Hey Loves!
Now that I’ve given you the tea on homeschooling inexpensively, let’s talk about homeschool budgeting. I’m no expert here, but I do understand not spending a lot and wanting to invest wisely. I also know how tempting it can be to see all the gorgeous things people have to homeschool with and want it. You follow the link and see the price tag and assume it cost this much to homeschool effectively. That is far from the actual reality.
To start, you have to determine how much you can spend. This can be a lump total, per pay period, etc.
Then simply make a list. I make mine by kid or by area of need. For example, James, Jude, art supplies, prep materials and teacher supplies. In each respective list I would list the item, a description and price. For example:
James: Grammar, $40
Jude: All About Reading, $60
Art supplies: gloss acrylic paint, $10
Prep materials: copy paper $7
Teacher Materials: Planner $50
For all my type-A friends, go ahead and open up Excel or Sheets and make this a work of art. For those who have no idea what I even referenced, stick with the list.
Yours will not look like mine. Your state may cover some materials or reimburse. This has to be specific to you and your household.
This year, I decided to keep mine on my phone and add to it as things popped in my brain. This also made it easy to remove items that were purchased and help me hunt for certain items used or on sale to save money.
I also made a list of things that I can find for free to save money. For example, the grammar we chose for James will challenge him, so I will print off some basic worksheets for free to help boost confidence and refresh skills instead of buying a secondary curriculum.
Next up, compare prices. You never know who is having a sale and free shipping can save you $4-$10! I saved buying grammar from Amazon instead of the retailer.
I also plan ahead for things I know my kids will need and keep an eye out for god deals. Things like lunch totes, water bottles, reusable snack bags and other supplies can take a huge chunk of change at full price so I have no problem waiting and searching for sales. A solid list helps me keep things on track.
This year, my kids are participating in a homeschool program for which they will need other supplies. I will have to write that down and add it to the budget.
I also need to add this- you, like me, may stray from your budget. You may buy 6 packs markers instead of 3 because it’s a great deal and you know you might need them half way through the year. Don’t beat yourself up. Be mindful and be very intentional with your dollars. Especially with the curriculum. I do my absolute best to make sure I can re-sell or re-use and then resell anything over $20. I teach my kids to treat things kindly and I store them well to save them.
There’s nothing wrong with investing in your child’s education, but make sure the investment will yield a return, if you’re lucky it may yield 2 or 3!
That’s all for now.
