My Yearly Homeschool Budget ($50-$100) + How to Spend Wisely

The first step to homeschool planning is a budget. Recently, I said to the man-of-the-house: I think my homeschool budget will be $100 this year. He said: Why not $50? I'm taking the challenge. In this post, My Yearly Homeschool Budget ($50-$100), I will be sharing three guiding steps to spending wisely on homeschool needs.

My Words of Advice

• Just because you can afford to spend $500 doesn't mean you should.
• Remember, more expensive curriculum doesn't mean a better education.
• When all the learning is pre-planned, it makes learning less about discovery and dry.
• ​Living books are free online, and the extras, the 3 R's, you can get at an affordable price.
• You can homeschool your whole family together for free or very affordably.

Step 1: Need It - What Subjects Do I Actually Need?

Take a moment to thing about this. What subjects do you need in printed format? In other words, which book (s) do you or your child actually need to have in your hands?  Remember most books are free online here, but you might need: Bible, Reading, Writing, Arithmetic, and a few more.


#1 King James Bible.  Every child needs to have their own Bible. I like the King James Version for its literary beauty (like reading Shakespeare). It will further help develop your child's sense of beauty even while learning truth.  We own it, so our cost is $0.


#2 Reading Book. A child needs to point to each word as they are learning to read, so having an actual book in hand is very important. We suggest having the reading book and spelling book on hand in the McGuffey's Eclectic Series. This will allow them to read and copy carefully.  We own it - $0.


#3 Writing Book. A child needs to learn proper penmanship stroke-by-stroke. Yes, you can teach this without a book (just penmanship paper), if you know the correct letter formations by heart or by letter chart. We are working on creating a CHRISTIAN Penmanship Book that will have two options - a FREE printable or a spiral-bound handbook. Stay tuned! $0+

#4 Math Book. A child can do math with the free choices on our booklists, but for starting out and for building a solid foundation, I am using Rod & Staff's Beginning Arithmetic, Year 1. Workbook 1 is for Kindergarten and Workbook 2 is for First Grade. It is very affordable!  The Teacher Guide is $27 and the Workbook 1 is $9, but we own it - so $0. For math games, the free Everyday Arithmetic Series -$0.  

#5 Teacher Guide and a few more things.  I feel it is important to have my lesson plans in front of me to stay on track from day-by-day. I always order a printed teacher guide (modified kindergarten - $25). 

The rest of my budget will go for School Supplies at the Dollar Tree or Dollar General - $15.

• 3-4 Composition Notebooks (Book of Centuries, Book of Mottoes, Science Notebook)
• Pencils & Eraser
• Scissors & Glue Sticks
• Colored Pencils or Crayons
• Craft Supplies 

In addition, you may need to buy a science textbook for higher grades or perhaps you'll want to purchase a pack of art cards for picture study. Maybe there's a suggested storybook on our booklist that is beautifully illustrated. If your budget allows, you can get a few extras. 

Step 2: Compare It - Which Curriculum Is Best? Best Price?

After you make a list of essential books to have on hand, you can choose which curriculum is best for your child. 

• You can choose your own math curriculum.
• You can choose your own handwriting curriculum - we looked at Delightful Handwriting.
• You can change a curriculum - maybe you prefer Hooded on Phonics.

As you compare curriculums, also consider the best price.

There is one piece of advice that I want to give you when comparing . . .  calculate price per page.

Don't let your hard-earned money go out the window with fancy talk or emotional sales words such as "be confident." As parents, we are confident because we have God's spirit to guide us, and we know our own children.

By doing a price per page check, you can be sure you are getting an affordably printed book.

​Also . . . sleep on it. 

Step 3: Shop It - Where Is It Affordable or Free?

Now that you know your budget, what subjects you are purchasing, and exactly which curriculum books you are looking for, it's time to shop. Can you get if for free or very affordably? 

How do you find affordable and free books?  Here is our top favorite ways! 

• Reading online free.
• Borrow from library, friend (or book swap) is free.
• Buy used at Thriftbooks.com for affordable prices + free shipping option.
• Buy new at Rainbowresource.com for best prices + free shipping option.
  
• Milestonebooks.com has affordable math curriculum.

Spending Wisely and Final Thoughts

I call it my cycle of doubt. Every year, I think: That fancy curriculum kit with the fancy price tag must be better. I waste hours researching. I surmise: The joy of living books is not only better, but free. 

My final thoughts for you . . . 

• What is your homeschool budget? 
• (After looking over the booklist) Which subjects do you need in hand?
• Which curriculum is best for your child and the best price? Price-per-page. 
• Where can you find this item for free or very affordable?