Can We Afford To Homeschool? Understanding Homeschool Finances

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Homeschool Finances | Can We Afford to Homeschool? Podcast of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network #HIRL

Making Homeschooling Work on a Tight Budget

In this episode, Fletch and Kendra from the Ultimate Homeschool Radio Network are joined by CPA and homeschooling expert Carol Topp to delve into the topic of homeschooling on a limited budget. The conversation covers valuable insights on managing finances while providing a quality homeschooling experience for your children.

Episode Highlights:

Sponsor:  I want to thank Route 60: A Biblical Highway for sponsoring this podcast. Please check out the link here. Route60.movie

1. The Financial Realities of Homeschooling | Understanding Homeschool Finances

– Understanding the concerns of homeschooling parents who are struggling financially.
– Exploring the challenges of affording homeschooling when the budget is already stretched thin.
– Acknowledging the importance of financial stability while pursuing homeschooling goals.

2. Strategies for Homeschooling on a Small Budget | Putting Homeschool Finances to Work

– Carol Topp shares practical tips for making homeschooling work with limited financial resources.
– Exploring cost-effective curriculum options, free educational resources, and library materials.
– Creative ways to engage in extracurricular activities and field trips without breaking the bank.

3. Homeschooling Older Kids | Managing Challenges in Your Homeschool Finances

– Discussing the unique expenses and challenges associated with homeschooling teenagers.
– Exploring part-time job opportunities and microbusiness ideas for teens to contribute to homeschooling expenses.
– Balancing the financial aspect with the flexibility and personalized education homeschooling offers.

4. Aligning Finances with Purpose in Your Homeschool Finances

– Reflecting on the deeper purpose of homeschooling and the values it aligns with.
– Evaluating financial decisions in the context of one’s family goals and values.
– Recognizing the need to prioritize and make thoughtful choices in spending.

5. Resources and Recommendations

– Carol Topp’s “Dollars and Sense” podcast for more financial insights and advice.
– Exploring the “Microbusiness for Teens” concept as a way for teenagers to learn about entrepreneurship and contribute financially.
– Drawing inspiration from financial expert Dave Ramsey’s “Financial Peace University.”

6. Final Thoughts

– Emphasizing the importance of open communication about financial constraints with children.
– Encouraging parents to seek support from homeschooling communities and online networks.
– Reminding listeners that homeschooling’s value goes beyond finances, focusing on the holistic development of children.

Conclusion

In this eye-opening episode, Fletch, Kendra, and guest Carol Topp provide a wealth of practical advice and thoughtful perspectives on navigating homeschooling within a limited budget. By aligning financial decisions with their core values, homeschooling parents can find ways to provide a rich and fulfilling educational experience for their children while maintaining financial stability.

Resources Mentioned

HomeschoolCPA
Dollars and Sense Podcast with Carol Topp
Microbusiness for Teens
Financial Peace University

**Disclaimer:**
The views and opinions expressed in this episode are for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. Listeners are encouraged to consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any financial decisions.

 



Replay | The Homeschool Budget – HIRL Episode 97

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Free homeschool podcast about budgeting finances for homeschooling.The Homeschool Budget is part one of a series of three podcast episodes dealing with the topic of financial fear.

Thank you to our sponsor, CTC Math.

With a family of 8 kids, Fletch and Kendra know that homeschooling can get expensive. On this episode, they share tips and tricks they have used over the years to save money and homeschool well within a budget.

Along the way, they talk about homeschooling within and out of the charter school system.


EPISODE TIMELINE
:51 Fluff Time (Hollywood, Head Shots, Whip and Nae Nae)
9:34 Part 1 – Old homeschooler advice for new homeschoolers
20:00 Part 2 – Suggestions to homeschool in budget
35:30 Part 3 – Charter schools
45:50
 Wrapping up the show, What’s Coming up next?


SHOW NOTES:

Recommended Resources:

The Wired Homeschool – Homeschooling with Netflix
M.I.T. iTunes University
KHAN Academy
HOOPLA – Free audio/video through the local library
Homeschool Creations
Betty The Surf Dog Twitter Feed – Home of Betty the Surf Dog
Fletch Twitter
Kendra Twitter

Previous Episodes Mentioned:

Music clips used on this episode:
Watch Me – Buy it on iTunes Here


SUBSCRIBE AND LEAVE AN iTUNES REVIEW:

Allow the magic of the internet to deliver Homeschooling In Real Life to your tablet or smartphone. Let us show you how easy it is:

  1. Follow this link to our iTunes page.
  2. IMPORTANT STEP: Under our big red HomeschoolingIRL logo, just click on View in iTunes
  3. The iTunes program will automatically launch and take you to our podcast page.
  4. FIRST – Click SUBSCRIBE. Voila! All or our podcasts will come directly to your computer and smartphone.
  5. NEXT – Click RATINGS AND REVIEW. Remember the best reviews are 5 stars (hint hint!).
  6. Thanks for being one of our listeners! HIRLers rock!

