Being a teacher is one of the most rewarding jobs because we have a hand in shaping so many children’s lives. Every day we get to go to work to do what we love. For the amount of money we put into our classrooms, due to lack of resources and funding, our salary takes a hit. This means teachers have to be creative with how to save money! Here are 5 smart and savvy ways to help you save money throughout your teaching career.
One of the biggest payments you are making each month is probably your student loans. Many teachers have them and may struggle to pay them. Depending on where you teach, you may qualify for student loan forgiveness. Another option is to refinancing your loans will help your monthly payment lower (saving you some money) and will help in the long run. Cha-ching!
It is a sad reality that teachers have to pay for classroom supplies, which can really add up. To save some money, shop on sale and shop cheap! There are plenty of stores that have sale sections that could help your shopping list. There are also stores like the Dollar Tree and the infamous Target Dollar Spot that have classroom supplies for only $1. (You really cannot beat that.) You can also shop bulk to get items that you will go through a lot like pencils, pens, and markers. Amazon.com is the best one-stop shop with great prices.
Use your social media accounts to contact a wide range of people asking if they have supplies to donate. This will save you a lot of money because you are getting things you need for free! College students will have notebooks or binders they barely used, other teachers may have classroom items they are “retiring,” and parents may offer to pay for their children’s supplies! It is worth asking before going out and buying it all yourself. Oh, and don’t forget about Donors Choose. I’ve seen so many teachers get amazing projects and conferences funded for FREE!!!
If you are really low on funds, there are plenty of grants to apply for! Just Google “Teacher Grants for ______” and there will be plenty to apply for in different price ranges. It is worth investing the time in applying for grants to get extra cash for your classroom and students.
There are plenty of stores for a wide range of things like clothes, electronics, and supplies that give teacher discounts! The best bet is to always ask when you are checking out. The small savings each trip will start to add up to great savings. There are also amusement parks and museums that have teacher discounts. So, if you are planning a vacation make sure to check their special deals for teachers to save some money.
Being smart and savvy will definitely make you and your piggy bank happier. Do you have any tips for your fellow teachers on how to save money? Comment below!
If you like it, then pin it!
Need affordable resources? Be sure to visit the Shop for immediately useful and effective resources to support your classroom. And join For The Love of Teachers email list to receive the latest and greatest updates, and receive monthly freebies!!
Christine Weis is a passionate educator, classroom management coach, wife, and mom of two busy boys. She enjoys teaching, writing, and creating resources for teachers.
This is so true! Thank you for these tips. I just shared this with my husband who is a teacher.
You’re welcome! I’m glad you could share these tips with your husband! Every money saving tip helps. Thanks for reading!
Christine at For the Love of Teachers
I’m a teacher myself and I think teachers are really underpaid in Poland. I’ll try to keep your tips in mind to save some extra cash! 🙂
Oh I hear you…teachers are underpaid EVERYWHERE! That’s why these money saving tips are SO important! Thanks for reading!
Christine at For the Love of Teachers
I am surprised teachers have to pay for their own supply. All these sources of supplies and donation is really helpful. My friends will benefit.
Yep, teachers pay for many resources and supplies that their students need. I’m glad you found these ideas helpful. Thanks for reading!
Christine at For the Love of Teachers
These are great ideas! I’m fortunate to work in a community where many parents provide extras for the class and me. So thankful for that!
Thank you! That is really amazing! There are many parents that are willing to give more. Thanks for reading!
Christine For The Love of Teachers
I never realized how much teachers have to pay for their own supply. Isn’t that kind of crazy? The Dollar Tree is a great solution for that. It makes it so much more affordable!
Ha! It is kind of crazy, isn’t it? We put our hand in our pockets for just about everything. The Dollar Tree and Target has an area just for teachers. It’s a teacher’s dream and it’s addicting!!
Great post. I always forget that you can get discounts at lots of stores. Just saved $150 on a MacBook Pro with a teacher ID so definitely worth it.
Thanks! Oh, that’s a great deal! Good for you! Thanks for reading!
Christine For The Love of Teachers
So many of my teacher friends will really benefit from these ideas! Donors Choose is amazing! I also love Oriental Trading for buying fun theme oriented stuff for them. My friend has a treasure chest I love to fill with the fun small items from all the various sites. Great job! Teachers are so important and they often do so much on their own $.
Thank you! Please share! I agree Donors Choose is amazing! Oriental Trading is another great place for classroom supplies, materials and resources. I forgot about that one! Thanks for reading!
Christine For The Love of Teachers
This is such a helpful post for all teachers! I didn’t even know some of these were available for teachers.
Thank you! I know right!? Lots of great resources out there to save some cash! Thanks for reading!
Christine For The Love of Teachers
Amazing advice! I think my favorite was to look for teacher grants! Always nice to be rewarded for your hard job as a teacher! thanks for the motivation!
Thanks so much! Look for teacher grants is something I need to do more of. There are so many available. Thanks for reading!
Christine For The Love of Teachers
Great list of tips. Shopping at the Dollar Tree is a terrific idea!
Thank you! Oh how I LOVE the Dollar Tree and the Target Dollar Spot! I’m addicted! 😉 Thanks for reading!
Christine For The Love of Teachers