by Hope
I know my decision to allow Princess to finish her last two years at a private high school is controversial here at BAD. But the good news, is that this year, her junior year is now paid for in its entirety…and no new debt added.
As I mentioned in the post announcing her decision, the cost for the year, after grants and merit scholarships was $3,000. I had decided to do my best to pay it in two lump sums of $1,500 a piece to avoid the monthly payment plan fee and because I didn’t feel like I could pay the full amount up front.
How Did I Pay for Her Private School
BUT…a family member who wishes to remain anonymous graciously offered to pay 1/2 of her tuition…and I had already been saving to pay the other half due at the end of this month. By having the full amount up front, I was able to take the 5% discount, saving $150. Perfect!
Side Hustle Income
So how, you ask, did I have an extra $1,500 in my budget for this expense? Well, thankfully, a client referred another client to me this summer. And the project I am completing for them came to $1,200. It was not in my monthly income to cover regular expenses, so I was able to just dedicate it to this new expense without missing a beat. As a contractor, this happens regularly. And while the projects are not always so lucrative, I do get them a few times a year.
And saving the extra 5% made this even better because I only had to add an additional $150 in out of my regular income and voila, the year of school was paid for!!! A weight off my shoulders, for which, I am very grateful.
You Did Warn Me
Now several of the commenters did warn me of “extra” costs, and I was already surprised by a new one…a $125 activity fee. This fee isn’t due until next month so I have some time to work it into my budget AND contact the school to find out if there will be any more surprises! More to come on that…
(But I had already checked on school trips, etc. and actually the junior year is the one year they don’t take a grade level trip. Woot, woot! And now I am forewarned for next year.)
Transporation
I mentioned there was a bus that would transport Princess to and from the new school…but yikes, the price is $750! Nope, not doing it. That’s essentially 3 car payments…almost a semesters worth. Not happening. So I’m keeping that money in my pocket and will drive her myself. That’s a good chunk toward another car for me…however, that decision works out.
Uniforms
This past weekend, we visited Kennesaw State University for History Buff. (And I make Princess go on all the twins college visits so we don’t have to return anywhere twice.) But while we were down that way, I decided to swing by the uniform store to get Princess sized, etc. Little did I know, that I would be purchasing her uniform then as well…but it worked out. But a whopping $497 was spent on uniform pieces.
But I am happy to announce she is all set for the school year. Unless she needs something for volleyball, she will not need any additional clothes for at least this school year and probably next school year as well!
Now before you jump down my throat on this expense, know this…I have always given the kids $200-300 in the fall and the spring for new clothes. It’s in my budget. If these clothes can last the next two years…and there is no reason they shouldn’t since Princess is done growing. I will actually have saved money on clothes!!!
This money was already saved and expected…we just spent it a little earlier than normal. But that’s okay. She is now ready for her new school and have clothes that fit well.
I feel very good about this decision made by Princess for herself. I think empowering her to make this move will have a positive long term affect on her. And I can already see the pride she has in just the accomplishment of being accepted. Here’s to new challenges and new things!