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO LISTEN TO HomeschoolingIRL?

  1. You can listen right on this page. There is an audio player below.
  2. You can listen on your iPod, Smartphone or tablet. Open the PODCAST app on your device, search podcasts for “HomeschoolingIRL” and click subscribe. Easy peasy lemon squeezy.
  3. Subscribe to the HomeschoolingIRL website and you will be notified when every new episode is released. Follow this link and begin your FREE SUBSCRIPTION.

BECOME A PATRON AND SUPPORT HomeschoolingIRL

Hey HIRLers! Do you enjoy what we have created on the podcast? Have you ever wondered what you could do to help us continue to make great shows? Just like the great artists of the past, in order to provide great shows, we need patrons to financially support our creative efforts.

Please consider becoming a patron and supporting Homeschooling In Real Life? 

Follow this link and head over to Patreon.com and show your support of our show!
Thank you!

HIRLPatreonSupport


ADVERTISERS/SPONSORS:

 


Check out these cool HomeschoolingIRL Coffee Tumblers from HIRLer Cyndi Newman

HomeschoolingIRL_mugs


LISTEN HERE

Are you ready to listen to Fletch and Kendra get real about homeschooling? Press the PLAY button below.


Join Fletch (from theMangoTimes) and Kendra (from Preschoolers and Peace and KendraFletcher.com) for the HomeschoolingIRL podcast every week as they interview guests and talk through some of the goofiness they have experienced in nearly two decades

Summertime Favorites – The Homeschool Budget

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Free homeschool podcast about budgeting finances for homeschooling.The Homeschool Budget is part one of a series of three podcast episodes dealing with the topic of financial fear.

With a family of 8 kids, Fletch and Kendra know that homeschooling can get expensive. On this episode, they share tips and tricks they have used over the years to save money and homeschool well within a budget.

Along the way, they talk about homeschooling within and out of the charter school system.

SHOW NOTES:

Recommended Resources:

The Wired Homeschool – Homeschooling with Netflix
M.I.T. iTunes University
KHAN Academy
HOOPLA – Free audio/video through the local library
Homeschool Creations
Betty The Surf Dog Twitter Feed – Home of Betty the Surf Dog
Fletch Twitter
Kendra Twitter

Music clips used on this episode:
Watch Me – Buy it on iTunes Here

 


Special Thanks to Our Network Sponsor – Well Planned Gal

Rebecca from the Well Planned Gal understands the challenges of working within a budget, managing multiple children, and trying to keep up with a variety of information. That is why she created popular planner bundles!

Combine organizational tools with year long encouragement by bundling Well Planned Day planners with the popular Family Magazine. For a limited time, Save 30% with one of her popular planner bundles. Each bundle contains 2 planner products with a one-year subscription to Family Magazine.

Click Here to Go to Well Planned Gal


 

Summertime Favorites – Can We Afford To Homeschool?

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Free podcast about the finances and budgeting for Christian homeschoolingCan you afford to homeschoool? What if your budget is already at its max, and you feel you’re barely scraping by just to provide the basics for your family?

Join Fletch and Kendra as we sit down with our Ultimate Homeschool Radio Network colleague and CPA Carol Topp for a lively and quick discussion of how to make homeschooling work on a small or non-existent budget, the realities and expenses of homeschooling older kids, and the need to examine our hearts when it comes to finances and what God is calling us to do.

 

Show Notes

HomeschoolCPA

Dollars and Sense podcast, with Carol Topp

Microbusiness for Teens

Dave Ramsey, Financial Peace University

 


Special Thanks to Our Network Sponsor – Well Planned Gal

Rebecca from the Well Planned Gal understands the challenges of working within a budget, managing multiple children, and trying to keep up with a variety of information. That is why she created popular planner bundles!

Combine organizational tools with year long encouragement by bundling Well Planned Day planners with the popular Family Magazine. For a limited time, Save 30% with one of her popular planner bundles. Each bundle contains 2 planner products with a one-year subscription to Family Magazine.

