Recession Affecting Schools
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. The never ending money requests keep coming in spite of what I try to do to avoid them. Should these not end soon, a payday loan may be in my future. Though the recession is affecting even the schools, they cannot make the parents bear the burden. What can be done to lessen this stream? Unfortunately, this scenario is played out countless times for millions of parents across the nation. There is a way to cope with the endless stream of money leaving your pocket and heading to your child’s school.
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. You can work something to your benefit when they do this. This is known as planning ahead, and can help you plan for extra expenses. Look for the due date on these notes when your child gives them to you. Chances are, this may be after your next payday. If you have a little time to play with, you can put this into your budget. You can always plan ahead for future expenses that the school wants you to pay.
When creating a budget for any particular pay period, either for two weeks or a month, create a school expenses section. The amount you may need may be more than you think, so allow about $ 10 over this amount. This will allow you to have the money ready should your little angel bring home more expense notes. If you do not have to use this money for school expenses, this does not mean you can spend it. You can put this into your savings instead. Take this opportunity to grow your money for any emergencies that come up.
Choosing Your Expenses
Can you choose your expenses? Any and every expense note that comes home is not required to be paid. Optional events and fund raiser notes will also come home, but you do not have to pay these. Curriculum related items may also be optional. Only the items related to the school day are paid for with me, while the other items get ignored. Just pay only those expenses that you choose to pay.
Talk To 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. If you let them know what is going on, you may be able to pay late or even have the fee waived. If you ask them, they may be willing to work with you on the curriculum related expenses, rather than you having to take out a payday loan. If you must do this, be absolutely sure that you know what you are getting yourself into to avoid paying the extremely high interest rates.
It's Not a Requirement
Remember—you do NOT have to pay for everything your child brings home. It is possible for you to get the fees imposed by your district at the beginning of the year waived. If your children are approved for a free or reduced lunch status, the other fees may be waived. There are fees that you can negotiate, while others will have to be paid. Choosing your own expenses is a possibility, even when it does not seem to be so. Throughout the year, if you follow these tips, you can take out less payday loans.
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