I’m about to wrap up my fifteenth year of homeschooling. I don’t even want to know how much money I have spent on homeschooling throughout the years. Some years, I spent far more than I should have on homeschool curriculum. Other years, we just couldn’t afford it, and I had to do it as frugally as possible.
No matter your homeschool budget, homeschooling does not have to be expensive. In fact, you could even homeschool for free, if necessary. So, how can you make homeschooling more affordable?
Make Homeschooling More Affordable
Make It Work
If you want something bad enough, you’ll find a way to make it work. The same holds true for homeschooling. It may take some creative juggling with your schedule and your budget, but it is certainly attainable.
In the beginning, fifteen years ago, we really struggled to make homeschooling work. We scrimped and cut corners anywhere and everywhere we could. The kids didn’t do sports or dance classes. We relied heavily on the library and internet for information. We borrowed quite a bit of our curriculum from my aunt.
Homeschooling Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive
I’ve shared ideas before for homeschooling inexpensively. There are many free websites you can use to teach your kids. Whether you are looking for a stand-alone curriculum or something to supplement your current studies, there is so much to choose from.
There were several years where I relied on as many free resources as I could to homeschool my kiddos. While it’s not necessary to do so today, I could do it again if I needed to.
Set a Budget and Stick to It
Once you’ve committed to homeschooling, set a budget for curriculum and supplies. Scour your house and determine what you already have. What supplies can you repurpose for homeschooling? Many common household items can be used for science experiments and art projects.
After that, find what you can used or for free. Check out the post I linked above for lots of free resources. Search the internet for places to purchase used curriculum.
Then, figure out what you have left to buy at full price. Hopefully, by this point, you will have very little left to buy at full cost.
Your turn:
Do you have any tips for making homeschooling more affordable?
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We use Robinson Curriculum for the base of our homeschool. You purchase it once and can use it over and over for all your children. Considering we have 11 (and hopefully more), this is very economical. You can print the books, find them at thrift stores, use the library or even download for free on e-readers.
It’s been quite a while since I have home schooled but this year a good friend started to homeschool her daughter. I share with her often and love all your ideas here.
15 years of homeschooling – awesome. I like what you said above here – If you want something bad enough, you’ll find a way to make it work. Thank you for all the help you are giving to homeschoolers. Your giveaway sounds like a wonderful asset too. All the best and thanks for bring this help to the Blogger’s Pit Stop.
Kathleen