Click Here to Go to Well Planned Gal


Money  Tips: Look at Your Balance sheet

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Money Tips: Look at your balance sheetHomeschool board members don’t understand a balance sheet, so it is often ignored, but Carol Topp, the HomeschoolCPA, explains why that is a big mistake.

In this short podcast she explains what a balance sheet is and what are red flags in a Balance Sheet. You’ll be a better informed board member after listening to this podcast episode.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FEATURED PRODUCT from HomeschoolCPA:

 

 

Money Management in a Homeschool Organization

Does your homeschool group manage their money well? Do you have a budget and know where the money is spent? Do you know how to prevent fraud? This 115 page book will help you to open a checking account, establish a budget, prevent mistakes and fraud, use software to keep the books, prepare a financial statement and hire workers. Sample forms and examples of financial statements in clear English are provided.

Click Here to request more information!

 

 

 

 

The podcast to help homeschool leaders is back!

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

HomeschoolCPA
The Podcast to Help Homeschool Leaders is Back!

Carol Topp, CPA, the HomeschoolCPA took a break from podcasting, but now she’s back with a different format. The podcast will be focused on helping homeschool leaders and businesses run their programs legally and successfully. The podcast episodes will be shorter–15 or 20 minutes max and will air weekly.

Visit Carol’s website here

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FEATURED SERVICE from HomeschoolCPA:

  • Is your homeschool teacher an employee or independent contractor?
  • Should your homeschool co-op director be paid as an employee?
  • How hard is it to set up a payroll system?
  • What happens if my homeschool group misclassifies a worker? Are their penalties?

Worker classification can be a confusing topic.

My book Paying Workers in a Homeschool Organization can help clear a lot of confusion, but perhaps you want to discuss your particular situation in a private, individual phone consultation.

I offer phone consultations to help you determine if your homeschool organization’s workers are employee or independent contractors. The phone call will be followed up with an email containing a fact-based determination and information to help you take the next steps.

Click Here to request more information!

 

 

 

 

Affording College – HIRL Episode 98

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

HIRL-Episode-98Part two of our series on financial fear, Affording College hits the topics we’re all nervous about if we have a student who is eyeing a college career: How do we help them pay for four years of schooling? What things can we do to assist with the application process? And finally, should every kid even go to college?

Fletch and Kendra speak from their own experiences with their oldest 4 college-bound students and offer ideas about how to think beyond writing a check or taking on massive student loan debt.


EPISODE TIMELINE
:51 Fluff Time (Big Dinners, Hard Week, Fighting over Capn’ Crunch)
8:46 Part 1 – Using CLEP Tests
24:15 Part 2 – Working during college, Taking a Gap Year
34:50 Part 3 – Should parents pay for college? Should every kid go to college?
40:00
 Wrapping up the show, What’s Coming up next?


SHOW NOTES:

Recommended Resources:

CLEP Testing Grand Canyon University
Betty the Surf Dog – Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Website
Fletch Twitter
Kendra Twitter

Previous Episodes Mentioned:
Can Your Homeschooler Go To College – Episode 27

Music clips used on this episode:
None


SUBSCRIBE AND LEAVE AN iTUNES REVIEW:

Allow the magic of the internet to deliver Homeschooling In Real Life to your tablet or smart phone. Let us show you how easy it is:

  1. Follow this link to our iTunes page.
  2. IMPORTANT STEP: Under our big red HomeschoolingIRL logo, just click on View in iTunes
  3. The iTunes program will automatically launch and take you to our podcast page.
  4. FIRST – Click SUBSCRIBE. Voila! All or our podcasts will come directly to your computer and smart phone.
  5. NEXT – Click RATINGS AND REVIEW. Remember the best reviews are 5-stars (hint hint!).
  6. Thanks for being one of our listeners! HIRLers rock!

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO LISTEN TO HomeschoolingIRL?

  1. You can listen right on this page. There is an audio player below.
  2. You can listen on your iPod, Smartphone or tablet. Open the PODCAST app on your device, search podcasts for “HomeschoolingIRL” and click subscribe. Easy peasy lemon squeezy.
  3. Subscribe to the HomeschoolingIRL website and you will be notified when every new episode is released. Follow this link and begin your FREE SUBSCRIPTION.

BECOME A PATRON AND SUPPORT HomeschoolingIRL

Hey HIRLers! Do you enjoy what we have created on the podcast? Have you ever wondered what you could do to help us continue to make great shows? Just like the great artists of the past, in order to provide great shows, we need patrons to financially support our creative efforts.

