How to Homeschool on a Budget and Not Go Broke

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Are you someone who thinks "I can't homeschool, it costs too much."

Well, you need to know that is a myth. Homeschooling can cost just as little or as much as you'd like. You don't need to spend a fortune on curriculum--there are some years where I had barely spent anything for our size of family and some where I have spent a little more. But I always try to follow some helpful guidelines that keep me on track with my budget goals.  Let me explain how I have done this in further detail:


1. KEEP IT SIMPLE

Don't try to overthink everything and try to get everything out there. It is easy to get caught up in all the hoopla of new books and a new year and thinking you need more than you actually do. Be wise with how much you really need and not be wasteful.

2. DON'T BE SWAYED

All that glitters isn't gold. Sometimes that shiny new curriculum just isn't what you thought it would be. Do your research and realistically think about your children and how your home runs. Can you actually implement this curriculum without becoming overwhelmed?

3. IGNORE PEER PRESSURE

Just because all your friends are using a certain curriculum don't feel the pressure to use the same thing. I have heard from so many moms who have made this mistake and regret it. It may work for your neighbors but it might just be a disaster for you so make sure you pray and ask God to direct you to what would work best for your family.


4. THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX

Last year I shared 18 Ways to Save on Homeschooling Curriculum while thinking outside of the box. You might find it helpful too:

Oh, and don't forget to reuse your curriculum. Because we have a large family we like to buy books we can pass down every year and not buy many consumable workbooks that we have to rebuy every year.

5. DON'T MISS GREAT DEALS WHEN YOU SEE THEM

I remember one time at a homeschool conference there was a huge clearance sale on classic paperback readers that were going for a quarter to a dollar each.  I didn't take the time to look them all and regretted it later when I went by the booth later and saw most of them were already picked through and gone. I should have not walked by this great deal! That was definitely a lesson learned.




So what ways do you homeschool on a budget?

Please share them with us!