It’s fall and to me that equals “busy”. Busy with school, busy with new routines, and most of all – busy with activities.
If you have entered into the world of extracurricular activities with your children, then you know how easily the costs add up. Registration fees, uniform expenses, travel costs, team pictures … the list goes on and on. It can wreck your pocketbook very quickly.
Add in another child with a similar activity, or even a third child … and you need to take out a small loan.
But, what skills can you offer?
If money is keeping your child from being involved, start with yourself first – what can you add to the organization that they may be paying for out of pocket.
Are you an accountant? Do you design websites? Are you in the cleaning business?
Before you “sit this season out”, contact the parent organization and see if there isn’t a way you can barter. For example, “I’ll do your taxes in exchange for two seasons of t-ball for my son.”
Make sure that you can uphold your end of the bargain in the end. This needs to be a win-win for both parties.
When it works, it works beautifully. So, don’t be afraid to ask. It might be the beginning of a great relationship.
* This post is part of a weekly segment on KSBJ Christian Radio. For more on segments featuring Stephanie Click, the Texas Money Mom, click here.