Please consider becoming a patron and supporting Homeschooling In Real Life? 

Follow this link and head over to Patreon.com and show your support of our show!
Thank you!

HIRLPatreonSupport


ADVERTISERS/SPONSORS:

Please visit our coffee sponsor: Caroline’s Coffee for 10% off any order.


C_Logo_2012


Check out these cool HomeschoolingIRL Coffee Tumblers from HIRLer Cyndi Newman

HomeschoolingIRL_mugs


LISTEN HERE

Are you ready to listen to Fletch and Kendra get real about homeschooling? Press the PLAY button below.


Join Fletch (from theMangoTimes) and Kendra (from Preschoolers and Peace and KendraFletcher.com) for the HomeschoolingIRL podcast every week as they interview guests and talk through some of the goofiness they have experienced in nearly two decades.

The Homeschool Budget – HIRL Episode 97

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Free homeschool podcast about budgeting finances for homeschooling.The Homeschool Budget is part one of a series of three podcast episodes dealing with the topic of financial fear.

With a family of 8 kids, Fletch and Kendra know that homeschooling can get expensive. On this episode, they share tips and tricks they have used over the years to save money and homeschool well within a budget.

Along the way, they talk about homeschooling within and out of the charter school system.


EPISODE TIMELINE
:51 Fluff Time (Hollywood, Head Shots, Whip and Nae Nae)
9:34 Part 1 – Old homeschooler advice for new homeschoolers
20:00 Part 2 – Suggestions to homeschool in budget
35:30 Part 3 – Charter schools
45:50
 Wrapping up the show, What’s Coming up next?


SHOW NOTES:

Recommended Resources:

The Wired Homeschool – Homeschooling with Netflix
M.I.T. iTunes University
KHAN Academy
HOOPLA – Free audio/video through the local library
Homeschool Creations
Betty The Surf Dog Twitter Feed – Home of Betty the Surf Dog
Fletch Twitter
Kendra Twitter

Previous Episodes Mentioned:

Music clips used on this episode:
Watch Me – Buy it on iTunes Here


SUBSCRIBE AND LEAVE AN iTUNES REVIEW:

Allow the magic of the internet to deliver Homeschooling In Real Life to your tablet or smart phone. Let us show you how easy it is:

  1. Follow this link to our iTunes page.
  2. IMPORTANT STEP: Under our big red HomeschoolingIRL logo, just click on View in iTunes
  3. The iTunes program will automatically launch and take you to our podcast page.
  4. FIRST – Click SUBSCRIBE. Voila! All or our podcasts will come directly to your computer and smart phone.
  5. NEXT – Click RATINGS AND REVIEW. Remember the best reviews are 5-stars (hint hint!).
  6. Thanks for being one of our listeners! HIRLers rock!

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO LISTEN TO HomeschoolingIRL?

  1. You can listen right on this page. There is an audio player below.
  2. You can listen on your iPod, Smartphone or tablet. Open the PODCAST app on your device, search podcasts for “HomeschoolingIRL” and click subscribe. Easy peasy lemon squeezy.
  3. Subscribe to the HomeschoolingIRL website and you will be notified when every new episode is released. Follow this link and begin your FREE SUBSCRIPTION.

BECOME A PATRON AND SUPPORT HomeschoolingIRL

Hey HIRLers! Do you enjoy what we have created on the podcast? Have you ever wondered what you could do to help us continue to make great shows? Just like the great artists of the past, in order to provide great shows, we need patrons to financially support our creative efforts.

Please consider becoming a patron and supporting Homeschooling In Real Life? 

Follow this link and head over to Patreon.com and show your support of our show!
Thank you!

HIRLPatreonSupport


ADVERTISERS/SPONSORS:

Please visit our coffee sponsor: Caroline’s Coffee for 10% off any order.


C_Logo_2012


Check out these cool HomeschoolingIRL Coffee Tumblers from HIRLer Cyndi Newman

HomeschoolingIRL_mugs


LISTEN HERE

Are you ready to listen to Fletch and Kendra get real about homeschooling? Press the PLAY button below.


