10 Ways to Save on Youth Sports Expenses

“It is not uncommon for parents to spend $2,000 or more per year on youth sports. Team fees, camps, lessons, team travel, equipment – it all adds up quickly.

If your child’s sports-related expenses are consuming too big of a bite out of your budget, here are five ways to save:

1. Opt for group lessons
If your child participates in an individual sport such as tennis, horseback riding, golf or ice-skating, you’re probably forking over big bucks for private lessons. Instead of private lessons, consider enrolling your child in group sessions. Even sports instruction with a small group of students, costs considerably less than private lessons. You could also reduce private lessons from daily to three times a week. Speak with the instructor about your desire to cut cost, but keep your child in the program. Often times, instructors will offer individual attention to kids during a group session.

2. Carpool
Share transportation expenses with other families. Besides saving on gas, this can also save you time that can be spent working or tackling household chores. Make sure any carpool arrangement is consistent and equitable.”

Read the full post here.