Kids’ sport doesn’t have to break the bank!

January can be an expensive time of year, with school books, uniforms and fees all coming at the same time.

Then there’s the sport costs as well – subs, equipment, uniforms – it can be really expensive.

But it doesn’t have to be that way!

Last Friday I shared some tips to drive down the cost of kids’ sport with Deb and Georgie on Channel 9’s Today Show.

Guru tip 1 – Make sure you include the kids’ sport in the family budget. The last thing you need is sport related bill shock at the start of the year.

Guru tip 2 – Invest in a good pair of runners. They can be used in pretty much any sport the kids may decide they want to try this month, or next month, or the month after…

Guru tip 3 – Get together with other parents from school and run clinics. All you need is a couple of footies or soccer balls and before you know it the kids will be all tuckered out.

Guru tip 4 – We all know kids sprout between the ages of 6-16 and grow out of clothes before the interest free period on the credit card has ended. Avoid the cost blowout by putting it out to your network on social media to pay-it-forward by handing on clothes their kids have already grown out of, then you can do the same.

Guru tip 5 – Many state governments (sadly, excluding Victoria) provide Active Kids grants, where you can apply for and redeem $100 vouchers (more in some cases) to support the kids playing sport.

Guru tip 6 – If all else fails, walking the dog or going for a jog are free!