Easy Ways For Homeschooling Parents To Save Money

This post is written by Guest Blogger Carrie Lauth of Natural Moms Talk Radio.

In some ways, homeschooling saves you money automatically. Think of it: there are no fundraisers (where as a parent you feel obligated to buy cheap overpriced junk), you spend less on gas, the kids need less clothing, their books and curriculum can be reused for younger children, and making lunch at home saves money too.

On the other hand, you are responsible for your child’s educational supplies. And there is a dizzying array of great stuff you can buy for your homeschooled kid. What’s a frugal homeschool parent to do?

Here are some tips to help you save cash.

How Much Do You Have To Spend?
How much of the family’s budget will be allotted to school supplies? Deciding this will make your purchase decisions easier. Much of it will have to do with your educational philosophy. If you’re unschooling you’ll likely spend little on curriculum, but more on arts and crafts activities. If you’re into a more classical approach, great books and language resources will be necessary. Budgeting makes it possible for you to decide on your priorities.

Where Can I Get It For Less? Or For Free?
Thankfully there are many ways for a homeschooling family to get the items they need at a great price. Some ideas:

• Homeschool group swap meets – ask your local homeschool group when or if they’ll organize a swap meet for parents to trade or buy from each other.
• eBay and other online auction sites – great for obtaining slightly used (or new!) curriculum and books for far under retail.
• Craigslist – see above
• FreeCycle – a great way to get all kinds of free items for projects
• The Internet – for more tips on using the ‘net in your homeschool, read Homeschool Your Child for Free by Laura Maery Gold and Joan M. Zielinski
• Homeschool message forums online – many of these have for sale or swap forums
• Yard sales and thrift stores – some of the cheapest books and educational toys and software are available here
• Public library – a well worn library card is every homeschooling parents’ best friend! Not just for books but also for great music, free educational programs, arts and crafts, entertainment such as DVD
  rentals, and more.
• Make it yourself – items like flash cards, math manipulatives and more can be created from scratch with things you already have lying around the house. For younger kids, the clocks, measuring cups
  and spoons, rulers, measuring tape, blocks etc that you already own are some of the best math tools available.

Using a combination of these sources is probably your best bet for getting all your kids need for a fraction of what you would pay buying brand new. In addition, some parents are using the K12 online
curriculum available at www.K12.com. It’s a full curriculum provided at no cost to the parents, and some families who are eligible can also get a free computer and reimbursement of their internet service provider fees.

Do I Really Need It?
How much money does it really take to get a good education? While I drool as much as the next parent when I browse through the educational catalogs, I’ve realized that it takes very little money to get a good education. Some of the greatest thinkers of our modern era had nothing but good books, interesting people to talk with, and perhaps a slate and chalk! The most important tool our kids need is us – our time and willingness to facilitate their learning.

About the Author: Carrie Lauth is a mom of 4 homeschooled kids who is enjoying every minute of it. She blogs about homeschooling and other aspects of natural family living at Natural Moms Talk Radio. Also check out her free resources for homeschoolers.

photo credit: ken +