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Mimip
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| Posted: June 19 2009 at 6:00pm | IP Logged
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Dearest Ladies,
My DH and I got into a very deep discussion about budgeting for curriculum needs. I need some ideas. I am struggling with just how much is too much (of course each family is different) and just how much we need. We have an okay Library that I try to use really well but its the other things that seem to creep up.
I'll give you an example: I would love to buy some more advanced art supplies for my children. How do I budget that??? Another example is about choosing curriculum according to cost. I struggle with spending so much for a Math curriculum that I "think" might work better. AUGH!!!!
My theme for this year is to find the Joy in my vocation and help my kids find it too (post about this soon to come  ) and I think one of the biggest problems is my budgeting right now.
Does anyone use a spreadsheet? Or a wish list? Do you budget a little each month for summer purchases???? How do you budget the "silent costs' like printer ink and paper?
Thought this was a great place to come to with these questions.
Thanks in advance!
__________________
In Christ,
Mimi
Wife of 16 years to Tom, Mom of DD'00, DD'02, '04(in heaven) DS'05, DS'08 and DS '12
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Betsy
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| Posted: June 19 2009 at 6:22pm | IP Logged
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We budget every month for HSing costs.
~To determine the amount I first, figure out what my "core curriculum" will cost at the beginning of the year.
~We then determine their extracurricular costs (piano, sports, extra classes) that we realistically plan on doing.
~I then think about art supplies, consumables, anything else.
I add this all together and then divide by 12. Then DH and I discuss the amount...is is doable (usually not). Then we begin examining things more closely (or play money games, as I like to call it). We see if all "core curriculum" is necessary,what classes can be cut or $$ for these come somewhere else (Christmas gifts, $ from grandparents, etc)
Eventually we come to a set amount each month. Every month we take that out in cash and put it in two envelopes. I take the "core currilum" amount off the top. The rest goes in the second envelope. As things come up...new picture books, activities, etc...I balance it against what we have in that envelope and make a decision if we can afford it.
This was long winded...but I hope that it helped a little.
Betsy
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guitarnan
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| Posted: June 19 2009 at 7:24pm | IP Logged
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One good way to cut costs for your reading/literature selections is to go to thrift shops and trade books at Paperbackswap.com. I just ordered a marine biology book from PBS. My Spanish dictionary was 50 cents at Goodwill. I found a college Spanish textbook at a church yard sale - 50 cents, CD included. It takes time, but it's a good way to get some of those "extra" literature and language materials without taking away from other subjects.
(I've bought art supplies and construction paper at yard sales, too!)
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Nancy in MD. Mom of ds (24) & dd (18); 31-year Navy wife, move coordinator and keeper of home fires. Writer and dance mom.
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Betsy
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| Posted: June 19 2009 at 7:43pm | IP Logged
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guitarnan wrote:
One good way to cut costs for your reading/literature selections is to go to thrift shops and trade books at Paperbackswap.com. I just ordered a marine biology book from PBS. My Spanish dictionary was 50 cents at Goodwill. I found a college Spanish textbook at a church yard sale - 50 cents, CD included. It takes time, but it's a good way to get some of those "extra" literature and language materials without taking away from other subjects.
(I've bought art supplies and construction paper at yard sales, too!) |
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In the same vain...I am a stickler for coupons. AC Moore, Michael's, Hobby Lobby and Jo-Ann's all have 40-50% off coupons regularly (and each store honors competitors coupons). It's a pain, but I am notorious for going a few days in a row or having dh or ds ring up an order separately to get the discounts. This is very valuable for art supplies.
Betsy
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guitarnan
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| Posted: June 19 2009 at 8:27pm | IP Logged
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We do this, too. Also, if you like to use newsprint for drawing paper, consider ordering a ream at a time from Dick Blick art supplies (online). We did this for years - much cheaper than those sketch pads you buy at Wal-Mart or Michael's.
Also, ask family and friends to give art/craft supplies for gifts.
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Nancy in MD. Mom of ds (24) & dd (18); 31-year Navy wife, move coordinator and keeper of home fires. Writer and dance mom.
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mom2mpr
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| Posted: June 19 2009 at 10:47pm | IP Logged
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I didn't really budget from our household income. I used the cash back bonus from our Discover Card  . We have every bill we can go to that card(we have to pay it anyhow, right?) It really added up. And made it easier to buy books and all.
