Homeschooling On A Budget

The cost of homeschooling can quickly add up! Knowing the ins and outs of homeschooling on a budget may save you many sleepless nights and having a bank account in the reds.

Apart from knowing how to homeschool on a budget and setting a budget, sticking to that homeschool budget is imperative!

As a homeschooling mama of two, I’m always looking for ways to give my kids the best education possible while sticking to a budget.

In so doing, I’ve found a few ways that have allowed me to homeschool on a budget.

How To Stretch Your Homeschool Budget

 

1.  Set a budget

This is quite obvious. But so many of us go about our daily lives not having a plan for our finances.

As a homeschooling mama, you must take a look at your finances and dedicate a sum of money towards your homeschooling journey.

Once you’ve set that budget plan, keep records of your spending and the balance in your homeschooling bank.

2.  Spend time researching curriculums

I have always advocated for ditching a curriculum if it doesn’t work for you and your kids, and I still am. However, you can prevent the ditching of curriculums by thoroughly researching the curriculum you are leaning towards.

Look at the review, ask for feedback, preview, and search for sample pages online. These steps will give you a better idea of whether the curriculum meets your standards and expectations.

3.  Buy used curricula

You can find gently used curricula and books at thrift stores at an extremely affordable cost. Utilize your local thrift stores for books and curriculums. Connect with local homeschooling parents who are also homeschooling on a budget and are willing to sell or exchange their homeschooling curricula and resources.

4.  Sell or exchange curricula

You can homeschool on a budget by selling your used books and resources you’ve gone through and will no longer need to your local thrift stores and other homeschooling parents. Then put that money towards other homeschooling resources.

5. Make use of free online resources

There are thousands of free online resources of high quality available on the world wide web.

Download those freebies or sign up for those programs and get the maximum benefits possible.

Easy Peasy is one of those free websites that offer excellent g resources. K5 Learning is another fantastic place to find free worksheets.

For more places, you can access free resources; visit free resources for K – grade 2.

6. Join a homeschool group or co-op

When you join a homeschool group or co-op, you can share resources and activities with other like-minded homeschooling families. This will save you money on extracurricular activities, field trips, and curriculums.

As a bonus, you can make amazing homeschooling friends through homeschool groups.

7. Keep an eye out for sale

Get the best deal for your buck and stretch your homeschool dollars by purchasing supplies and curricula when it goes on sale.

As a rule of thumb, having a plan as to what curricula you would like to try out and then signing up for their newsletter or following them on their social media account will give you first-hand knowledge of when products go on sale.

I usually purchase my homeschooling supplies on Amazon. Once my stock begins to go below my threshold, I will add those products to my cart, and then I will regularly check my cart to see if items go on sale, or sometimes, Amazon will send me an email to notify me that the product is on sale.

This works well for me because it allows me to save on items instead of making an impulsive buy at a higher cost.

8. Free or low-cost field trip

If you have been avoiding field trips for fear of breaking your bank account, fear not and get out and start having fun!

You can look up free or low-cost field trips in your community. Many places offer discounts to homeschoolers, and some areas are accessible.

Nature trials are a great way to get out and have fun!

9. Don’t shop impulsively

Have you ever been out running an errand, saw an item, immediately brought it, and rarely used it?

You can manage your homeschooling expenses by becoming a savvy shopper. This is pausing for a day or two before purchasing big-ticket items. Pausing and reflecting on whether you need an item will result in you making a wiser purchase.

Pausing to make a purchase may even result in you waiting for the item to go on sale, resulting in more money in your pocket.

10. Visit your local library

If you have not used your local library, now is the time to!

You can borrow educational resources, books, and DVDs from your local library.

Your local library may often offer free workshops, computer access, internet access, and even printing services.

Let your local library become your favorite homeschooling hangout spot.

Why You Should Homeschool On A Budget

Public schools are by far more expensive than homeschooling.

Making that conscious decision to homeschool on a budget will allow you to access more resources and opportunities for your homeschoolers.

As the homeschooling educator, you will be less stressed because let’s face it. Red bank balances result in sleepless nights, frustration, feeling of unworthiness, and anger. Emotions that create an unstable environment. Resulting in you running on an empty cup

As a homeschooling mama, your cup must be full, and overflowing ( if you will) to create a warm, nurturing, loving environment.