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Budget-Friendly Ways to Support Your
Kids in Sports
Parents have a lot on their plates at any given time; from making sure the kids have everything they need for school to worrying about extracurricular activities, there’s always something to do or pay for. When your child is involved in a sport, things can get costly pretty quickly, but there’s no reason for it to break the bank. There are plenty of ways you can save money while still supporting your child in the sport of his or her choice, including looking for coupons, promo codes, and cashback opportunities when shopping for equipment and uniforms.
You can also think about the details, such as saving on gas by partnering up with other parents so your child can carpool with them to games and practices, or by sharing the cost of providing snacks and drinks after the game. It may not seem like much at first, but over time, these money-saving practices can go a long way toward helping you stay on top of your budget while allowing your child to have a blast at the same time.
BumWineBob shares some tips on how to save
money when your child is involved in an activity.
Shop Smart
When
buying your child a uniform, sneakers, or safety gear for the sport of
their choice, you can easily run a tab of hundreds of dollars depending on what
you need to buy. Before making any purchases, always check first for discounts.
For example, large retailers like Nike.com offer deals on sports gear. Take it
one step further and save when you make these purchases by using promo codes
and coupons.
Volunteer
You
may be able to save quite a bit of money in fees by volunteering your time, so ask your child’s
coach about what the team needs and find out how you can help. Even if it’s
just to wash uniforms, you’ll be able to help out and save a few bucks at the
same time. Plus, your involvement will show your child that you care about his
activities and that they are worthwhile.
Don’t Get Carried Away with the Accessories
Many
kids see their teammates or older children sporting fancy equipment or accessories like expensive gym bags and want
the same things, but it’s important not to go overboard with these items. They
can be costly, and in most cases, they aren’t necessary. Remind your child that
they can play the sport just as well without the thirty-dollar water bottle and
save your money for more important things. If there are some accessories that
you simply cannot do without, you can also save money by looking through weekly
ads for retailers like Target.
One Sport at a Time
Your child may have a love for all things active, but it will be very costly to play more than one sport at a time. Set a limit of one per season, and if you have more than one child who is interested in playing the same game, find out if there is a discount for siblings. Many teams and martial arts companies will reduce the fees for families, so it can’t hurt to ask!
Finding
budget-friendly ways to support your child in his favorite activities can be
stressful and, frankly, overwhelming for many families. Schools often
require fees throughout the year, plus supplies and clothing can get expensive — especially if you have more than
one child. Consider the best ways to save while still allowing your child to
have fun, and come up with a plan to ensure their sports endeavors can continue
no matter what your finances look like. You may have to get creative, but a
little preparation will help everyone in the long run.