And, it made it easier for me to do bills.
We didn't include the kids activities in the homeschool expenses as they would still do them even if they were in school.
We use the library a lot. We save gas by using the library express box 5 minute drive from our house. Order the books online.
Anne
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Mare
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| Posted: June 20 2009 at 8:09am | IP Logged
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Our budget comes from what we would spend to send our children to the local parochial school. I usually do all the shopping for the school year in the late spring/early summer.
I make a list of all the books we'll need an the art supplies to be replenished. I also inventory the paper/ink/pencils etc. After a few years of doing this, I get a feel for what is needed for the upcoming year.
Before ordering books, I check out our library. If they don't have the books I need, then I shop thrift stores and used book stores. I also use those coupons from the craft stores for the art supplies, etc. Sometimes I even find things at the Dollar Store.
I also look out for the back to school sales at Target and Walmart. Sometimes they have Elmers Glue for $.10 a bottle. I stock up for the year at this time.
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mooreboyz
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| Posted: June 20 2009 at 9:48am | IP Logged
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I put together a wish list at the beginning of each summer. I check if certain books or movies are at the library before buying. I then run the grand total by dh. My cost does not include pens/pencils/art supplies/piano lessons. Piano lessons are in our monthly budget and other supplies I pick up as needed. It does include montessori type purchases like Metal insets or equipment like a balance scale. DH will then let me know what he thinks and I tailor my list accordingly. I then usually buy in July (after the gardening buying onslaught and before the 3 birthday and anniversary August). This also gives me time to check the materials out before we start officially. I do a very good share of my buying on Amazon. I used to find better deals on ebay and sometimes I still do, but I find Amazon super convenient and have the best prices and you get free shipping. I also will buy some things used on Amazon. You have to pay for shipping then, but I got some great books for geography last year for under 25 cents a piece.
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Jackie
7 boys - 1, 4, 7, 10, 13, 15, 17 years
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Mackfam
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| Posted: June 20 2009 at 10:00am | IP Logged
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mooreboyz wrote:
| I put together a wish list at the beginning of each summer. I check if certain books or movies are at the library before buying. I then run the grand total by dh. My cost does not include pens/pencils/art supplies/piano lessons. Piano lessons are in our monthly budget and other supplies I pick up as needed. It does include montessori type purchases like Metal insets or equipment like a balance scale. DH will then let me know what he thinks and I tailor my list accordingly. I then usually buy in July (after the gardening buying onslaught and before the 3 birthday and anniversary August). This also gives me time to check the materials out before we start officially. I do a very good share of my buying on Amazon. I used to find better deals on ebay and sometimes I still do, but I find Amazon super convenient and have the best prices and you get free shipping. I also will buy some things used on Amazon. You have to pay for shipping then, but I got some great books for geography last year for under 25 cents a piece. |
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DITTO...almost to the letter. The only difference is the timeline - I'm usually starting to purchase as early as March/April.
I do still make some small purchases during the school year (craft supplies, a great book someone posts a recommendation for on here, printer ink, etc), but I'm limited by my weekly allowance. I have a set amount for spending for the week in my weekly allowance.
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Jen Mackintosh
Wife to Rob, mom to dd 19 , ds 16, ds 11, dd 8, and dd 3
Wildflowers and Marbles
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TracyQ
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| Posted: June 24 2009 at 9:57am | IP Logged
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This year, we used our tax refund for our curriculum, so I've had it awhile now!  It's always hard, isn't it??? Other things through the year that are needed either come from either curriculum/books that I sell and/or from what little savings we have for things that come up (car repairs, house repairs, education, etc.).
I also try to buy during the school sales for supplies that I can. And I second the using coupons from the craft stores!
The wholesale stores have great prices on things you use a lot of....pens, notebooks, binders, etc. about mid summer, and that's the time they have the biggest supply and choice of course for school.
We use the library a lot now! And I request books easily online that aren't in the specific branch we use. I also use Amazon USED books a LOT!!! I saved a TON this year by buying the Sonlight guides, and looking up what was available to us, then buying either used or cheaply only what I won't be able to get via library requests.
I'm really trying hard to use the wonderful programs I already have, and bought because I thought they were excellent in the first place. And if you can borrow from homeschool friends, that's always a blessing. I lend to those I can trust, and then borrow from them as well as I can.
