Category: Family Life

Private school for an elementary student averages $7,770 per year. For high school, that number climbs to $13,030 each year. How do those numbers fit into your budget?

You want the best education for your child. But you also need to pay your mortgage on time and keep food on the table.

How do you balance your regular budget demands with the extra cost of private school tuition? 

Luckily, you don’t have to give up all your comforts. But you may need to cut back in some areas.

Keep reading to explore eight ways to make private school more affordable.

1. Check into Financial Aid

Don’t let the sticker shock of private school cost scare you away from applying. Private schools offer financial aid to offset the costs.

Parents often think they make too much money to qualify for financial aid. That’s not always true. 

Your child may qualify for private school scholarships or grants to cover part of the tuition cost. That makes the remaining portion much more affordable.

It’s always a good idea to apply for financial aid even if you don’t think you’ll qualify. 

Some states offer scholarships and other programs to cover the costs of private school. The Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program is just one example. It covers private school costs for kids from low-income families.

You can learn more about financial aid options by visiting the websites of any private schools you’re considering. Check with your state’s department of education for state financial aid options.

2. Ask about Payment Plans

Worried you’ll have to cut a check for the full tuition cost when you enroll? Paying upfront often saves you a little on tuition. If you have the money, that may be the best option.

Most private schools offer payment plans if you can’t pay it all. This option lets you spread out the cost throughout the year. If you’re on a tight budget, the payment plan can make it more feasible to cover private school tuition.

Payment plans vary by school. Some offer a semi-annual plan to break the tuition into two payments. Others let you pay monthly for even smaller payments.

3. Cut Back on Spending

If the cost of private school doesn’t fit into your budget, can you cut back in other areas? You can’t eliminate your mortgage or other fixed expenses. But you can ease up on extra spending.

Here are areas where most families can cut back:

• Dining at restaurants less
• Skipping the movie theater in favor of a movie at home
• Replacing cable with low-cost streaming services
• Planning cheaper meals to cut grocery costs
• Waiting to replace furniture, vehicles, and other major expenses
• Taking cheaper vacations or skip a year or two
• Refinancing or consolidating debt to reduce payments

Not sure where your money’s going? An expense tracker can help you spot areas where you can cut back.  

4. Save on Uniforms

Tuition is only part of the private school cost. You’ll likely need uniforms and other equipment for your kids.

Ask if the private school offers a uniform swap program. These programs let you get free uniforms from other families whose kids have outgrown theirs.

If you know other families who go to the private school, you may be able to get old uniforms from them that no longer fit. Check local children’s thrift stores or garage sales for uniforms. 

Some schools have a specific uniform and retailer you have to use. Look for discount codes through those retailers. You might get a bulk discount for ordering multiples or a free shipping code for a large order.

Other schools have a general dress code, such as dress pants and a polo. Look for clothes that fit the requirements on clearance racks to save money.

5. Look for Discounts

We already talked about getting discounts for paying tuition in full. You may find a few other discounts if you ask.

One common private school discount is for families with multiple children. Many private schools offer a sibling discount for enrolling more than one student.

Even if you only have one child, it doesn’t hurt to ask for a discount. The school may offer discounts for other reasons. Some provide a tuition discount for school employees.   

6. Get Tax Breaks on Savings Plans

Educational savings plans help you grow your money for tuition. These investment accounts let you earn interest on your savings. They come with tax perks that can help you save money.

A Coverdell Education Savings Account works for elementary, secondary, and college expenses. Each child can have up to $2,000 in contributions every year. It won’t cover all the tuition, but it helps.

You can’t deduct your contributions on your income taxes. But the money grows tax-free in the account. 

Distributions are also tax-free in most cases. The distribution has to be less than the qualified education expenses to be tax-free. If it’s more than the expenses, a part of the earnings may be taxed.

A 529 plan is a way to save for private school tuition. You can choose your investment portfolio to help grow your money.

Each state runs its own 529 plan. The specifics and investment options vary. You can open a 529 plan in another state to take advantage of better terms.

Tax advantages happen a few ways. Some states offer tax benefits on your contributions. You might be able to deduct the amount from your state taxes.

If you withdraw the money for qualifying educational expenses, you don’t have to pay federal income tax on the earnings.  

7. Ask for Family Donations

Do your kids get way too many toys as gifts? Maybe the grandparents always ask for gift suggestions, but you don’t know what to say.

