As a one income family, we continually look for ways to "stretch" a dollar. This applies to basically all the ways we spend. We try to cut costs when grocery shopping; we look for ways to trim our electricity usage; we look for great sales on clothing; we are currently planning an enjoyable yet affordable late summer vacation. It spills over into every area of expenditures. Yes, it even affects our spending for homeschool curriculum and supplies. I have a system, of sorts that we are implementing to offset our hs spending. It is as follows.

Periodically, I sort through my son's books, computer games, and yes even his toys to see what kind of condition they are in. I then sort them into basically three piles (oops! I mean containers).

First, I put the items which are in great condition in a box for resale. I usually list these on a resale board. I try to remember to price these items fairly (not too high, not too low). Usually, I do recoup a potion of what we spent originally on said items.

Next, I decide what items are showing a little wear, but still have some use. These, I set aside for a library donation. Our library (and our librarian) has been quite helpful in our journey, we would like to be able to give something back. We don't get any financial compensation for this, it is a way of helping our library (and possibly some other homeschooling families).

Last, we look at items which can still be used, but have been well loved. These are designated to be donated to a local children's home which operates a thrift store. These items could help someone else as well as helping the children's home.

Other things we do to save are: visiting thrift stores for educational items; frequenting the library book sales (other families donate to the library, too); checking resale boards to see if someone is selling what we are looking for; visiting WalMart and checking out their book section; reading the want ads (some people place ads when they want to sell their hs items); visiting online bookstores for their sales (CBD has a "Christmas In July" sale every year); and I am sure there are some things I am leaving out. Oh, yes_ shopping the "back to school" sales, when ps starts back.

Being a "smart shopper" can flow into every area of your life that has contact with money. It does not mean you are a cheap person. It means you are trying to be a good steward with what you have.