your tax returns. For example, for a sole proprietor, use your 1040 and Schedule C. For an S Corp, your 1040, W2 and Schedule E are used.

If you have been self-employed for less than two years, the disability insurer will ask for recent W2s or other documents.

Unlike many health insurance premiums, disability insurance premiums are not tax-deductible. However, any benefits paid through an individual disability insurance plan are tax-free.

How do I get disability insurance?

Disability insurance for the self-employed is available through traditional insurance companies, independent brokers, unions and “insurtech” companies like Breeze.

Look for a company with a superior financial rating. Agencies like Moody’s and A.M. Best rate insurance companies; just like in school, a grade with an “A” in it indicates the better-performing companies.

In most cases you’ll need to show two years’ worth of tax paperwork to prove you earn a living as a self-employed person. You’ll also need to provide a family medical history and both personal and professional information.

Some level of medical examination, including blood tests, is generally necessary. (But not always; Breeze rarely requires an exam.) You’ll probably need to authorize the release of medical records and, in some cases, your driving record and credit report. Breeze only uses social security numbers to verify identity — not qualify you for coverage. 

Google the phrase “disability insurance for the self-employed” and you’ll find traditional insurance companies offering to match you with agents in your city. At that point you’d go through the process noted above.

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Common questions about disability insurance

What is disability insurance? 

Disability insurance is just what it sounds like: a policy meant to replace a portion of your income if illness or injury leaves you unable to work. Each insurance company has its own limits, but typically disability insurance covers up to 60% of your pre-tax salary.

Disability insurance is part of your overall financial health. Also make sure you are:

1. Paying off debt.
2. Have a $1,000+ emergency fund, and a basic investing strategy.
3. Get life insurance.
4. Have home or renters insurance.

Disability insurance is a common workplace benefit, often partially or completely paid for by the employer. But disability insurance for the self-employed is a different matter, because there’s no employer to arrange it.

No one likes to think about becoming disabled. Yet according to the Social Security Administration, a little more than 25% of today’s 20-year-old workers will become disabled before retirement.

Workers’ Compensation only covers injuries and illnesses that are directly caused by the workplace. Social Security Disability Insurance is another benefit source, but only about 1 in 3 applicants qualify, the average processing time is more than 18 months, and the average SSDI benefit is $1,197 per month.

What does disability insurance cover?

The insurance covers illness, injury and other conditions (such as pregnancy) that keep you out of the workforce. According to data collected by the nonprofit Council for Disability Awareness, the top five reasons for long-term disability claims are:

1. Musculoskeletal disorders (29%)
2. Cancer (15%)
3. Pregnancy (9.4%)
4. Mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety (9.1%)
5. Injuries such as sprains, fractures, and strains of muscles and ligaments (9%)

What is not covered by disability insurance?

Typically, any injury or illness originating in these situations is not covered by disability insurance:

• Fighting in a war.
• While committing a crime, participating in a riot, or while in jail.
• Self-inflicted or intentional injury to yourself.

Is disability insurance based on income?

Yes, you will need to prove your most recent income to qualify for any sum of disability insurance.

The monthly benefit payout amount should be about 60% of your take-home pay. You may be able to purchase more disability insurance to cover increases in the cost of living.

Bottom line: Is disability insurance worth it? Is Breeze a good insurance company?

Disability insurance for the self-employed is not just worth it – it’s crucial. When self-employed workers can’t bring in money, they can’t get paid. The business you worked so hard to build could be heavily affected – or maybe even collapse – if you are unable to work. Having disability insurance could mean the difference between financial survival and financial disaster.

If you’re in the market for disability insurance for the self-employed, Breeze is the fastest and easiest way to do it. Within a quarter of an hour you can obtain coverage that provides peace of mind and lets you get back to the business of growing your business.