PSA: There's a Build Your Bundle $50 Giveaway in this post!
I will absolutely never forget my first year of homeschooling. I did the research, I looked at all the curriculum, I talked to other moms, I read the books, I joined the Facebook groups, and I made choices.
To me, education is a very serious thing. I'm truly holding my kid's futures in my hands. I need to do my part and make sure that they have a good foundation of not only core subjects but also the subjects of life.
I'm responsible for making sure they are fully equipped to succeed and to help them realize that they are capable, smart, and absolutely able to do anything they set their minds to.
So, I thought I had done my part and I had homeschooling all figured out. And now I can laugh about it because we hadn't even started yet.
In all honesty, everything came to a screeching halt when it came to the point of ordering the curriculum that I had chosen.
Because there was one thing that never even crossed my mind, and that was what the costs would be to homeschool.
I thought I did my due diligence, but the further I got into following through with the decisions I made about what I thought was best for my family, the costs were thru the roof.
I quickly began to think, "Wow. I can't afford to homeschool".
Of all the thoughts I had running through my head, a few made more sense to me than others. "Well, can you really put a number on my kid's education?" and "The numbers shouldn't matter if I'm doing what's best, right?"
And those things are absolutely true, to an extent.
But the beauty of homeschooling is that there is no "wrong" way to do it- despite what you may hear. As long as your children are learning, progressing, and having fun- you're doing it right.
Despite my wavering thoughts, I was determined to make it work. Homeschooling was/is the best decision for my family and I needed to be sure that I could make it happen on any budget.
So, the costs of homeschooling shouldn't be a deterrent- because you have options upon heaps of options. And no matter what method of schooling that you choose, no matter how big your family, no matter what your budget, you can afford to homeschool.
The longer I'm in this thing, I learn tips and tricks that help all along the way. I'm gonna share these tips with you and not only can you make homeschooling happen for your family, but you can also rock your year like the mom-boss you are.
Let's get you out of the "I can't afford to homeschool" mindset and on to another great year!
9 Tips for Saving Money on Homeschooling
Discover what homeschooling method you want to use
Remember the "heaps upon heaps of options" I mentioned? Homeschooling can happen in so many ways, you just need to know which is right for you and yours.
The most common types of homeschooling methods are Classical, Charlotte Mason, Montessori, Unschooling, School-at-Home, Unit studies, and Eclectic education methods - there are literally tons of ways to school. The Best Schools has a great resource about homeschooling methods.
Knowing what method best fits your family, your lifestyle, and your children's learning styles will help you to budget for what you'll need and not spend money on things that you don't.
Further, figuring this out will help you to better source your materials within your budget because you'll know exactly what you're looking for; saving you both time and money.
Accept that you don't need it all
Don't get sucked into the trap of believing that you need it all to succeed. This is absolutely false. You don't have to purchase the bundle, or the extras, you may not even need a whole kit or even curricula at all.
Go back and decide what homeschooling method you'll be pursuing and budget for what you absolutely need, the rest can come in time. And even if you think that you need something, weigh your options.
You'll find that by being a little imaginative and exploring materials that you already have on hand you can make things work. This is a life lesson within itself.
You can even find cheaper options outside of name brand, borrow instead of buy, and utilizing your local library, the internet, and the world around you are accessible and inexpensive options!
Buy second hand
Once you decide what method you'll be using, pick a curriculum (or don't), and decide what your must-haves are, then you can search forums, homeschool groups, thrift stores and friends for the best deals!
At the end of the school year, or before the new one begins, homeschoolers like to get rid of used curriculum to have extra funds for the next year. Mamas are continually breaking the code when it comes to thinking about how they can't afford to homeschool.
You can find communities that participate in selling curriculum on Facebook, local co-ops, ebay and via online sellers!
Facebook Groups
There are a ton of amazing Facebook Groups for homeschoolers that offer resources, freebies, limited-time offers, coupons, curricula, advice, community. Take advantage of these assets!
Join Facebook Groups that you think fit your interests, style, ages, and methods. Some of my favorite groups are Thrifty Homeschoolers, Homeschool Printables for Free, and Frugal Homeschooling Moms.
Don't forget to join our Facebook Group Fervent Christian Homeschoolers!
Follow Bloggers
In my opinion, this is one of the best ways to get high-quality resources for your homeschooling journey. Anytime you need a resource, you can always find a blog that has something to fit your needs.
It's best to sign up for your favorite blog's newsletter so that you don't miss out on any offers they put out there to their readers.
