Balancing Your Budget: Affordable Tips for Your Kids’ Activities

Extracurricular activities are an important part of a child’s development. They allow students to shine in ways that may not be possible in the classroom. It also helps kids step out of their social circles to forge new friendships. They may even be your child’s gateway to a college scholarship and possibly a future career.

However extracurricular activities can be expensive. If you have several school-aged children, each participating in two activities, you can be looking at an investment as high as $10,000 or more for fees, equipment, uniforms, instruments, and supplies.

But don’t worry – you don’t have to choose between your budget and your children’s happiness. Here are some tips to save on your kids’ extracurricular activities:

1. Register early

Did you know many children’s sports programs offer discounts of up to 30 percent just for signing up early? Speak to your children about after-school programs and sports teams well before the season starts so you can register early and snag those early-bird specials.

2. Purchase used equipment

Save big on sports gear by purchasing gently used equipment from sites like PlayItAgainSports and SidelineSwap. Some of these sites also allow you to sell your own used equipment. and SidelineSwap. Some of these sites also allow you to sell your own used equipment, helping to offset future costs.

3. Swap equipment

If you have friends with kids who are also into sports and music, see if you can swap equipment and instruments from year to year. It is also a great way to save money when your child is discovering new interests.

4. Rent musical instruments

If you’ve got budding musicians at home, consider renting the instrument they’ve taken up this year. Some instruments, like the French horn, can cost as much as $1,000 but can be rented for as little as $50 a month. If your child is convinced, they’ve found their instrument of choice, you can purchase gently used musical instruments from resale sites like Craigslist, eBay, or Reverb.

5. Volunteer your time

If you have the time to coach a team or to walk around selling refreshments during games, you might be able to nab a discount on the program’s fees and equipment. By making smart, frugal choices, you can turn your children’s dreams into reality without draining your wallet.

6. Limit the number of activities

If you’ve got several young ones at home with numerous interests, consider limiting extracurricular activities to just one per child. This can help them focus their energy in one direction. Plus, it’ll be easier for them to keep track of just one schedule – and it’s a lot easier on your carpool calendar, too!

Extracurricular activities are essential for your child’s growth, but they don’t have to come with the expense of your financial well-being. By making budget-friendly decisions, you can ensure your kids have enriching experiences without sacrificing financial stability. Consider strengthening your family’s financial foundation with Texas DPS Credit Union Checking or Savings account for you and your children or working with us to build a budget that supports their vision without sacrificing your financial peace of mind.