Posted in Lessons I Have Learned

I have lovingly been nicknamed "The Queen of Cheap" by the Mom's on one of my Yahoogroups.  I recently got an email requesting "Would you be interested in sharing your saving ideas with me?"   This got me thinking that most homeschoolers are use to living on one income in a two income world! (Whoa, that would make a great title for a book! LOL)  That must mean that we have some frugal ideas to live by!  How about sharing your top 10 ideas for frugal living and homeschooling.

Here are mine...

1. Shop second hand  -  This is my number one tip.  There is SOOOOO much good stuff out there that other people are getting rid of.  We buy almost all of our clothing used.  One day a month we hit the thrift store and I am always buying a season ahead.  Make sure to find out about any specials at your local thrift store.  Our gives a 25% off coupon if you make a donation the same day you shop.  I NEVER go without a bag or two to drop off.  Yes, you might have to be a little patient while waiting to find all the things you need.  But if you are shopping  season ahead you should have plenty of time to find what you need.  We buy more than just clothing.  We always try to buy 2nd hand 1st.  My kids love to go to the thrift shop because it is like a treasure hunt.  You never know what you are going to find! 

2. Use Ebay for hard to find 2nd hand items. -  Sometimes there are just things you are not going to find at the thrift store.  Recently I needed a Awana Leader Shirt.  It was $24.99 new plus shipping.  I found it for $4.99 on Ebay plus $5.00 shipping!  I would not recommend spending a LOT of time on ebay.  It is very easy to spend way too much money on Ebay!  LOL

3. Use the internet - When it comes to information and ideas always check the internet 1st.  I am always amazed what I can find online.  I am completely convinced you could educate your kids completely using just the Internet and Library.  Don't forget to check out Jamin's Internet Academy every Wednesday on The Company Porch to hear my ideas about using the internet in your homeschooling!

4. Go to used Curriculum Sales - Buy whatever you can used.  Find out where the used curriculum sales are in your area and check them 1st.  You can also buy used curriculum on vegsource and ebay.

5. Avoid consumerism -  Don't watch commercials, don't go shopping.  That is my best advice.  If you don't see it you are not going to want it!  Your already a step ahead since your homeschooling and your kids are not seeing what everyine else has on a daily basis.

6. Be Creative - When you see something you just gotta have...think...could I make that?  I hear people say  "I can't sew, I don't have a sewing machine."  My response it "Get one!" Do you have any idea how much money you can SAVE by owning a sewing machine?  You can pick one up (used of course!) resonably.  Then you can use it to make all kinds of things that would cost a TON more.  I save sooo much every year by sewing.  (Not to mention the occasional money I make doing sewing projects for others!)

7. Trade for goods and services - Once upon a time we needed a refrigerator really bad ...Some friends were moving across Country and had  fridge to sell.  Problem, I didn't have the money to buy it.  But...they had tickets to a College ball game they really wanted to attend (and would have to travel.) but had no babysitter in the new place they were moving to.  I on the other hand had one free round trip ticket on my frequent flyer miles (Which I had earned from my previous job pre-kids)...Guess who flew in to babysit their kids for a weekend in exchange for a free fridge?  (Now, that same fridge sits in my kitchen needing to be replaced because it is now too samll for a family of 5!  I am on the lookout for a deal!!!)

8. Use Craigslist and Freecycle -  We are in the process of re-landscaping our frontyard and have challenged ourselves to doing it for NO MONEY!  So far we have found rock, landscape timbers and stepping stones.  Yes, it takes a while to collect all the goodies.  Yes, it takes a lot of muscle to go collect the goodies.  But, in the end we will have a lovely front yard that we spent NO MONEY on!  (This is also a great way to get rid of BIG things you don't want to drag to the thrift store.  Get someone to come pick it up!)

9. Eat at home -  Nothing goes through money like eating out.  I LOVE to eat out, but I love being home with my kids more.  If I have to give up one or the other, I give up eating out! (We reserve eating out for Birthdays, anniversarys, traveling and when someone takes us out!  LOL)

10. Enjoy the cheap life!  - Living frugally can become fun if you have the right mindset.  Make a day of going out garage saling as a family.  Learn to sew and teach your kids.  Build things with your kids.  Take free classes at Lowe's when your bathroom needs re-tiled.  Don't let not having money stop you from having a good time.  Just be creative and think of inexpensive ways to live cheap!  Call all your local museums and find out if they have free days.  Go to the drive-in on $8.00 a carload night. (Make sure to pack your own snacks though!) 

Now it is your turn! Leave me a comment with a link to your top 10 frugal living tips so I can come read them! Tag...your it!

Click on over to The Company Porch and read my latest ramblings about using the internet in your homeschooling.  I'll see you there!

Jamin