Why not ask them to donate toward your child’s education? It’s a practical option that helps you and your child. 

Some relatives like to give a physical gift other than cash. One option is to ask them to buy a uniform or two. 

8. Look for Other Money Sources

Still trying to figure out how to cover the costs of private school? We have a few more potential sources of money that may work.

If you don’t mind taking on some debt, you can take out a loan to cover the tuition cost. Check the terms of the loan, including the interest rate and penalties for paying off the loan early. Make sure you can afford the loan payments in your budget.

Another option is making extra money to cover the costs. Selling items you no longer need is one idea when you need money now to cover tuition. 

You can also take on a small part-time job. Ideas include babysitting, lawn care, rideshare driving, and running errands for people. Put any money you earn through these side gigs toward tuition.

Save for Private School Tuition Now

How are you saving for private school tuition? It can take a little creativity, but it is possible to work it into your budget.

Leave a comment to let us know how you afford the costs of private education! 

Do you feel caught between a rock and a hard place? Is the rock your children and the hard place your parents? If so, then you might be a member of the sandwich generation. 

The sandwich generation is made up of adults who are raising children and taking care of their aging parents at the same time. And the result can be a bit squashing. The feeling of being squished between both lives is a sure sign that you’re dealing with sandwich-generation stress. 

Although providing for both your children and parents leaves you feeling overwhelmed, there are ways to cope. Continue reading for 7 ways to cope with the stress and start feeling better today.

1. Don’t Forget to Focus on Yourself

Before you can care for someone else, you must first care for yourself. Practicing good self-care should be your number one priority when feeling caught in the middle. When you’re feeling good and happy, others around you can sense it.

And they will feel the same way. To do this, you need to have a healthy work-life balance. Don’t take on more than you can handle. 

Remember to keep in touch with friends. Having a healthy social life is a great way to relieve some of that stress. And don’t forget to prepare for your own retirement. 

Plan ahead so that when it’s your time to retire, you’re not in the same situation.

2. It’s Okay to Ask for Help

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Trying to care for both your children and parents is a lot of work. And it won’t come as a surprise to anyone if you need help. 

If you have siblings, consider asking them to share shifts with you. Or, have them step in when you need that extra helping hand. It’s also worth a shot to have open communication with your employer about your situation.

Your employer may be able to work with you by providing family-leave or a more flexible schedule. But for when things get really tough, it’s never a bad idea to hire help. You can bring in a part-time nanny to help watch the kids while you take your parent to the doctors. 

Or, you might consider hiring a senior-care aid to take your parent to the grocery store while you stay at home and help your children with homework. Senior aids are trained and know how to properly help the elderly who may need extra memory care and other senior-related conditions.

3. Get the Children Involved

Just because your children are younger, doesn’t mean they can’t lend a helping hand. Put together a list of chores for each child to do around the house. This can help you out more than you think. 

If your children are older and still live with you, ask them to start contributing financially. If they no longer live with you, you can still ask them for support when they have a free moment. And always keep some form of open-communication with them at any age.

Explaining to your children the situation in an age-appropriate way is a good way to help everyone understand what’s going on and how to help.

4. Get More Sleep 

Always remember to get more sleep. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night. Not having the proper amount of rest can lead to irritation during the day.

A good amount of sleep is not only important to your physical health but it’s important to your mental health as well. And getting a good night’s sleep ensures that you’ll be refreshed and ready for the obstacles of the new day.

5. Eat Healthier & Exercise

Along with sleep, you also need to practice healthy eating and exercising habits. Foods that are high in bad fats and sugars make you feel more tired throughout the day. Consume foods that are antioxidant and vitamin-rich. 

These types of foods are mostly vegetables and fruits. And they’re great for supporting your immune system. Eat high in fiber foods as well, which will satisfy your hunger. 

And aim to put aside at least 30 minutes each day for exercise. Having a healthy diet and healthy exercise routine keeps your body energized and up for any task.

6. Set Up a Care Plan & Prioritize

It’s crucial to make a list of what things are most important. Be ready to let go of the things that are not. You can’t tackle everything in one day. 

Put off the least important things for a later date. And develop a care plan. But don’t do it alone.

Be sure to involve your parents and other family members living in the house when putting the care plan in place. Everyone’s input is vital to a successful care plan. 

7. Spend Quality Family Time

You don’t want your spouse or children to feel left out. So remember to always make time throughout your week for them. And spending quality time with the whole family, children and parents included, is more than important. 

