If you are looking for specific ways to help you afford private school for your children, the first step is simple. Simply don't spend money that you don't have.
Will Rogers famously said, “Too many people spend money they haven't earned, to buy things they don't want, to impress people they don't like.” The gist of his point is borrowing for unnecessary things for unimportant reasons.
The converse of this is that we should spend our money on things that are necessary and important.
We asked our parents about specific ways in which they help afford private school, and they echoed Roger’s quote.
Borrowing
1. Credit cards are fine to use to earn rewards but if you don't have the money to pay off the balance at the end of the month and it's not an emergency don't put a purchase on a credit card.
Necessities
2. Eat meals at home, plan them ahead of time so you’re not rushed and feel the need to pick up fast food or take out. An alternative is to use a crockpot for stress-free dinners when you arrive home.
3. Everyone desires to have a reliable vehicle to get to work and around town, but you don't need to have a new vehicle or the most expensive make and model. Get one that fits your needs and your budget. The same goes for your house. Get what makes sense for your family, not what's going to impress people who you don't need to worry about.
Priorities
4. Don't feel like your kids need to be constantly entertained with pricey toys, movies, amusement parks, outings, video games, or vacations. You kids will appreciate things more when they get them on special occasions. Spend time with them; that's what's most important, and what they will remember when they are grown.
5. Make smart choices about other spending by focusing on your family and things that take stress off your relationships.
These are simple ways to help create more money in your family's budget. However, if you haven’t already made a family budget, do so immediately. Then, evaluate your budget with the above five things in mind.
You will most likely find you have money to spare, and then you can consider investing in your child's education. Once you have decided to pursue a private school education, you can explore the benefits of a classical education.