God bless you in your budgeting. I'm working on that now. It is HARD to do, but God will get you through it!
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Blessings and Peace,
Tracy Q.
wife of Marty for 20 years, mom of 3 wonderful children (1 homeschool graduate, 1 12th grader, and a 9th grader),
homeschooling in 15th year in Buffalo, NY
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vmalott
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| Posted: June 25 2009 at 7:33am | IP Logged
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mimip wrote:
| Does anyone use a spreadsheet? Or a wish list? Do you budget a little each month for summer purchases???? How do you budget the "silent costs' like printer ink and paper? |
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The other ladies have all had great responses.
I started budgeting for real last year using a simple spreadsheet in Excel (I am so not an Excel person, but it helps). It is my "wish list" spreadsheet. I start out with all the stuff I'd like to get, usually sometime in the spring. Then I do comparison pricing and start paring down the list. For example, after reading here all the glowing reports on Teaching Textbooks, I added it to my wish list and priced it. It's pretty hard to find it used or at a discount elsewhere. After about a week of it sitting on my list and more consideration, I realized I could accomplish similar tasks with resources I already have on hand, from the library, and free or inexpensive stuff on the internet.
Anyway, how I set up the spreadhseet is I create columns for the various subjects, student, materials wanted, price, and then columns for used prices (usually Amazon, ebay, or Cathswap) and Rainbow Resource. I list the materials I want to get for each student within each subject, then I do the retail pricing. My usual go-to spot is Amazon, but if I can't buy through Amazon, then I go to the company's site for pricing (like TT as mentioned above). After that, I make the bottom row "Total" and use the spreadsheet formula to add up the columns. After I see that retail total, then I start comparison shopping and highlight the best prices.
I should note that I also make note of when a wanted resource needs to be purchased. So, for example, if I'm planning a unit on weather for the winter term and I would like to buy a neat weather kit, that purchase can be delayed until near the end of fall term and is budgeted for accordingly. So, instead of plopping down a huge chunk of money during the summer for the whole year's worth of materials, I'm budgeting by term. That way I'm not saying to my husband that I need to spend $100 on something NOW but it won't be used 'til spring! And often, our gears have changed by then and said item(s) sit unused on the shelf! We've ALL had that experience! 
Anyway, that's what works for me. I don't budget stuff like paper and ink. We all use the computer and printer, so those items are purchased when they get low.
Valerie
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Valerie
Mom to Julia ('94), John ('96), Lizzy ('98), Connor ('01), Drew ('02), Cate ('04), Aidan ('08) and three saints in heaven
Seven Times the Fun
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TracyFD
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| Posted: June 25 2009 at 7:46am | IP Logged
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Another thought here, Mimi - we seem to spend more and more each year on curriculum and I wonder if we might be experiencing a similar growing stage since are children are around the same ages. I was particularly shocked this summer to see how much we have spent so far for next year!
I save receipts in a file folder and add up the totals by hand on the inside of the file. I think we have spent more than ever this year with MODG and adding Rosetta Stone French. I use Amazon for much of our literature as well as a used book store in town where the owner will order lists of new books for me at 30% off.
I also check out the tuition at area Catholic schools and take a little comfort that we are still spending less per child than if we sent them to private school!
Jennifer just published a wonderful post on her learning room (did you see it?) and one of her thoughts is sticking in my head - that she and her husband have agreed to err on the generous side when it comes to their children's education.
For books that do not work for us, are done with, or that we accidentally have duplicates of I sell on Amazon marketplace. My husband does the post office runs for me. This helps recover some costs.
I feel your pain though - it is a joy and privilege to be able to homeschool our children but also a sacrifice and often frustrating when we feel we have our hands tied when it comes to spending what we feel we need to. This is what we do and we want to do it well and be equipped both spiritually and materially!
We have unfinished math curriculum around here too from switching from Horizons to Singapore to ABeka. Makes me feel guilty to have spent the money. Some expenses we just have to write off!
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Tracy
Mom to 3 girly girls,
1 absent-minded professor, and one adorable toddling terrorist.
Pinewood Castle
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Mary K
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| Posted: June 25 2009 at 10:18am | IP Logged
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joann's has teacher discount cards, also some bookstores. here in ny, if you buy anything to be used towards clothing (that includes handmade cloth bags) the tax is less. just be sure to ask about that.
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4Real Forums : Living Learning
Topic: Budgeting for Curriculum