The stress that you take on every day is for your family. They are what’s most important in your life. Take time to have family-fun days where everyone can relax and enjoy one another’s company. 

To ensure that you don’t forget to set this time aside, preschedule family-date nights. This way you know ahead of time that specific night and time is dedicated to pure family bonding.

Relieve the Stress of Caring for Children and Parents 

Caring for both your children and parents is a lot of weight to carry. But in the end, it’s worth it because your family is what matters most. You might not be able to change the situation that you’re in. 

But you can change how you cope with the stress. Keep these 7 tips in mind and live a less stressful sandwich generation life. And when you’re ready to plan those family nights, you can check out 5 fun decorating ideas for a backyard family party here!

Getting rid of clutter gets rid of 40% of housework.

Is your disorganization costing you time?

If so, you need to pause and re-assess. You have heard the term, “time is money“, right?

Here are 10 random organization hacks to stop wasting time by decluttering your home. As a bonus, these are things you can find around your house or for cheap at a dollar store.

1. Plastic Lids

I can count on one hand how many people I’ve met my entire life that have their Tupperware cabinet under control.

It gets hectic quick, which is why you need to use an old CD holder or file rack to organize that mess.

2. Plastic Bags

We shouldn’t have any of these things considering what we know about how harmful plastic is to the environment.

Nonetheless, we’ve all been to the grocery store and forgotten our reusable bags.

When that happens — keep them!

You can store them neatly in an old, washed out Dura-lite container with the lid cut off. Then you’ll get two birds with one stone by re-using two plastic items.

3. Bath Toys

This works the same with loofahs and sponges, 

Use a hanging basket (perhaps a fruit one) to keep bath toys from dripping outside of the tub.

This trick works with loofahs and sponges, too.

4. Office Supplies: Pens and Scizzors

All right, there are a few things you can do in this department.

The first is to repurpose soup cans into pen holders. You can even decorate them for style points.

5. Office Supplies: Drawers

The second is to use old baking sheets or muffin tins inside of drawers. This is great for shallow spaces or those junk drawers we cram shut (oops).

6. Bobby Pins

Do you lose more bobby pins than you use?

Try storing hairpins in an old Tic-Tac container or on a magnetic strip.

7. Jewelry When Traveling

It’s easy to throw your jewelry into a tangled mess when traveling…and then spend forever untangling necklaces and earrings.

Put small earrings and rings in pill organizers to keep you from having to sort them out after your trip.

8. Loose Cords

Am I the only one who has drawers and piles of random cords?

Hopefully not… Regardless, we should all make use of binder clips by clipping cords in a bundle.

9. Tank Tops

Besides the kids’ room, our own closet might be the most disorganized space in the house.

To slowly start tackling that mess, put your cami tank tops all on one hook or hanger. When you’re ready, check out these other closet organization tricks.

10. The Most Versatile of Organization Hacks: Repurposing Old Glass Jars

I could go on all day about the various uses for mason jars. Cupcake liners, cotton balls, flour, you name it.

Here’s one way you can clean out used jars for repurposing.

All Organization Counts — No Matter How Small

To hype yourself up about getting the little and big stuff cleaned up, tell yourself this:  

It’s one small step for organization hacks, one large step for time well spent.

Once you get fully organized and regain 40% of the time you were spending due to chaotic clutter, now you can move on to saving money on cleaning.

Millions of Americans pack up and go camping every year. The growing trend is becoming increasingly popular. 

Are you looking for an affordable alternative to your expensive family vacations in hotel resorts? Or, do you just want to get out into the wilderness? Either way, camping could be for you. 

When you pack your camping gear, do you always leave something behind?

Follow this list of camping essentials that you need to take on your next camping trip. Here we go. 

1. Tent 

While you could be planning to camp in either your car or an RV, most campers take a tent with them.

Unless you’re expecting to lie down underneath the stars, you’re going to need a tent to keep yourself warm and dry during the night.

Even in the summer, you can get rather cold during the night while sleeping. 

2. Sleeping Bag

You want to be warm and snug in your sleeping bag during your camping trip. Trust us!

But, consider the temperature and conditions when you’re camping. If you’re camping in cool temperatures, then you need to get a suitable sleeping bag. However, in the summer months, anything will do the job.

If you have a high-quality tent, you can even bring along your normal bedding to enjoy your home comforts away from home. 

