Description

You want to start but wonder how much homeschooling will cost? The wait is over, Mary Ellen and Ginny share the cost, the budget, and how to maximize your benefits. 

Learn about different homeschooling styles, where to find free placement tests and samples, budgeting tips and tricks, and much more. And as always, you're guaranteed to smile with their humorous yet practical, common-sense approach. 

How to Create and Live with a Homeschool Budget

When people think of homeschool budgets, they often jump to the curriculum. While that can be the bulk of the expense, many factors play into the cost of homeschooling, accounting for a wide variance in what families spend.

Budgeting your first year is hard because you have no idea what to expect. Here’s what to do:

• Keep track of your expenses.
• Don't impulse buy; be sure you need it.
• If possible, wait a few days before purchasing.

The curriculum cost… 

will hold some families back from homeschooling, but these tips will make that easier.

Research your style before you buy

• Scholastic 
• Classical
• Charlotte Mason 

Research different Providers and Publishers 

1. Check out the websites for free placement exams.
2. Sample books online and skim a few pages. 
3. Can a friend who uses the materials let you look them over?
4. Would she let you observe one day when she homeschools?

Check out the return policy 

Don't rely on the website. Call and ask before you buy.

Buy used – a great way to save

• Facebook groups
• eBay
• Thrift books
• Library sales, etc. 

Check out school voucher programs

• Arizona and Florida have them.
• A dozen other states have them, too, and more are becoming available.
• Some states have educational savings accounts. 
• Research what your state offers.

Supplies - from pencils to laptops

Buy in bulk only when needed.

Ask for discounts

• Many stores give teachers discounts. 
• Homeschool teachers often qualify, use your IHIP as proof, or make an ID card. 
• HSLDA offers discounts for members.
• Ask relatives to gift memberships to museums or national parks. Or for big-ticket items like microscopes, science kits, etc. It's easier for relatives than buying individual gifts.
• Use the library for special collections, discount passes, computers and internet, audiovisual materials, maps, music, art, tutoring, and inexpensive classes.

Food

You might be shocked at how much your food bill will increase. Three meals a day plus two snacks can add a lot to a weekly grocery bill. It's essential to have rules and to shop judiciously.

1. No grazing.
2. Bake where you can; packaged food is unhealthy and very expensive.
3. Try to cook for multiple meals. Ham on Sunday can become a casserole on Tuesday, and the bone can be pea soup on Thursday.
4. Meal plan. Nothing breaks the budget like last-minute takeout.
5. The kitchen closes at night.

Utilities

Having people in the house all day also increases utility bills, more heat, more a/c, and more water. Teach children to be careful with their resources.

Specials and Extras – can yield a significant return on investment

• Music Lessons
• Sports
• Field Trips

Important - Here's what not to do:

1. Do not switch the entire curriculum mid-year because someone is struggling, bored, or hates it. These can be addressed individually and only require a little money to fix.
2. Do not ask on Facebook what they use for (fill in the blank). You will get four hundred answers and affiliate links to their favorite things.
3. Do not impulse buy or click on Instagram or Facebook ads. Take a deep breath, vacuum something, and think before you purchase.

At the end of the year

Assess your spending. 

Save what you can for next year, the next child.

Give away or sell what you don't need or didn't work.

Try to set a reasonable budget for the coming year. 

Having more control over the finances will bring a lot of peace of mind.

Resources

1. HSLDA https://hslda.org/explore/member-savings