Stretching Your Salary: 5 Creative Ways for Teachers to Save

Being a teacher can be one of the most rewarding professions, and most days that is 110% accurate. There are a few times, however, that the daunting idea of managing your classroom budget may send your mind reeling. It doesn’t have to be that way. Let’s look at some of the (very easy) ways you can keep more of your hard-earned dollars in your pocket during the school year.

Ask Parents to Help with Classroom Supplies

Raising children truly is a task suited for a village. It doesn’t matter what grade level you teach; they will ALWAYS lose a pencil or twelve, use too much glue, and inevitably make a mess of something or several things. Asking parents to pitch in with supplies, such as pens or pencils, wipes, and even Kleenex, is not asking the world of them. After all, have you seen a kindergartner lately? Their noses tend to be the equivalent of a leaky faucet. Worried about putting a less fortunate family out? Send home voluntary donation lists instead that detail exactly what your classroom is in need of.

Utilize Teacher Discounts

Teacher discounts are a great option to use any and all the time. Think of them like a nice little perk you get just for showing up to your job every day. There are discounts out there for everything from school supplies and clothes to electronics, software, and even select vacation tickets. Need some budget-friendly vacation spots for teachers? We got it covered here.  Not asking for a teacher discount is always going to lead to a 0% discount. Where’s the harm in trying in this situation?

Find Free Resources

There are always free resources available if one is simply willing to put in a little leg work. Consider a supply swap with fellow teacher friends, or even other mom friends that may homeschool. Both of you get a classroom refresh for a fraction of the price. The internet is full of free curriculum resources, so long as you vet your sources first! Lastly, consider checking around your local neighborhood for free or donated options. This can include places like the local church or thrift store, but also the good ole library.

Claim Your Tax Deductions

Tax deductions are one of the most overlooked ways to save money as a teacher. First, there’s a deduction of $250 towards classroom supplies that you can put a checkmark next to every year that you helps shape the minds of the future. You can also deduct any costs incurred that helped further your career, whether it was continuing education or professional certifications. This is just the tip of the tax deduction iceberg. Feel free to do your own research or visit a local tax pro for more information.

Track Classroom Expenses

Although tracking classroom expenses may make you cringe initially, it’s a great way to hold yourself accountable and keep your budget in line. Use an expense tracker, either on your phone/computer or plain old pen and paper, to see where your money is going each month with regards to your classroom. This will also help clue you in on your personal budget and make sure you are making enough to cover what you are spending. From here, consider further cost-saving options, like buying in bulk on things you use frequently.

As you can see, saving money as a teacher only looks daunting. It doesn’t truly have to be that way. There are plenty of resources, both online and in your community, that can help you close the gaps in your budget and put more money back in your wallet where it belongs.

Related Posts:

5 Smart and Savvy Ways to Save Money As a Teacher

Debt Management Tips for Teachers: How to Stay Afloat and Avoid Financial Stress

Six Top Personal Finance Apps for Teachers

 

About the Author: Elizabeth Jett is a Digital PR Specialist who works with clients from various industries. She loves writing, marketing, and all things PR. When she isn’t writing, you can find her spending time with friends and family, savoring life’s moments.

 

 

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