3. Tarps 

Pack tarps (or tarpaulin) with you!

This is a water-resistant sheet of strong canvas or polyester which can protect you from the weather elements. 

When the sun is shining, tarps can provide you with refuge. When it is raining outdoors, you can find shelter under the tarps as well.

It also provides you with somewhere to store your dirty boots and shoes so you don’t get the tent wet and muddy.

You could also buy a portable gazebo to keep the sun or rain off your heads. Shop now here for more. 

4. Matches or Lighters

Are you going to be sitting by the campfire singing camp songs? 

Make sure you don’t forget matches or lighters to get the fire started. Otherwise, you could be left out in the cold.

If you’re expecting rain, then you’ll also need to pack waterproof matches.

5. Sleeping Mat

You don’t want to return from your camping vacation with a backache. That’s what can happen if you’re not used to sleeping on the ground. 

Bring along a sleeping mat to provide support between yourself and the earth. This should also prevent you from catching a chill from the ground beneath you. 

You can also purchase blow-up beds or camp beds which also suspend your body off the ground while you sleep. 

6. Cushions

You can always roll up a bunch of clothes to put under your head at night. However, if you need a cushion to sleep, then you don’t want to leave it at home.

You can also purchase inflatable cushions or small cushions which can be stuffed in a small for storage for camping.

7. Camping Chairs 

You may want to sit on the grass for a while. But after some time, you’ll be ready to sit in a comfortable seat. 

Once you’ve set up camp, you’ll be ready to sit back in your camping chair and enjoy the evening. 

If you pack a collapsible camping chair, you’ll be able to store it conveniently in your vehicle on your journey to the campsite.

8. Insect Repellent 

Mosquitos and other insects can be a nuisance of your camping vacation. You need to be prepared for these pests.

Start with buying some inspect repellent so you don’t get bitten from head to toe. However, you can also buy citronella candles to keep away bugs while you’re eating your picnic or BBQ.

9. First Aid Kit 

Whether you have packed your own emergency kit or ready-made first aid kit, it’s an essential item on your camping vacation.

If a camper falls, you’ll need a band-aid. But you should also pack a bunch of painkillers and other essentials.

Hopefully, you won’t need to take out. But, if you’ve got an emergency, you’ll be thankful that you brought it along with you.

10. Personal Care Products

You may be roughing it. However, that doesn’t mean you have to avoid washing altogether. 

Most campsites provide well-equipped bathroom and shower facilities for you to use. However, you’ll need to bring along your own soap and shampoo.

If you require any other additional personal care products, then bring them with you as well.

But, keep in mind that you’re camping. You won’t be doing anything fancy so leave the perfume and jewelry at home.

Wet wipes and hand sanitizer is definitely a helpful item to have at hand. Every time you eat, you’ll want to make sure your hands are clean.

11. Games to Play 

Camping is about spending time having fun together as a family.

You can take a baseball bat and a ball to play a game. Or, if you want a more relaxed evening, then a pack of cards is always a campsite favorite.

This is what camping is around about. So make sure you pack some entertainment and fun with you.

12. Cooking Equipment

Unless you’re planning on going out for dinner every night, then you’re going to need to take some cooking equipment with you.

If you’re trekking to your campsite, then you’re going to want to small and lightweight cookware.

You could take a Dutch oven or a cast-iron skillet to cook food. 

If you don’t want to eat out of your hands, also bring plates and bowls. You’ll also need knives, spoons, and forks too.

You should gather plastic or lightweight items when possible. This makes it easy to carry around and reduces the risk of breakages. 

13. Food to Cook

There is no point in taking cooking equipment without food. Make sure you think carefully about the kind of food you can cook on the campsite.

Whether you’re preparing BBQ steaks or camping French toast, make sure you have all of the right ingredients prepared. 

14. Some Reading Material

After you have set up camp, played some games and eaten food, it may be time for some alone time.

Find a quiet corner of the campsite and open up your book for some reading time. Whether you’re reading a recent best-seller or the daily newspaper, this is an essential item to have on your camping trip. 

15. Cell Phone and Charger

Just because you’re escaping to the countryside for camping, that doesn’t mean you want to escape civilization altogether.

Even if you want a “digital detox” on your vacation, it’s important to make sure you can charge your cell phone in an emergency. 

You might need to bring an extra battery pack to charge your cell phone. If you’re expecting rain, make sure you bring a waterproof cover as well. 

