[Motherbird]

Okay, since this was brought up in another post and it's curriculum buying time for many of us, I thought maybe those who are good at homeschooling on a budget could share some tips with us.

I need to order curriculum in the next few weeks and would really love some concrete ideas on how you all save money, without sacrificing quality.

[Miguelsmommy]

What type of learning style our you kids?

[Retrocutie]

In general, its always best to hit a sale before buying new. I like to hit the used sale, hit garage sales for old games and things, and then go to the new sale only after all that. If I have to buy new, I watch for discounts that companies often have around April/May. Also, amazon has been the cheapest for books so far. They are always cheaper than the company; at least they have been for the books I've been looking for. But of course you have to watch how much shipping adds in. Sometimes too, the companies at the new curriculum sales will give you free shipping and discounts for buying there. Walmarts always a good place too for things like lacing cards, lined dry erase boards or those books you can use dry erase on and use over and over again. We also have their Everything preschool curriculum book which was like...7 bucks?

[jhmomofmany]

Before you buy it cheap, try to find it free. Over the years I have found dozens of sites for free worksheets, free online games, and printable activities. Also putting out the word with fellow homeschooling moms is a great way to find used curriculum. If you are part of a homeschool group, suggest a swap. I have dozens of books that were given to me, and I've been able to pass on many things that I no longer needed. Also finding used curriculum online (and selling yours) can save you a lot of money. Many manipulatives (even puzzles) can be made if you are at all crafty. Setting a budget and then prioritizing helps.

[Jenneve]

I tried buying used where I could this time. I bought the Konos volume I which sells on their site for $90-95 (I think) and I got it in brand new condition used for $60. I got another book that retails around $20 at our homeschool curriculum fair used, also in brand new condition for $5. Then another book that retails for around $20, I got used online for $4. It had a couple of pencil marks, but otherwise great condition. If you really look around, you can find deals. One website that I just love so far is Homeschool Classifieds. I sold my whole set from this past school year for $215 and I've probably spent around that or less for all of our new stuff.

[missheather]

I've gotten several things on ebay for half the price of new. You really have to search sometimes, but used is out there.

[jhmomofmany]

I love homeschool classifieds! I am also on a Yahoo curriculum swap group. The one I belong to is specifically for Catholic homeschoolers, but I am sure there are others.

[Butter]

Make sure you really want it and can reasonably see using it before buying it. Like I really like the idea of unit studies and love Konos, but the regular volumes just didn't work out for us so were a waste of money (though I got most of it back selling it on eBay, but still).

[hiskid1324]

Buy it used either from a homeschooler you know, or at a hs booksale. Buy stuff together with another family who intends to use the same books, but at a later time (you this year, them next or whatever). Find the books in a family where there is an up and coming younger child, who will need the books, but doesn't that year, and borrow them! Shop in early April-May (yeah.. it's a little late for that now), and there are a lot of sales with the bigger publishers as "early bird" specials and such. Get in on the homeschool swaps, go to Amazon.com, go to the library's "we're cleaning out" sales in May/June (at least that's when they happen here). We've done all of those things in my family! :-)

[Motherbird]

Thanks ladies. I spent all day yesterday trying to come up with a cheaper way to get curriculum. I was able to get my $1000 total down to $700. This does cover 3 kids in 3 grades so I know it's not too bad, but I'd still like to get it lower. But I'm stuck now. I guess I'm just not willing to give up certain things. I've looked around at the used sites, but didn't find it to be of much help. One thing I haven't done yet is to price everything over at Amazon. I might be able to shave off a few more bucks that way.