Registration for fall sports and activities is in full swing! Kids’ activities can be pricey and add up quickly! Play offense and make plans to avoid blowing your budget. The key is to do your homework, ask good questions up front, and factor everything into your spending plan – even some extra laundry detergent for those muddy uniforms! Unexpected costs will inevitably pop up but review our five quick tips below to get started!

1. Registration and Ongoing Fees
   The fee to register your child for an event or activity is usually advertised up front and is either a one-time occurrence or an ongoing monthly fee. If the fee for the activity is ongoing, be sure to include it in your spending plan each month your child is participating in the activity. (Example: Dance class is $50 per month, September through November.)
   Pro Tip: When registering your child for an activity, ask if there are additional costs like competition, meet, or recital fees that should be anticipated as the season continues.

2. Gear/Materials/Apparel
   Sports and activities likely require gear or supplies. Uniforms or costumes may be specific to the season and team but look for ways to save on other necessities. Consider buying used equipment or sharing equipment between siblings or friends whenever possible. Try to rent or borrow equipment before purchasing expensive gear if you aren’t sure your child will stick with the activity or program.
   One area you may not have planned on—gear for parents and siblings. Make sure to factor in expenses like all-weather gear to brave the elements, a decent lawn chair or bleacher seat for spectating, or a team t-shirt to show your support.Savings Hack: Check out preseason swap meets and exchanges where families can purchase used gear from other families at a discount. This is a great way to meet other families and score deals on the equipment and apparel you’ll need for the upcoming season.

3. Travel
   You need to account for this cost no matter the sport or activity. You will be adding miles to your car and increasing the amount you will be spending each month on fuel even if the activity doesn’t involve competition or travel for games. Ask for more details about estimated costs, payment plans, or fundraising opportunities to cover expenses if an activity includes regional or national travel. These types of activities may be a great opportunity for your child but make sure your family spending plan can manage the financial impact. Map out potential trips on your family calendar and break down the cost of each event before registering and remember to multiply the costs accordingly if you or other family members will be traveling with your child.Savings Hack: Consider carpooling with other families for practices and games. Setting up a schedule for carpooling with other families could save you time and money over the course of a season.

4. Food
   Snacks from the concession stand and meals on the road when traveling add up fast. Stock up on snacks and convenience items when they go on sale and bring them along for game days. Consider packing a cooler with sports drinks, water, and snacks for long days on the road or sitting at tournaments. This saves on fast food or restaurants.

5. Miscellaneous
   Don’t forget about things like team photos, admission, and parking fees. It may be tough to anticipate all of these costs, but the key is to save and have some money set aside in advance.Savings Hack: Keep a lookout for early-bird ticket pricing if the end-of-year event is ticketed. Sometimes tickets are offered at a discount in advance of an event, and this could create a significant savings if you’re buying a ticket for multiple members of your family.

 These five tips should get you started on the right path of preparation. You may not be in a place to let your child participate in every activity they would enjoy if your family is working a plan to pay down debt and creating responsible spending habits. Take some time to discuss each activity with your child and find ways to compromise. Maybe they won’t be able to enroll in an activity this fall, but you can make a spending plan that will ensure they can participate in a spring activity.

Budgeting for kids’ activities may be a great opportunity to start talking about money with your kids. Depending on their age, you may even want to talk about how they will help cover some of the costs associated with the activities by creating a spending plan with them. MilSpouse Money Mission has created a guide to help you start talking about money with your kids, and how you can ensure they are making smart money decisions at every age.

Managing household finances is a team sport! Preparing your spending plan just as your child(ren) prepare for their activity will go a long way toward a successful season for everyone!

MilSpouse Money Mission® is a Department of Defense resource that offers FREE personal financial education specifically geared toward spouses. There is a Money Ready guide for various stages of financial life, a MilLife Milestones section to help you through the big moments in your military journey, a blog, spouse videos, quizzes, calculators and more!