Homeschooling on a Budget

Like so many families, we have had to tighten the budget to account for the rising cost of living.

 

1. Use the public library or Youtube for read aloud books. 
2. Shop the sales. Grab a binder, graph and lined paper, and card stock when school supplies are on sale. You can check out the prices in my Amazon storefront here.
3. Simplify supplies. Your children need basics, but sometimes too many gadgets creates more work organizing and mantaining everything. Start with the basics and add as needed.
4. Simplify meals. This list from the moms in the Restoration Home group can help you plan for budget friendly meals, and having a plan can help you avoid expensive impulse meals.
5. Rotate toys. Sometimes the novelty of something new can help children engage, but toys are expensive. Instead of buying new things, simply pack up half of what you have and rotate them in. This will save time on pick up and save money as well.
6. Don't take children shopping. Most of my impulse buying happened when I took my children shopping with me. I now do most of my shopping online (my Peaceful Press Amazon storefront has many of my favorites) and save money by being more deliberate about what I purchase.
7. Barter. If babysitting or lessons are an added expense for you, try bartering. Is there a day you could watch kids in exchange for babysitting credits? Do you have a skill you could trade for music lessons? We even apprenticed a teen son to our contractor to save money on construction costs. He learned valuable skills, and our contractor ended up offering him a paid job after he was finished which helped him graduate from college debt free.

What are your best tips for homeschooling on a budget? Hit reply and let us know!