Homeschool moms come in all shapes and sizes nowadays. We range from crunchy to hip, ultra conservative to extreme liberal. It’s a kaleidoscope of mommas like never before. However, I bet there is one thing that almost all of us have in common; we love to save money.
See, we often sacrifice one income or change careers, to be home with our children. We can also all agree that homeschool curriculum is never cheap. Plus the food bill alone can break us! (You know they aren’t having second breakfast and third lunch in public school.)
So today I’m going to share with you five ways to save money as a homeschool mom.
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As soon as I have my curriculum choices, I head straight to eBay. Sometimes I legitimately want to cry when I see something is coming out with a new edition, especially if I can’t get consumables to go with the older editions.
I also browse curriculum sale groups in my area and on Facebook. Sometimes buying used can save you 50% or more! Think of the extra snacks you can buy with the savings.
#2 – Shop the sales
So what if your curriculum choice has just released a brand new edition that doesn’t line up with anything you can find used? Wait for a sale. Many curriculum companies will run various sales and deals throughout the year. Several of these occur right at back to school time.
Apologia will often run % off sales, and sometimes free shipping. BJU frequently offers 10% off and sometimes their courses can go as low as $99. Companies will also offer free trials that at least let you try it before you sink your hard earned money into something that doesn’t work.
Watch for these deals. You can often find them by stalking the publishers Facebook page. Don’t pay full price when you don’t need to. The same goes for school supplies, shop the sales.
#3 – Check the dollar store first
I often get giddy with excitement at the dollar store. I’m pretty sure I embarrassed my sister one time over a good price on carpet sprinkle. More than anything, I’m all about dollar store craft supplies and classroom resources.
Why? Because my 8-year-old does not care if her glitter came from the dollar store or Walmart. I can often find flash cards at a fraction of the price, and I love to buy my Post It notes there. (Why on earth do those little squares cost so much?) Other great buys include pencil pouches, binders, stickers, index cards, feathers, pipe cleaners, googly eyes….okay, you probably get my point now. I love the dollar store.
#4 – Utilize your local library (or buy used through Amazon)
I see this over and over; people are saving a ton of money just by using their local library. So many curriculums out there sound like an excellent deal. Then once you purchase them, you get the dreaded mile long list of books that you need to buy. There’s required book lists, optional book lists, and just in case you want to spend more money book lists. You can end up paying $15 on a “curriculum” and have to add $300 worth of books. Check your local library first!
So why do I even add buying used through Amazon? Because y’all, I live out in the sticks. (If you’ve watched one of my live videos you will know this is true.) I’m 30 minutes from the nearest library, and I’ll be honest, once I get there, it’s nothing to write home about. The selection is meager at best.
Oh sure, I can use the interlibrary system and have something shipped from Timbucktoo, but it often costs me more than it would to buy the book used on Amazon. Then the book is mine to keep because you know I need another book in this house. Just ask my husband!
Multicolored Dry Erase Pockets, Resuable Sheet Protectors with 10 Assorted Colors, Supplies for Classroom, Office & Home-School Organization, 10 x 14 inches (10 Pack)
Seville Classics 10-Drawer Multipurpose Mobile Rolling Utility Storage Organizer with Tray Cart, Multicolor (Pearlized)Gamenote Rotating Art Supply Organizer – Lazy Susan Office School Supplies for Kids Desk Organizers and Storage Homeschool Craft Caddy Classroom Organization
#5 – Find Free Resources
The internet is FULL of free resources for homeschooling. I mean, have you checked out Easy Peasy Homeschool yet? It’s years worth of curriculum for free. I’m not talking about slapped together curriculum either. This site offers good stuff.
Even if you can’t find everything you’re looking for you can at least find supplements here and there. Homeschool Printables for Free is another place to find great supplements for your curriculum. If you still can’t find what you need ask in some of your homeschool groups. I bet someone can help you out.
So there you go, five ways to save money as a homeschool mom.
Do you have any you would add to the list? Comment below!
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