SAVING ON SCHOOL SPORTS

Over the years, as school budgets have been squeezed, once essential educational elements have been repurposed as fee based services. Parents and students now pay fees and additional costs for arts and sports. And these activities are necessary pieces colleges want to see in students. Families are stuck. To go to college, students need to participate. To participate they have to pay. With these costs going up,  the Frugal Yankee knows there are some ways to keep them down.

Here are a five simple steps to spend less.

Step 1: NARROW THE FIELD
As children enter High School, and even Middle School, there is excitement. They are curious and engaged, this is very natural. As such, everything seems possible.  Before jumping into the fire, sit them down. List all the activities on the “to do” list. Then map out a time line for fall winer and spring. See if there are any conflicts. If there are, let the student decide which ones should be dropped. If there are no conflicts, make sure they understand the time commitment and how it may impact other areas, like seeing friends or other social events.

Step 2: JUST THE FACTS, MA’AM
Get info from the coach, athletic director, drama coach, music teacher, or even guidance counselor. Many of these extracurricular activities will have an introductory pamphlet. This should explain costs, equipment needed, time commitment and any other factors  used in making a savvy decision.
TIP: Step 2 may precede Step 1, but together
they will shape the basic activity structure for the term.

Step 3: IT’S ABOUT THE BENJAMINS
These days activities cost. Some schools may cap fees based on family involvement, some may not. Delve into what your particular school offers, or doesn’t. Be sure to ask about waivers, support money, equipment deals and what qualifications are required to take advantage of these. If a problem still remains, talk to the coach or department head. There may be something else available to assist.
TIP: If a family qualifies for free or reduced lunch,
chances are athletic/entry fees will be waived.

Step 4: GEAR UP
Schools may or may not supply the most basic of equipment, but count on having to finding shoes, padding, helmets, sheet music and other necessary elements.
Here are a few tips to save money on these.
Snooze you lose. Don’t wait. Get a list of what’s needed.
See what’s usable from last year. Check it off the list
Be smart. Don’t use equipment not suited for the activity.
Be timely. Don’t wait until the last second to secure equipment.
Check resellers, i.e. Craigslist, Ebay, used stores, etc.
• Check with other parents for their used equipment or tips.
• Find out if the PTA or someone has organized equipments swaps.
• Get recommendations for good stores or local business discounts.

Step 5: HAVE FUN
Yeah these extracurricular activities will look good on the college bound resumé, and in all likelihood, these activities will make the student a better person, but they are still kids and having fun is an important part of growing up. Keep it in perspective.

Frugal Yankees everywhere know the key to success is stepping back and preparing. This is no exception.

If you got some money saving ideas, please share them.

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From opinions to savvy tips, the Frugal Yankee knows how to enjoy life and spend less. Find out more by going to FrugalYankee.com.

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