Have you ever looked at the budget and broken down? Has there ever been a day when it just doesn’t add up? A week? A longer season? I have been there. It’s so hard when no matter what work you put in, the finances just don’t add up. It can be even harder as a homeschool mom to struggle with money. There are so many opportunities out there for homeschool children if you can afford them. The hardest thing can be telling your child no to something they want to do because you just can’t swing it. It gets even harder when their homeschool friends can do these great things while they can’t. I wanted to share some encouragement and tips for homeschooling when you are broke.
Back to School Ads
I can’t believe Back to School ads are already out! I am going to be posting the current week and the coming week highlights for you as well as some deal scenario ideas to help you get the most from your money each week. I find that every year I stock up on school supplies and by the end of the homeschool year I am wondering where all the pencils went. I figure we better stock up again this year and do it for the least possible out of pocket.
Back to School Ads
This week will look a bit scarce because the stores are just starting to release their ads. As the weeks go on there will be more deals for you to grab and more money for you to save.
Phrases/Rules to know
Penny Items – These are items that are a penny each if you spend a certain amount. That amount is usually $5.
Mail in Rebate – You are going to need to mail in a form in order to get a discount.
Bonus Rewards – These are rewards that will be sent to you after your purchase. They generally take a few weeks to be received. These can not be used the same day on other purchases. You can read more about how Office Depot/Office Max handles them here.
Limits – This is how many of an item you are allowed to purchase at a discounted price.
Older ads are towards the Bottom of the post. Please read on if you are looking for older ads.
Staples – 8/14-8/20
Under $1
Staples® 1 Subject Notebook, 8″ x 10-1/2″17 cents each Limit 30
Staples® pink wedge erasers, 3/pack 25 cents each Limit 5
Westcott® 12″ wood ruler, beveled edge 25 cents each Limit 30
Pentel R.S.V.P.® ballpoint stic pens, 5/pack 75 cents each Limit 5
Staples® College Ruled Filler Paper, 8″ x 10-1/2″, 120/Pack 75 cents each Limit 30
Staples ® No. 2 Mechanical Pencils, 12pk, 0.7mm 75 cents each Limit 30
Staples Yellow Pencils, #2, Dozen 75 cents each Limit 30
Other Great Deals
Kleenex® Facial Tissues, 4 Boxes/Pack, 160 Tissues/Box, 2-Ply $4
Sharpie® Chisel Tip Permanent Markers, Assorted, 8/pk $5
Clorox® Disinfecting Wipes Value Pack, Fresh Scent and Citrus Blend™, 140 Count $6
Office Depot/Office Max – 8/14- 8/20
Under $1
Office Depot® Brand Ballpoint Stick Pens, 10-PK 1 cent each Limit 3 with a $5 purchase
Office Depot® Brand Ballpoint Stick Pens, 10-PK 1 cent each Limit 3 with a $5 purchase
Office Depot® Brand 2-Hole Pencil Sharpener 1 cent each Limit 3 with a $5 purchase
Office Depot® Brand 2-Pocket Paper Folders with and without Prongs 1 cent each Limit 3 with a $5 purchase
Other great deals
Expo® Dry Erase Low-Odor Chiseled Tip Markers $1 each Limit 3
Sharpie® Permanent Fine-Point & Ultra-Fine Point Markers $3 each Limit 3
Office Depot® Brand Mobile Folding Cart $15
Staples – 8/7-8/13
Under $1
Westcott® 12″ wood ruler, beveled edge 25 cents each Limit 30
Staples® pink wedge erasers, 3/pack 25 cents each Limit 5
Pentel R.S.V.P.® ballpoint stic pens, 5/pack 75 cents each Limit 5
Staples® College Ruled Filler Paper, 8″ x 10-1/2″, 120/Pack 75 cents each Limit 30
Staples® 2-Pocket Translucent Poly Folder with Fasteners, Assorted Colors 50 cents each Limit 30
Staples ® No. 2 Mechanical Pencils, 12pk, 0.7mm 75 cents each Limit 30
Other Great Deals
Staples Washable Glue Sticks, .26oz, 4/Pack $1 each Limit 30
Expo dry-erase markers, 4/pack $3 each
Sharpie® Chisel Tip Permanent Markers, Assorted, 8/pk $5 each
Staples 54 Quart Plastic Flat Lid Tote $5 each Limit 30
Coupons and Deals
25% off school supplies when you buy a backpack
Office Depot/Office Max – 8/7 – 8/13
Under $1
Office Depot® Brand Filler Paper, 100-CT 1 cent each Limit 3 with a $5 purchase
Scholastic Brand Glue Sticks 4 pack 25 Cents each Limit 3
Sharpie® Single Permanent Markers 25 Cents Each Limit 3
Really Useful Boxes®, 0.14L 25 Cents Each Limit 3
Office Depot® Brand Poly Cover Notebook 25 Cents Each Limit 3
Paper Mate® Sharpwriter Mechanical Pencils 50 Cents Each Limit 3
Kids’ Pointed and Blunt Scissors 50 Cents Each Limit 3
Office Depot® Brand Tank Highlighter, Assorted Colors 5 pack 50 Cents Each Limit 3
Office Depot® Brand Mini Stapler 50 Cents Each Limit 3
Other great deals
Office Depot® Brand #2 Wood Pencils 72 count $4
Coupons and Deals
30% off all school backpacks
50% Swiss Gear Backpacks
Wal Mart Price Match Items 8/7-8/13
Make sure to have a copy of the ad with the date in order to do these price matches.
Expo dry-erase markers, 4/pack $3 each – Staples
Work From Home Job Ideas
Sometimes the choice to homeschool is directly connected to not working outside of the home. This can seem fine but it can become financially stressful pretty quickly. Whether you are trying to make bills or trying to get extra money to cover curriculum, being on one income can be difficult. Today I am going to share some work from home job ideas that could really work well. Not all of these will fit your situation but if there is one that will help that might be worth the time invested.