When my eldest daughter was in kindergarten at our local public school, it seemed like they were asking for donations almost every week. Donations for this party or that event or to support a cause or to get new these things or the others. Once we switched to homeschooling the following year, I was determined not to overspend on curriculum.
And now, with three (soon to be four) kids homeschooling, the need to save is even more important in our lives.
But it is soooooo easy to overspend. There is so much out there and what homeschooling mommy doesn’t want all the pretty, exciting things? Plus, you’re constantly buying curriculum items, hoping they work out. Yet, sometimes they just don’t and you end up with a pile of stuff that isn’t a good fit for your family.
And this is exactly why I try to cut corners on our homeschooling costs (unless I’m investing in a program that I know works for our kids/family.)
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Here’s some of the ways I save money while homeschooling:
Go to the local library.
My girls have an insatiable appetite for reading an we’ve been lucky that in recent years we’ve had easy access to awesome library systems. But even if your library is small, most offer an interlibrary loan system when you can request books from other locations. (Check out my tips for managing kids at the library).
Buy used books.
Other than workbooks, I try to buy most books used. There are many places to find used books but I’ve always been happy with the affordability, quality, and selection at AbeBooks. Also check out my Book Deals page for the latest promotions from different booksellers.
Visit the dollar store.
I can’t tell you how many homeschool supplies I have gotten at the dollar store over the years. From stickers (which I learned after years of frustration to use to help track progress) to little workbooks (especially for the 1st grade and under crowd), plus math and craft supplies, you’d be surprised what you can dig up at the dollar store!
Keep an eye out for Bundle Sales
A bundle is a promotional sale in which a large number of products in a specific niche are collected and sold bundled together at a very steep discount. There are several groups that do bundle sales specifically for homeschoolers each year, including my favorite, Ultimate Bundles, that does not only a bundle specifically for homeschoolers, but also a homemaking and other great bundles throughout the year.
Watch for sales and special promotions.
The best way to save money, though, on the things you really need and love the most is to watch for things to get discounted. A lot of curriculum publishers do sales certain times of the year and other homeschooling supply resources offer discounts throughout the year. You can also find current discounts and promotions from some of my favorite curriculum providers on my Book Deals page.
