Tutoring is a great way to help your child catch up in one specific subject, learn effective studying skills or keep up with homework and projects. The only problem is, it can be an expensive addition to the family budget. But it doesn’t have to be. There are many resources available to make tutoring more affordable — and possibly even free. Take a look at these easy ways to save money on tutoring: 
Start at the Source
Talk with your child’s teacher(s) to see if they agree tutoring will be beneficial. If you’re all on the same page, ask if the school offers any tutoring services. They can include one-on-one tutoring, peer-led study groups or subscriptions to online resources. Additionally, the teacher may be willing to offer your child additional assistance at recess or after school. And be sure to ask for tips on how you can tutor your child yourself at home.
Check out the Library
Public libraries remain an excellent — and often untapped — resource for any number of things, including tutoring services. Many offer access to subscription-based online tutoring, as well as one-on-one assistance with volunteer tutors who have been fully vetted. Not surprisingly, libraries are also a great resource for structured reading programs to help encourage reluctant readers.
Look into Nonprofits
A smart way to save on tutoring is to work with a nonprofit. Many nonprofits, such as the YMCA and Boys & Girls Clubs offer tutoring and other academic assistance such as workshops on effective study skills and test taking. Don’t forget to also check out online profits, such as the Khan Academy, which offers tutoring and instruction on a number of subjects, with curriculum for all grade levels.
Establish a Study Group
Talk with the parents of other children in your kid’s class to find out if any of them are considering tutoring for their children. If you find they are, you may be able to put together a study group and hire a private tutor, which becomes much more affordable when you’re splitting the cost among several families. Sharing the cost of a tutor is an effective way to save money on tutoring.
Try a Teacher-in-Training
If you live in a university town, there are sure to be education majors who are eager to get real-life teaching experience (and a little extra cash) through tutoring. As a first step, contact the school’s College of Education to see if they have any formal tutoring programs set up. Also consider seeking out subject matter experts; an English major if your child is struggling with writing basics or a math major if Algebra just isn’t making sense.
Helping your child excel through tutoring doesn’t have to break the family budget, but if you need a little help making some spending cuts, talk with one of our Credit Counselors. They can help you work out a budget that includes funds for tutoring.
