Keeping the cost of living down

Most home educating families are also single income families. The greatest cost is often the loss of income rather than home educating materials. In addition, educational resources often cost money and there is also additional wear and tear on the home.

These are a few thoughts about keeping costs down in an economy where incomes are generally not going up and prices aren't going down.

• Home educate locally.  Petrol prices can negate a cheaper course further away. Petrol in the UK is expensive-currently, the cheapest petrol near here is 131.9p per litre  ($9.32 per gallon for my US readers) Of course, we do go on trips but we try to be intentional about these. A trip has to have a reason and preferably for more than one child. Home educating locally also saves time. 

• In the UK, it is often worth checking whether a trip on public transport is cheaper than car travel. Sometimes it is; sometimes it isn't.

• Make a budget and write down every item of expenditure-it can be frightening but at least it can give an idea of where money is wasted.

• Buy in bulk. Potatoes in 25kg bags tend to be so much cheaper than in the supermarket. We managed to combine a trip with buying 25kg stone ground flour at a price that undercut the supermarket and supported a fantastic museum. 

• Cheap supermarkets-I'm writing this to myself. Recently, I have mainly brought from the home delivery service of the main supermarkets. Shopping at Lidl or Aldi is cheaper. They don't have everything but visiting them instead of a middle of the road supermarket, once every few weeks is definitely worthwhile. We have found that coffee, chocolate and vegetables are especially good picks.

• Washing lines/airers pay for themselves rapidly!

• Compare prices-the moneysaving expert is a great resource for anyone based in the UK. 

• I've been struck recently by the thought that we are called to be stewards of our possessions. If we need and use something that is great but if it is stored for the never-never then this is poor stewardship. Again, I talk to myself.

• Repair-this may be mending at home. We've found that some dry cleaners do repairs to a high standard. 

Money saving resources

• Moneysaving Expert-UK 
• Moneysaving Mom-US 
• Frugal hacks-US
• Frugal Queen-UK

Not money saving but a helpful perspective on not having everything

Money saving posts on this blog

• 14 ways of saving on home education resources
• Saving and spending
• Books for less
• 10 ways to save in the kitchen

How do you keep the cost of living down? For more posts on the Frugal Homeschool do visit the Schoolhouse Review Crew blog.