Join Fletch (from theMangoTimes) and Kendra (from Preschoolers and Peace and KendraFletcher.com) for the HomeschoolingIRL podcast every week as they interview guests and talk through some of the goofiness they have experienced in nearly two decades

Financial Strain – HIRL Episode 75

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Free homeschool podcast about holiday finances.For the next few weeks, we are producing a mini-series of episodes called: Surviving the Holidays. On this first episode, we are focusing on the financial strain the holidays can cause. How do we look at our holiday spending in light of the gospel? How do we communicate as a family the importance of the holiday in light of the abundance displayed by our culture? And most importantly, how do we participate and celebrate in commerce and gift-buying without shifting our hope?

Join Fletch and Kendra as they sit down with friend and financial planner, Bill Kenoyer, for a discussion about living a gospel-centered life in the midst of the holidays. Don’t miss it!


EPISODE TIMELINE
2:40 – Introduction
8:25 – Budget your money, your time, and your list
24:36 – Finding the gospel and hopeshifting during the holidays
37:07 – Concluding thoughts


SHOW NOTES:

Recommended Resources:
Financial Peace University – Dave Ramsey
Prodigal God by Tim Keller

Music clips used on this episode:
Money, Money, Money – Mamma Mia Soundtrack – Go buy it on iTunes
Hey, Big Spender – Sweet Charity Soundtrack – Go buy it on iTunes


SUBSCRIBE AND LEAVE AN iTUNES REVIEW:

Allow the magic of the internet to deliver Homeschooling In Real Life to your tablet or smart phone. Let us show you how easy it is:

  1. Follow this link to our iTunes page.
  2. IMPORTANT STEP: Under our big red HomeschoolingIRL logo, just click on View in iTunes
  3. The iTunes program will automatically launch and take you to our podcast page.
  4. FIRST – Click SUBSCRIBE. Voila! All or our podcasts will come directly to your computer and smart phone.
  5. NEXT – Click RATINGS AND REVIEW. Remember the best reviews are 5-stars (hint hint!).
  6. Thanks for being one of our listeners! HIRLers rock!

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO LISTEN TO HomeschoolingIRL?

  1. You can listen right on this page. There is an audio player below.
  2. You can listen on your iPod, Smartphone or tablet. Open the PODCAST app on your device, search podcasts for “HomeschoolingIRL” and click subscribe. Easy peasy lemon squeezy.
  3. Subscribe to the HomeschoolingIRL website and you will be notified when every new episode is released. Follow this link and begin your FREE SUBSCRIPTION.

ADVERTISERS/SPONSORS:

PLEASE VISIT OUR SPONSOR: HEDUA, PUBLISHERS OF DEAR MAGAZINE

DearMagazineImage1


Please visit our coffee sponsor: Caroline’s Coffee for 10% off any order.


C_Logo_2012


Check out these cool HomeschoolingIRL Coffee Tumblers from HIRLer Cyndi Newman

HomeschoolingIRL_mugs


LISTEN HERE

Are you ready to listen to Fletch and Kendra get real about homeschooling? Press play below


Join Fletch (from theMangoTimes) and Kendra (from Preschoolers and Peace and KendraFletcher.com) for the HomeschoolingIRL podcast every week as they interview guests and talk through some of the goofiness they have experienced in nearly two decades of Homeschooling In Real Life.

Can We Afford To Homeschool? – HIRL Episode 62

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Free podcast about the finances and budgeting for Christian homeschoolingCan you afford to homeschoool? What if your budget is already at its max, and you feel you’re barely scraping by just to provide the basics for your family?

Join Fletch and Kendra as we sit down with our Ultimate Homeschool Radio Network colleague and CPA Carol Topp for a lively and quick discussion of how to make homeschooling work on a small or non-existent budget, the realities and expenses of homeschooling older kids, and the need to examine our hearts when it comes to finances and what God is calling us to do.

 

SHOW NOTES

Give a listen and let us know what works well as you budget for your homeschool year.

Timeline
2:14– Introduction
10:08 – I Can’t Afford To Homeschool
19:11 -Interview with Carol Topp, CPA

Show Notes

HomeschoolCPA

Dollars and Sense podcast, with Carol Topp

Microbusiness for Teens

Dave Ramsey, Financial Peace University

 

WPD-AllinOne.404x404

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Please visit our sponsor: HEDUA, creators of The Well Planned Day Planner

C_Logo_2012

 

 

 


Please visit our coffee sponsor: Caroline’s Coffee for 10% off any order.


Join Fletch (from theMangoTimes) and Kendra (from Preschoolers and Peace and KendraFletcher.com) for the HomeschoolingIRL podcast every week as they interview guests and talk through some of the goofiness they have experienced in nearly two decades of Homeschooling In Real Life.