So many times, bloggers offer free resources that are amazing! Anytime you see free resources, grab them quick! You never know when you may need them or they may come in handy during your homeschooling journey.
A few of our favorite blogs are Thrifty Homeschoolers, Mom for All Seasons, Multi Taskin' Mom, My Joy-Filled Life.
Pinterest is more than just a craft, recipe, hobby social media tool- it's a top-notch virtual library. Just type what you're looking for into the search bar and find a plethora of activities, ebooks, experiments, ideas, workbooks, copywork and so much more and tons for free!
If you're looking for homeschool bloggers to follow, this is your ticket to them all! Then don't forget to follow us on Pinterest, too!
Utilize your local library
Don't undermine your most accessible free tool. The library is full of tons of books, programs, activities, and an overwhelming amount of information. Take advantage of it! No matter if you unschool, follow a curriculum, or are just eclectic, the library is always a fun place to visit for everyone!
You can even put in a request that the library begins to carry specific books. If there is a book that you have interest in, be sure to petition your library ahead of time!
Also, check out community libraries where you can take a book for leaving a book. Or maybe even start your own if your area doesn't have one that's accessible.
Explore your community
I wrote a post for Homeschool Giveaways titled "Four Reasons Why Homeschooling is Great for Socialization" and using your community as a tool at your disposal is one of my favorite topics to chat about.
Because homeschoolers have flexibility, we have an opportunity that regular schooled children do not have. Again, the beauty of homeschooling is being outside of the classroom.
"We meet other families at co-ops, we participate in organized sports, we arrange field trips, play dates, and study groups.
We take advantage of the time and resources that we have right where we are. We visit our local courthouse to learn about government. We head to our local farms when we're learning about nutrition. We visit a local gallery when we are learning about Art.
... We socialize by exploring our community and becoming a part of it."
Don't forget the beauty of community and the access that you have to it. So many people around you are willing to help your children learn about their lives, their heritage, their cultures, their families- take advantage of this!
Shop during sales
I know that this isn't always possible, but I have some tips that will help you take advantage of sales that your favorite homeschool companies offer.
First, budget for your school year. Figure out what your family finds realistic to make homeschooling successful for your family. Then, unless you're taking advantage of a crazy good sale, I don't recommend spending your whole budget at once.
Actually, I don't recommend you spend your whole budget each year. Spend as little as possible and then get creative.
When you find a company or curriculum that you love, sign up for their emails, follow them on social media, and then find bloggers that match your teaching/learning styles or often talk about these companies. This way, you will always be aware of when there is a sale and you can think ahead! 
Have you shopped the Build Your Bundle Sale? Once a year this amazing bundle sale blows us out of the water with how good it is. It's a time-saver, AND a money saver, so you really don't want to miss it!
If you've participated in Build Your Bundle in the past, you know what amazing resources are available at a steep discount. (And if you haven't, you're in for a treat!) Over the last six years, Build Your Bundle has offered homeschool families some of the best curriculum and resources from homeschool bloggers and companies around the world.
Together we strive to infuse confidence into homeschool families while offering quality educational materials at unbeatable prices! And this year will be no different!
In the past, they have had bundles for Early Learning, Elementary, Middle & High School, Homemaking, Special Needs and much more. They also offer a Premium Product section with online courses discounted up to 50% off!
This month, Build Your Bundle is offering a $50 Gift Certificate to their upcoming sale starting May 11th. Past bundles have started at $9.95, so you can get a lot of curriculum for just $50! Be sure to enter this month for your chance to win and sign up now to be notified when the sale starts.
It is your responsibility to read the terms and conditions upon entering. Entering the giveaway signs you up for the following newsletters: Build Your Bundle, The Fervent Mama, Homeschool on the Range, Making Room 4 One More, The Art Kit, Beyond the Stick Figure, In All You Do, Hess Un-Academy, Heart & Soul Homeschooling, Hide the Chocolate, Simple Living Mama, Peace Creek on the Prairie, Clarissa R. West, and Orison Orchard.
Enter in the form below! Each entry increases your odds of winning, and you're sure to find some new bloggers to follow. This giveaway ends at midnight CST on April 26, 2020.
Still thinking that you can't afford to homeschool?
Think again. There are tons of ways to save money when it comes to homeschooling, you just need to figure out what works for you!
Do you have any tips to share with someone who doesn't think that they can homeschool because of the costs? What are your favorite homeschooling tips?
If you're looking for great homeschooling resources, don't forget to check out the "SHOP" section of our blog. If you're looking for a safe space to chat about Christian homeschooling, join our Facebook Group Fervent Christian Homeschoolers for a community of woman support just for you!
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