Homeschooling doesn’t have to drain your wallet! In fact, with a little planning and creativity, you can build a rich learning environment on a realistic budget. Whether you’re a new homeschool mom or a seasoned pro looking to save more this year, these ten practical hacks will help you cut costs without cutting quality. Don't believe me? We’ve lived on one income for almost 20 years! So when people tell me they are fearful of homeschooling because of money, I get it! Early on, we didn’t have a budget for homeschooling supplies, books, Pinterest worthy rooms. We had a very limited budget, and back then we were living paycheck to paycheck. My husband worked hard for our family, and I stayed home with our daughter (we added 3 back to back when she was around 4 years old)! So when we first started homeschooling our daughter 14 years ago, we had the bare bones. And guess what? That was enough! So take heart friend, if you have a tight budget, I’m here to show and tell you how it can be done! So come on! You got this!
So here are my 10 Practical Money Saving Hacks for the Homeschool Mom!
Know Your Real Costs! Start by figuring out what you actually NEED to homeschool—not what Instagram or TikTok says you need. For Kindergarten/preschool, there are so many different free resources on Teachers Pay Teachers! So scour the Teachers Pay Teachers website for free worksheets and materials. Here’s some essentials: basic supplies, maybe a printer, maybe a laminator. BUT you can find some great deals on FB marketplace, Poshmark, and even Mercari. So do some research on what you need focusing just on the basics! So come up with a realistic list of needs and then research deals like it’s your job! :).
Use Free+ Low Cost Curriculum Options: another big money saving hack is use FREE curriculum! There are so many free options out there! You just have to know where to look! The library has tons of Reading books like BOB books (for early readers). But there are tons of online websites as well that are FREE!
Easy Peasy All in One Homeschool
a full, free Christian-based curriculum covering all grades and core subjects. Everything is laid out online, day by day
Khan Academy
Free math, science, history, and even test prep taught through engaging video lessons. Great as a supplement or even a full math track.
Ck-12 Foundation:
Ambleside Online
The Good and the Beautiful has free pdf printables
Kids Finance Camp flash card app: completely free!
My oldest daughter and I! She graduated this May 2025 (updated)
3. Swap and Share: homeschool moms are super resourceful—use your network.
Join Facebook groups, local groups.
Join Facebook buy/sell/trade groups for homeschool curriculum.
Share supplies or swap books with other families.
Buy used curriculum from FB Marketplace
4. Replace Paid Extras with Creative Substitutes!
PE—> backyard games, nature walks, YOUTUBE fitness videos,
Field Trips—> free days at museums, festivals, nature centers, historical sites
Electives—> art (drawing, coloring, free music lessons, church or library clubs
5. Buy Once, Reuse Often
Pick a curriculum that can be reused for younger kids. Make copies instead of writing inside the book to reuse for younger kiddos!
6. Print Smart: Printing is a huge hidden homeschool expense that adds up fast! To save:
Print in black and white
Skip color unless it’s essential
Store PDF’s digitally in Google Drive or Canva folders
Invest in a very good printer—it’s pricey upfront but pays off over time!
I also use my laminator to reuse a lot of printed items!
7. Organize Your Resources BEFORE You Spend:
Half the time, homeschool moms rebuy things they already own! Before every school year (or semester), do a quick inventory check:
What books or supplies do you already have?
What can be reused, repurposed, or reprinted?
What did your child actually use last year vs what sat untouched?
You’ll save money simply by knowing what’s on your shelf!
8. Earn While You Teach
Turn your homeschool life into income! I’ll be sharing a bit more of this in a separate blog post, but here’s some ways:
Sell your used curriculum online or at a local homeschool group
Create and sell printables or lesson plans
Start a blog, Etsy shop, or a YouTube channel sharing your homeschool journey!
I’ve been homeschooling for 14 years, graduating one kiddo via homeschooling throughout! I’ve had podcasts, books, devotionals, all the things in certain seasons of life to earn extra income for our family! I’ve spoken at women’s events, and made money at home for many many years, and I’ll show you how in a later blog post! Your experience has value—don’t be afraid to use it creatively!
9. Use Sinking Funds for Homeschool Purchases
Treat homeschooling like any other financial goal. Set aside a small amount each month ($20-$50) into a “homeschool” sinking fund. When curriculum season arrives, you’ll already have cash ready for books, supplies, or online classes—no stress, no debt.
10. Simplify Your Subjects!
If you’re homeschooling preschool, kindergarten (especially elementary years), you don’t need a different curriculum for every single child or subject. Try teaching family style when you can. For instance, we have four kiddos (three who are homeschooling now, the other graduated this past May). Two of our kiddos share Science books, and all of them share a history book!
Read history and science together at the table
Assign the same topic with different depth levels.
Turn read aloud into multi-age lessons by adding writing or art for older kids.
Fewer curriculums mean less prep, less chaos, and major savings!
BONUS: Focus on what money can’t buy! The heart of homeschooling isn’t found in a new workbook—it’s in the freedom, peace, and time you get with your children.
Remember, your kids won’t remember the expensive curriculum—they’ll remember your presence, patience, and creativity. You don’t need a bigger budget friend to give your kids a beautiful education—just a willing heart, a little strategy, and a lot of love! Homeschooling on a budget isn’t about doing less; it’s about doing what matters most, wisely! You got this friend!
Until next time,
Your vet Homeschool Bestie,
Shelly
P.S. Here’s some freebie or low cost items below!
Kids Finance Flash Cards (free): 54 finance flash cards app for kids to learn about financial literacy
Kids Finance Camp (a low cost): online game where kids learn about finances through navigating different environments, finding and reading finance books, quizzes and games! Very interactive! Very fun!
(updated Oct 12, 2025)
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