Stop Paying for Your Kids’ Adventures – How to Save Money

Paying for your kids’ adventures can be very pricey! Here are a few tips and suggestions to think about on how to save money on your kid’s extracurricular activities.

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This article is written by Fern Weis
For more on this topic, check out the full Saving Money collection

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How to Save Money on Extracurriculars?

 

Ask yourself these 3 money saving questions:

Is it necessary?

Is it worth it?

And, is it breaking the bank?

Some of us remember that as children we created our own adventures:  pretend play, climbing trees, riding bikes around the neighborhood, popping into our friends’ houses or apartments. We spoke to people face-to-face, used our imagination, and weren’t over-scheduled as we often traded activities for more play time.

Many kids have flown (or sailed) to vacation destinations, multiple times, by the age of 10. Some are scheduled down to the minute with activities or sports.  They have a collection of electronic and computer devices. And you are paying for all of it! Maybe one parent works 12-hour days. Maybe both of you work.

 

Consider the following:

Are you working harder than you’d like, just to keep up?

What are you compromising to do it?

List the benefits of providing all of this for your children.

What are the children missing out on?

What would you like more of for your family?

And, what are your children learning about money, relationships and family?

 

You might not be comfortable with the answers, but maybe it’s time to shake things up and get back to basics.  As always, the choice is yours.