We’ve all heard it: “Invest in yourself.” But what does that actually mean—especially when your cash flow is limited, you’re navigating systemic pressures, or you’re supporting a family?

One of my clients recently asked me how I decide whether a personal development investment—a course, a coach, a certification—is worth it. So, I recorded a podcast episode to share my journey. This blog post captures the key takeaways and stories I hope will help you decide when (and how) to invest in your own growth.

From Free 99 to Five Figures: My Personal Development Journey

Phase 1: Free Resources and Curiosity

When I was a public school math teacher in Washington Heights, I didn’t have money to spend on coaching or certifications. But I had time, curiosity, and a deep desire to be great at my job. So, I leaned on what I now call Free 99 learning:

• Checked out autobiographies and self-help books from the library
• Watched YouTube videos and listened to podcasts
• Applied for every scholarship and professional development opportunity I could find

I even won a $5,000 grant from Fund for Teachers to attend training in Florida. That season taught me that growth doesn’t always require money—but it does require intention and commitment.

Phase 2: Investing in Support, Not Strategy

Fast-forward to 2020. I was recovering from illness, caring for a kindergartner and toddler, and trying to build a business during a pandemic. My first investments weren’t in business coaches. They were in capacity-building support:

• A part-time nanny
• A housekeeper
• A virtual assistant

These investments gave me time and space to think, rest, and build. They weren’t traditional “personal development” expenses, but they made growth possible. Support is self-care. Delegation is strategy.

Phase 3: Business Coaching with Intention

When I finally felt ready for business coaching, I chose intentionally. I had saved $33,000 from my business and was considering going back to work full-time. But instead of taking a $120K remote job that required deleting my Wealth Para Todos Instagram, I chose to invest $10,000 in 1:1 coaching with Cat Del Carmen.

Before I paid a dollar, I listened to her podcast for a year, followed her on Instagram, and saw that her free content got me results. That built trust. Then I committed—not just to paying the invoice, but to making the investment worth it.

And it was. I made back $12,000 before we even had our first coaching call. Over the next four years, I continued working with her through private coaching and masterminds, funding some investments through 0% interest credit cards or business loans.

How I Decide If a Personal Development Investment Is Worth It

Before spending my dinero, I ask myself three key questions:

1. Am I in a Free 99 Season?

Then it’s library books, YouTube, podcasts, free webinars, scholarships, and grants. There is no shame in being resourceful.

2. Am I too tired to grow right now?

Then my next investment might not be in a coach—it might be in childcare, house cleaning, or meal prep. Sometimes what we need most is capacity, not curriculum.

3. Am I ready to invest big, but scared?

Then I ask: What result would make this investment wildly worth it?

And I commit to showing up for that result: planning for it, tracking progress, and evaluating ROI—not just financially, but emotionally, mentally, and physically.

The ROI Isn’t Always Measured in Dollars

Personal development doesn’t always lead to immediate income. Sometimes the return is:

• More peace
• More time
• New habits
• Greater self-trust
• A belief that you deserve to be supported

I’ve invested in a time coach, a wellness coach, a movement coach, and a liberation coach—not just because they taught me strategies, but because they modeled lives I admired. I consumed their free content, made sure their approach resonated, and then made the leap.

And I always ask myself: If I had to report to a board of trustees, what evidence would I show that this investment helped me grow?

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re just getting started or ready to invest thousands, personal development is always available. Here’s what I want you to take away:

• You don’t have to spend money to grow. Free 99 resources can be powerful when used with intention.
• You might not need more strategy—just more support. Invest in your capacity.
• If you do invest, go all in. Don’t just hope for change. Plan for it. Commit to making the most of it.

Ready to Grow With Support?

If this resonated with you and you’re ready to build wealth without sacrificing your wellness, I’d love to work with you 1:1. Together, we’ll create a financial plan that supports your goals and gives you the confidence to become work optional con tiempo.

My coaching includes:

• 12 private 1:1 calls
• WhatsApp access to me between sessions
• A 12-month membership to Wealth Para Todos Academy

Let’s talk. Use this link to schedule a free call.

Until next time—may you grow with grace, invest with courage, and build wealth con tiempo.