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Welcome to Homeschooling on a Shoestring

Our mission is to help you homeschool affordably – without sacrificing quality. Whether you’re here because you love a great bargain or because you’re homeschooling on a tight budget, we’re here to support you with free and low-cost resources that work.

Homeschooling

Find practical, budget-friendly support for your homeschool journey – whether you’re just starting out or looking to refresh your routine. This section includes lesson plans, educational discounts, and a growing library of flexible unit studies. Visit the Homeschooling Main Page to explore it all.

Explore a nationwide (and growing!) list of homeschool skate sessions. Whether you’re planning a trip or just need a fun, active break in your week – find a homeschool skate near you.

Featured Unit Studies

Health, Wellness & Fitness

Explore simple, affordable ways to boost your family’s health and energy – from smoothie bowls and infused waters to home workouts, juicing tips, and roller skating basics. This section is all about wellness that fits into real life, even on a shoestring.

Pumpkin Roll-Inspired Smoothie Bowl

Pumpkin Roll-Inspired Smoothie Bowl

All the flavor of a pumpkin roll in a breakfast bowl. This one is vegan and dairy-free, and it’s sweetened ...
Turmeric Root

Turmeric Health Benefits Inflammation, Joint Health & Golden Milk

Turmeric: A Little Spice With Big Benefits Turmeric is the golden-yellow spice that gives curry its color. It shows up ...
Cauliflower Rice Base

A Simple Cauliflower Rice Base You Can Take in Any Direction

This super simple dish starts with cauliflower rice, black beans, diced tomatoes, and chickpeas. By keeping the base neutral, it ...

Michigan Resources

In our Michigan section, you’ll find local homeschool support groups, events, field trip ideas, and special homeschool days at museums and other attractions. We also share practical tips and regional insights just for Michigan homeschooling families. It’s your go-to spot for discovering fun, budget-friendly learning opportunities throughout Michigan and making the most of your homeschool journey.

Dennos Museum Center

Located in Traverse City on the campus of Northwestern Michigan College, the Dennos Museum Center features rotating art exhibitions, one ...
Cranbrook Institute of Science

ASTC Passport Program

Discover two ways homeschool families can save on field trips: the ASTC Passport Program and Michigan Activity Pass offer discounts ...

High School Art at Gallery 194

Congratulations to the following homeschooled students who will be exhibiting their art and photography work as a part of the ...

Planning & Organization

Stay on top of your homeschool life, routines, and goals with practical planning tools and organizing ideas. This section includes Erin Condren planner reviews, layout photos, and home organization tips that help keep things running smoothly.

Erin Condren LifePlanner 2025-2026

Erin Condren LifePlanner 2025–2026: Weekly vs. Daily Comparison

Planning for 2025–2026? Here’s Why I Still Use Erin Condren’s Weekly LifePlanner With so many digital calendars and apps promising ...
Erin Condren Homeschool Planner 2024-2025

Erin Condren Homeschool Planner 2024-2025

Erin Condren Books Of Wisdom Homeschool Planner - $48.50 Get the tools and inspiration you need to bloom in the ...
Erin Condren Homeschool Planner

Erin Condren Homeschool Planner

Erin Condren offers a homeschool planner that I like. The size is like their regular teacher's planner, it is the ...

Latest from the Blog

 

🎃 Halloween Ideas for Your Family

Looking for ways to celebrate on a budget? Here are Halloween ideas from Homeschooling on a Shoestring.

Recent Updates

How to Ask for a Lower Credit Card Interest Rate

If your credit card has a high interest rate, don't wait for the card company to lower it. Most companies won't lower your rate on their own, but many will if you call and ask. Why It's Worth a Phone Call In a LendingTree survey reported in ... Read More

Florida Homeschool Skate

This page features a growing list of homeschool skate sessions across Florida. Some rinks offer scheduled skate days during the traditional school year, others hold special summer sessions, and a few run year-round. Use the Table of Contents below to jump directly to a specific rink. Listings ... Read More

Free and Cheap Ways to Watch Movies at Home

Video rental stores are mostly gone, but there are still plenty of ways to watch movies at home for free or close to it. Start With Your Library Card Many libraries offer free movie streaming through apps like Kanopy and Hoopla. You sign in with your library ... Read More

Make Your Own Mini Coupon Binder Guide

My mom was a couponer long before it was trendy. I still have her old coupon box, one of those holiday gift boxes with tuck-in flaps. She had an index written inside the lid, detailing what was in each envelope. I use her system today in my ... Read More

Math in Skating Budgeting for a Family Trip to the Roller Rink

Roller skating isn't just a fun way to stay active. It's also a great opportunity to teach kids financial literacy! Planning a family trip to the roller rink provides a hands-on lesson in budgeting, addition, and subtraction. Breaking down costs and making spending decisions helps children learn ... Read More

Bill & Budget Color Code Key

I've been working on my budget, and thanks to Walgreens clearance, I now have my budget code! The Pens I found Papermate and Pilot G-2 pens on clearance. Funny how the pens I found matched each other. Cash Envelopes I also found matching windowed pencil holders on ... Read More

DIY Advent Calendar

Count down the days to Christmas with a DIY advent calendar you print and put together at home. This idea came from Michele Tanis back in 1996, when she made hers in Print Shop. Here is the same idea updated for Canva, which is free. It also ... Read More

💜 Looking for information about Lupus? Visit the Lupus Awareness Page to explore symptoms, infographics, and insights from Dr. Brooke Goldner.

Together, we can raise awareness, educate others, and stand in solidarity with those living with Lupus.