It seems like summer has only gotten started and yet it's almost time to start another school year.
The beginning of school is a time of financial stress for many families. Kids need school supplies and larger clothes to keep up with their growth. Special activities like sports and band also require investment. Worse yet, the pitiful state of many public schools causes many parents to consider pricey alternatives like private school, home school, or private tutors.
Here are a few random ideas to help cash strapped parents:
- Your kids will not be traumatized if you don't buy them $200 tennis shoes. Leave the guilt trip behind and don't waste money on clothes they'll soon grow out of.
- Consider swapping used but wearable clothing with other parents to save money for both families.
- It is not good for your kids, your pocketbook or your peace of mind to allow your kids to participate in too many after-school activities. Make them pick something they really like.
- Consider a charter school as a cost-free way to improve the academics of your kids.
- Let your kids be kids and don't drive them into excessive (and expensive) academics after school. They'll still make it into a good college and be more well-rounded to boot.
- Homeschooling is an effective and inexpensive way to educate your kids if you are patient and can teach. If not, keep the kids in school and save yourself the money and the kids the misery.
Remember that the key to your kids' success in school is your involvement. You can save your kids and still save your money. 
Ron Allen is a Christian businessman, CPA and author who serves in local, national and international ministries, spreading a message of reconciliation to God, to men and between believers. He is founder of the International Star Bible Society, telling how the heavens declare the glory of God; the Emancipation Network, which helps people escape from financial bondage; and co-founder with his wife, Pat, of Corporate Prayer Resources, dedicated to helping intercessors.
Get Spirit-filled content delivered right to your inbox! Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.
Dr. Mark Rutland's
National Institute of Christian Leadership (NICL)
The NICL is one of the top leadership training programs in the U.S. taught by Dr. Mark Rutland. If you're the type of leader that likes to have total control over every aspect of your ministry and your future success, the NICL is right for you!
FREE NICL MINI-COURSE - Enroll for 3-hours of training from Dr. Rutland's full leadership course. Experience the NICL and decide if this training is right for you and your team.
Do you feel stuck? Do you feel like you’re not growing? Do you need help from an expert in leadership? There is no other leadership training like the NICL. Gain the leadership skills and confidence you need to lead your church, business or ministry. Get ready to accomplish all of your God-given dreams. CLICK HERE for NICL training dates and details.The NICL Online is an option for any leader with time or schedule constraints. It's also for leaders who want to expedite their training to receive advanced standing for Master Level credit hours. Work through Dr. Rutland's full training from the comfort of your home or ministry at your pace. Learn more about NICL Online. Learn more about NICL Online.
