Babies & Kids

The kids are back in school and busy with their new classes. In addition to studying; they are also busy with all their extra-curricular activities. The exercise and stimulation is great, but the ever-increasing costs can give your wallet a workout. So how can we manage the financial and time costs of sports and activities? And let’s not forget about all those fundraisers.

You just have to have a plan of attack. Here’s  how to manage your kids’ extra-curricular activities, and your neighbor or co-worker’s kids fundraising requests.

Your kids’ activities

Research and ask questions before you sign up – So many places offer sports and extra-curricular activities these days it can be hard to choose. You have local schools, counties and athletic associations offering games and classes. Before you simply choose the closest one, do a little homework. Find out about:

1. Registration fees – what are the registration fees and do they vary depending on where you live or your membership status?
2. Uniform and supply costs – If uniforms are required what are the costs? What about other necessary items like bats, balls or even refreshment and snack dues or responsibilities?
3. Sponsors and fundraising – Are there any team sponsors or plans to get sponsors? What about fundraising activities and goals?
4. Other costs – Are there any other costs involved? For example does the team regularly go out to eat after a game or win?

Let the kid lead – Kids want to join sports or other activities for a variety of different reasons. It could be because Jamie is joining and they want to be with their friend or it could be they just want to try a new activity. It’s not necessarily that they want to be the next great ball or piano player. They just want to have fun. So let your child come to you with requests instead of you forcing private lessons and expensive equipment on them. You don’t want to turn into Will Ferrell’s character from Kicking and Screaming.

Get a sponsor – Teams have sponsors but have you considered getting sponsors for your kid? Ask your friends and family if they would like to sponsor your kids’ sports or activities. If Uncle Bob is a baseball fan maybe he would like to help pay for all or part of your sons baseball costs. For family this could be a great bonding experience. And instead of them giving random birthday and Christmas gifts to your kids they are giving something that is truly meaningful.

Other kids’ activities

Paying for your own kids activities is one thing but sooner or later you will be asked to help pay for other kids too. Pretty soon you will be asked by friends, family and co-workers to buy gift wrap, girls scout cookies, coupon books or to contribute to walk-a-thons. So what options do you have for contributing?

Have a budget or plan– If you have constant requests then you should consider having a contribution/fund raising budget. What is a reasonable amount you can help out without affecting your overall budget? And if there are some things you are asked to support on a regular basis, you might consider developing an alternating schedule. One year you support the walk-a-thon and the next year you support the building campaign.

Don’t feel like a Scrooge– When you are asked to contribute to something you can’t afford, don’t feel bad. But don’t be wishy washy or evasive either. Just say No from the beginning. Simply say I would love to help your worthy cause, but I have already exceeded my donation budget for this year.

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