16. The Right Footwear

Leave your stilettos at home for your camping trip. You can ruin your family camping experience with inappropriate footwear.

You need to be able to trek to the campsite in your shoes. You make even need to bring along hiking boots for particularly muddy ground.

If you’re camping during the summer, sandals are definitely recommended for going to the shower rooms in the morning. 

17. Garbage Bags 

When you’re packing up after your camping vacation is over, you need somewhere to put your trash. 

There are usually high fines for leaving your trash around on the campsite. So make sure you have garbage bags to keep everything clean and tidy after meals. 

Also, if you have a rainy time, you can also cut a couple of holes in the bags to create a poncho to shield you from the raindrops.  

18. Music Speaker

Music is extremely important for most campers. While your cell phone may play tunes, you need a Bluetooth speaker to share the songs with the rest of the family.

You can take in turn to choose the song as you pass the music player around the campfire. If you really want to evoke the feeling of being in the wilderness, you can also play bird songs.

However, make sure you keep limits on the volume of your music. You don’t want to disturb your camping neighbors. 

19. Camping Multitools

These handy gadgets are really helpful when you need small tasks done on your camping trip. 

Someone struggling to open a bottle of beer? Do you need your packaged food cut open? A camping multitool has everything you need to get you out of a hole while camping.

20. Coffee 

Over 60% of Americans drink coffee regularly. We won’t be ourselves if we don’t get our cup of Joe. 

While coffee might not appear like a camping necessity, it definitely is if you’ve got an addiction to caffeine. 

Camping Essentials 

Next time you go on your camping trip, you should remember to check this list of camping essentials.

Make sure you have everything you need to ensure your camping vacation goes to plan. There is nothing worse than remembering you left something behind before you arrive at the campsite.

Do you want more tips and advice on travel and vacations? Check out more of our blog here. 

It seems like raising a child is becoming more expensive every year. It’s currently estimated that raising a child born in 2015 through the age of 17 will cost $233,610. This is a three percent jump from the previous year.

You may feel prepared to pay for the basics like food, clothing, and even extracurricular activities. But have you considered the cost of birthday parties? Especially as your child enters school and wants to celebrate their special day with friends, this event can get costly.

You don’t have to worry, though. There are plenty of ways to make your child’s birthday fun and memorable without breaking the bank. Read on for some inexpensive birthday party ideas.

Center Your Inexpensive Birthday Party Ideas Around a Theme

One of the easiest ways to make a budget party look and feel top-notch is to make it a themed party. Theming a party can create such a fun and exciting atmosphere that nobody will notice if you didn’t splurge on the most expensive decor or food. From Star Wars party ideas to princess parties, the options are endless when it comes to themed parties.

Cut Costs with Homemade or Discount Decor

While wedding guests may ooh and ahh over decorations, the guests at your child’s birthday party won’t take a second look. Save money by making some of your own decorations. Pinterest is a great resource for DIY ideas, like creative streamers and banners.

When it comes to shopping for decorations and materials for DIY decor, browse your local dollar stores or Wal-Mart. Themed decorations can be pricier, so choose colors that match your theme instead. Red, black, and white are great for a Mickey-themed party, while white and light blue is perfect for your Frozen fan’s birthday.

Make Sure There is An Interactive Activity to Keep Kids Entertained

Unlike adults, children don’t want to spend their time mingling and chatting at a party. Ensuring the young guests at your kid’s birthday party have entertainment or activities is most important. Whether it’s a bounce house, yard games, or face paint, investing in even one activity is a great idea.

Keep Food Simple and Don’t Overspend on Cake

Like decorations, the food at your child’s birthday party shouldn’t eat up too much cost. If the kids are having fun (especially with that entertainment or activity you invested in), they won’t want to sit still to eat for too long, anyway. Choose foods that are simple, well-liked, and easy to hand out to a hungry crowd.

If you’re serving lunch, pizza or pre-made sandwiches are good options. For an afternoon party that only calls for some snacks, go for kid-friendly fruits, crackers, and cheese. When it comes to cake, think about saving the special one for the family celebration, and choose a simple sheet cake or cupcakes for the big party.

You Can Raise a Happy, Well-Rounded Family on a Budget

In the end, all that matters is that your child feels special and that they and their friends have fun. This mindset goes beyond inexpensive birthday party ideas. Browse the blog more tips on family living on a budget, including ideas for healthy, cheap snacks, budget tips for traveling with a baby, and more.