Recession Affecting Schools
Photo: flickr via brymo
It seems to never end—the streams of money that my children’s schools are expecting me to give to them just so they can either go on field trips or buy team shirts. Though I keep avoiding these requests, it never seems to end. I may have to take out a payday loan if they do not stop soon. This must stop, even though the recession is affecting everyone. When will this end? Parents across the nation are facing this exact scenario. Follow these tips to stop the endless stream of money leaving your account and going to the school’s account.
Budget Well—Budget Often
If your child is constantly bringing home notes that ask you for money for everything under the sun, it may be hard to budget this. However, there’s one thing working for you when they do this. Budget for these expenses by planning ahead. Once this note is in front of you, be sure to note the due date. This may be before your next payday. With a little time, you can budget for this. You can always plan ahead for future expenses that the school wants you to pay.
Put in a section for school expenses in your budget when you are making it out for a pay period. Take some time to decide how much money will be needed and then allow at least $ 10 over that amount. This will help you to have money on hand should your little angel bring home more expense notes than you had planned on. If you do not have to use this money for school expenses, this does not mean you can spend it. If, at the end of the pay period, it is not spent on school expenses, put this into a savings account. After doing this, your savings can then grow for emergencies.
Choose Your Expenses
Can you choose your expenses? Any and every expense note that comes home is not required to be paid. Fund raisers and other such events are optional, regardless of what your child may tell you. Even though some of them are for school or curriculum related things, all of these are optional. Curriculum related items only get paid for from my pocket, while I ignore the rest. Pay your chosen expenses at the last possible moment, especially if you must wait until your next pay period.
Negotiate with the School
If you just do not have the money to pay on time for an expense such as a field trip, try calling the school. Sharing the situation with them may help you get the fee waived, or at least be able to pay late. A payday loan may work for you, but before doing this; try working with them on any of the curriculum related expenses. In order to avoid paying the high interest rates, be sure you know what you are getting into if you must do this.
Bottom Line
Remember—you do NOT have to pay for everything your child brings home. If your district requires certain fees when school begins each year, you may be able to get them waived. With a free or reduced meals status, your fees may automatically be waived. Some fees may be able to be negotiated, but other you will have to pay in full. Take it upon yourself to choose your own expenses. If these tips are followed, you could reduce how many payday loans you need to take out during the school year.
