Simple Ways to Save Money on Homeschool Curriculum

I love shopping, researching, and finding new ways to save money on homeschool curriculum and programs that might work for our family. The thrill of the hunt and when you finally find that one program that just might work – ah priceless.

Except more often than not, it isn’t. It has a price attached.

We work hard for our money and honestly, I like to make sure I get the most of it the budget I do have for homeschooling. Don’t you?

Saving money, stretching what I do have and hunting for deals has become a passion of mine.

After all one year, I had a budget of $250 Canadian, for two middle schoolers! It wasn’t easy but the challenge was kinda cool.

I keep resource pages for programs offered and recommended by other homeschoolers here on the blog such as:

• Free and Frugal Homeschool Resources
• Homeschooling Resources You Need to Know About!
• My Favorite “Go-To” Homeschooling Resources

5 Days of Tips: Save Money on Homeschool Curriculum

I shared my top 5 tips for saving money on homeschool curriculum in a mini-series on Facebook or you can catch them here on YouTube.

Saving Money On Homeschool Curriculum:

Make sure you’re also signed up for Ebates, because you’ll get cashback on anything you order at Amazon. You can use it if you live in Canada as well! (Just click here fellow Canadians to get started and start saving today!) 

1. Compare prices from different vendors:

Vendors, for example, such as Christian Book.com and Amazon. Also by using the add to cart feature of Amazon will allow you to receive notifications when the item goes on sale. Lastly, as recommended by one homeschool mom who watched the video, she says to be sure to check the regular prices as sales on used items might not be a sale after all.

2. Free is not always free:

They cost time, energy and effort. Be sure to see how many “supplies” you will need to purchase to use the program. Count the cost.

3. Reuse what you have:

Take a good inventory of what you already have on hand that can be passed along to younger children. Be sure to check all the cubicles, drawers, kids’ work boxes, etc.

3. Subscription Sites/Boxes:

We talked about how subscription sites will save you money by offering one payment yearly or monthly fee for the whole family.

Disclosure: I may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

One example of this is Schoolhouseteachers.com.

They offer over 360 programs for children prk-12. It is one price no matter how many children you have.

You can try it out and see if it fits your children for $5.00 for one month! 

Another type of subscription such as Little Passports sends you everything you need to do the experiment saving you time and money gathering the supplies.

Little Passports Science Jr. – Subscription Box for Kids | Ages 5-8Little Passports Early Explorers – Subscription Box for Kids | Ages 3-5Little Passports World Edition – Subscription Box for Kids | Ages 6-10

 

Quality Is Important!

The last one is always a pitfall for me as I get stuck in saving all the pennies and start buying everything cheap… as in cheaply made. Be sure to invest in quality items and programs that you love, trust, and know are worth it for you and your family.

As you can see there are lots of simple ways to save money on homeschool curriculum.

Do Bundles Save You Money?

I love this question asked by a reader, it is a great question!

I had the opportunity to buy the Intentional Homeschooling Bundle before it was released for purchase. Yes. Buy. I used my own money.

I like to use, investigate, and dig into something before I tell you all about it.

The great thing about bundles is how much you get for your money.

The downside is you need to carefully consider things such as are you going to use the programs/e-books, unit studies in to make it worth your money.

The bundle is always changing. So be sure to keep an eye open for the next one 🙂

Questions You Should Be Asking Before You Buy A Bundle: Bundles can be a great way to save money. I still use and love my printable planner that was in the Intentional Homeschooling Bundle one year.

Therefore before you get caught up in the hype ask yourself:

1. Will I use any of these products included?
2. Is it cheaper to just buy the one I wanted instead of the whole bundle?
3. Will this work for my child/family?

What I do know is there are unit studies aimed at younger children in this bundle I will never use. Ever. I don’t have younger children, do you? If so, you might love these! They look amazing and well done as I flipped through them.

I can also tell you there are several E-books I would not have purchased had they not been in the bundle I can’t wait to dig into. Some on lesson planning, organization, and farmschooling. Even one on a homeschool budget! You know I will be all over that one 😉

For me, this bundle was certainly worth my money. For you? Only you can answer that question. Don’t forget to see what is included right here to help you make up your mind!

Utilizing Local Libraries for Homeschool Curriculum

When it comes to saving money on homeschool curriculum, one often overlooked resource is your local library. Many libraries offer an extensive collection of educational materials, including textbooks, workbooks, DVDs, and even online resources.

Here’s how you can make the most of your local library for homeschooling:

1. Curriculum Borrowing: Take advantage of your library’s borrowing system to access a wide range of curriculum materials. From math textbooks to history DVDs, you might be surprised at the variety of resources available.
2. Interlibrary Loan Services: If your local library doesn’t have a specific curriculum item you need, don’t fret! Most libraries offer interlibrary loan services, allowing you to request materials from other libraries in the network. This opens up a vast array of resources beyond what your local branch may carry.
3. Online Resources: Many libraries also provide access to online databases and digital resources that can supplement your homeschool curriculum. From e-books to educational videos, these resources can add depth and variety to your lessons.
4. Events and Workshops: Check your library’s calendar for homeschool-friendly events and workshops. These may include author visits, STEM activities, or educational seminars that can enrich your homeschooling experience.

By leveraging your local library, you can save money on homeschool curriculum while accessing a wealth of educational resources. Plus, it’s a great way to foster a love of learning and community engagement in your homeschooling journey.

So next time you’re planning your curriculum, don’t forget to include a trip to the library in your lesson plans! It’s a budget-friendly option that offers endless opportunities for learning and exploration.

Money-Saving Strategies for Your Homeschool Curriculum

As we come to the end of our discussion on saving money on homeschool curriculum, it’s clear that with a little creativity and resourcefulness, you can stretch your budget without sacrificing quality education for your children.

From utilizing online resources and subscription services to taking advantage of local libraries and comparing prices from different vendors, there are plenty of simple yet effective ways to save money on homeschool curriculum.

Remember, the key is to prioritize what’s essential for your family’s unique needs and learning style. While it’s tempting to splurge on every shiny new resource, focusing on quality over quantity and making strategic investments in curriculum materials that align with your educational goals will ultimately pay off in the long run.

So whether you’re a seasoned homeschooling veteran or just starting out on your homeschooling journey, keep these money-saving strategies in mind as you plan and prepare for the upcoming school year. With a little planning and savvy shopping, you can provide your children with a top-notch education without breaking the bank.

Here’s to empowering working homeschool moms everywhere to confidently navigate the world of homeschool curriculum while keeping their budgets in check. Happy homeschooling, and may your educational adventures be both enriching and affordable!

Remember, it’s not just about saving money; it’s about finding value and making the most of every learning opportunity for your family’s homeschooling journey.

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