How to save money when homeschooling is a top question among parents. To help you not break the bank when buying homeschool supplies I have put together a list of tips that will make shopping a breeze.
Use these 7 ways to save the next time you need to buy your homeschool supplies.
1. The library is your best friend
When it comes to saving money remember that you don’t have to actually buy copies of every book or workbook you need.
Public libraries really are your best friend you can check out books, d.v.d’s, and even make copies of some workbooks.
Another benefit of going to your local library is that they usually do read-alongs and other free events that your students can participate in and provides the ability to spend time with other kids of different ages.
2. Field Trips can be cheaper or even free
As a teacher you will want to plan many different ways to get out of the house and teach them something new.
The joy of being a homeschooler is that you can plan your trips on days that offer discounted or free specials.
Some places that are perfect for that are museums, zoos, local businesses, and art galleries. Most will even give discounts to teachers (yes, you count).
For more information on how to get that discount check out the next tip.
If you are looking for field ideas you can get over 75 field trip and easy at home activities with the Preschool Activities Bundle. The field trip ideas work for children to 1st grade.
Get your copy here.
3. Get a HOMESCHOOL ID
A lot of businesses are up to the times of homeschoolers being teachers. So most places will give you the teacher’s discount, but you will need some sort of homeschool ID.
You can create your own here.
You can create a teacher’s ID badge and a student ID badge. Look up some homeschool ID badges for inspiration and create yours the way you would like.
My suggestion is that you laminate it, hole punch it, and add a lanyard to it.
Any time you call a company ask about student/teacher discounts. The worst thing they can say is no and don’t be embarrassed to ask because it can save you so much money in the end.
4. Remember the dollar store isn’t always the answer
Who doesn’t love the dollar store?! Sometimes we go to the dollar store for everything because getting something for a $1 sounds like the ultimate deal.
However, that is not always the case depending on how much you need of an item or what the item is you can end up spending more than you intended to.
My suggestion is to price check items that you don’t normally buy or things that may be cheaper than a dollar. You can do a quick Google search and get some ideas that should help you make the best decision.
Some examples are folders, notebooks, binders, and other items that you may normally think are a great steal.
You can grab notebooks, folders, and packs of papers for .10¢ to .85¢. Especially for items that you can buy for 10 for $1 at local retailers like Target or Walmart.
5. Have friends/family use holidays for school supplies (books/activities/etc)
Do you need some educational toys or books that you just haven’t had the chance to purchase yet? Or maybe you are just trying to save a little money and want some help.
Families and friends are great to help offset some of these costs.
This doesn’t mean you have to go around constantly asking for help or different items.
What I would suggest is telling friends and families before your little one’s birthday or big holidays that you would prefer educational gifts books or otherwise.
I keep a running Amazon wish list that my family can go on and get gifts. Remember to let them know that they can get any gifts they want, but these will help you. Many family members will understand and be more than happy to help.
6. Co-ops/Homeschooling groups
Another amazing resource is join a homeschooling co-op in your community or city. Most co-ops will share resources, books, and learning ideas.
The best ones sometimes will have where different parents teach different subjects and go on field trips together.
Just be willing to share just as much as you borrow and you will have access to numerous homeschooling supplies or even places that you can get them on a budget.
7. Buy after school starts but before Halloween
Knowing when to buy is one of the biggest money saving strategies you can use. Back to school sales are always going to be promoted from late July to September.
Your best time to buy these homeschool items if you are not in dire need of them and just trying to stock up is to make your purchase from mid-September through October.
This is when school supplies will be marked down to their lowest prices and you can swoop in for maximum savings.
Remember if you need any of these items to keep your homeschool running then don’t use this timeframe because you don’t want something you needed to be out of stock when you are ready to buy.
How to Save
Making smart financial decisions and having a budget in place are the starting points to making sure you can save money when buying homeschool supplies.
But remember there are so many other tips and tools you can do to save money when you homeschool.
These 7 tips are excellent ways to save, but don’t forget your curriculum. Always be on the lookout for low-priced or even free materials.
- Check out the freebies area for incredible homeschool materials and printables.
- Another amazing resource is for my V.I.P. Mama’s it is the subscriber library. It contains one-of-a-kind resources for mamas who are on my e-mail list.
If you not already apart of this exclusive club then you can sign up below.
Additional Money Saving Resources for You:
Homeschool Discounts to Save Your Family Money: You can save money just by being a homeschooler. Check out the HUGE list of places and things you can save money on. Plus, learn about all the documentation you should have as a homeschooler and get a very special freebie.
Dollar Tree Homeschool Supplies Dos and Don’ts [Organization Hacks]: As a homeschooler I know one of your favorite places to shop is the dollar store. Learn what to get and what to avoid to get the most bang for your buck…literally.
Last Updated on November 2, 2024 by Kierra