When do you do the bulk of your hs buying?

[Bensmom]

poll to follow (i think:))

[luvnlattes]

I chose July/August. I usually wait until the school year is over to decide if I want to go a different route with something or continue on. I research and think about programs as we go through the year and keep a file that lists them, but I don't make final decisions until the summer.

[PeacefulChaos]

Well, I start looking/buying in February, but the majority is in March. :D

[ErinE]

For curriculum, I start researching around Jan-Feb then purchase in March or April. Then I take a few months to map out the school year. During our three week break in July, I print and file papers and purchase supplemental books. That way, by August I'm ready to start up again.

[TraciWA]

Usually try to buy most of it in March as my budget comes from our tax return. If I wait too long the money goes "poof".

[frugalmama]

I buy all year round, but I mostly buy from thrift shops, used book stores, etc.

 

I also buy for multiple years - i.e. right now we are in 2nd and I'm buying for 3rd through 8th. I will pay more for 3rd items in than I would for 8th items, KWIM?

[StartingOver]

We purchase a bit all year long, but the bulk is purchased with Income Tax Refund in Feb or March.

[elegantlion]

Well, I start looking/buying in February, but the majority is in March. :D

 

This is close to how I do it. I already have some things for next year as I've bought at thrift stores for years and done a lot of self-education, so I know where we are going. Some I won't buy until I get a good feel of how he responds to what we're doing this year.

 

Books I know I will use, like novels and such, I will start buying before Christmas. It's easier to spread out my spending, but the bulk is done in March.

 

This year I had to wait longer than normal and just finished buying some things, it's been nerve wracking.

[Kathryn]

This is close to how I do it. I already have some things for next year as I've bought at thrift stores for years and done a lot of self-education, so I know where we are going. Some I won't buy until I get a good feel of how he responds to what we're doing this year.

 

Books I know I will use, like novels and such, I will start buying before Christmas. It's easier to spread out my spending, but the bulk is done in March.

 

This year I had to wait longer than normal and just finished buying some things, it's been nerve wracking.

 

Pretty much this. If I find good prices on used that I know we'll use, I get it whenever. I make my final list in Jan/Feb and purchase at the end of Feb/Mar. then plan for the next year in April.

[angela in ohio]

I do it in two shifts: one in April or May to get the main texts and what I need to start planning (mostly just the TMs or spines,) and then again in late July to get everything else. I voted July/August, because that is probably when the most is spent.

[mazakaal]

I voted May-June, but most of my buying is usually June-July. I start researching and making lists in January-February and might buy something that I find a really good deal on (HSBC or sale boards) earlier, but I don't receive any of our materials until they're brought by friends at the end of July, so most of the purchases happen in late June and early July.

 

This has changed a bit in recent years as e-books have become more available. Now I can actually switch curriculum mid-year if it isn't working for us! The wonders of modern technology. :D

[marbel]

I chose "anytime is a good time" because I just buy when I need something. We don't always follow a typical Sept - June academic year.

[Wheres Toto]

I buy year round. Mostly because we school year round and move up in different subjects at different times. I will buy a new level when it's clear we are going to need it soon. I will buy a new product if I think we need something different. I will buy things I see recommended if I think it will work and it's not too expensive.

[jolley]

I buy the bulk of it in February or March to start our school year in April. Anything else I buy as needed.

[Jean in Newcastle]

I chose July/August. I usually wait until the school year is over to decide if I want to go a different route with something or continue on. I research and think about programs as we go through the year and keep a file that lists them, but I don't make final decisions until the summer.

 

:iagree:

[Dinsfamily]

I buy most in March and April because we start our schoolyear in June. However, I've started buying new levels when I need them. We tend to roll onto the next level as we finish. Just this week ds8 started a new FLL and math books.

[Crimson Wife]

Our charter has two ordering windows: Aug-Sept. and Dec-Jan. So that's when I get most things. If I'm buying an item out-of-pocket, it's generally either with Christmas or tax refund money. So that would be Jan. or Feb-Mar.

[kitten18]

I buy year round. Mostly because we school year round and move up in different subjects at different times. I will buy a new level when it's clear we are going to need it soon. I will buy a new product if I think we need something different. I will buy things I see recommended if I think it will work and it's not too expensive.

:iagree: We are all over the place in different subjects and I buy throughout the year.

[happypamama]

March-April, generally. That's after the tax refund comes back, and we're almost finished with the year, so I'm getting excited about the upcoming year and want to have the materials in hand to plan. This year, I also bought some things at the PA CHAP conference, since the deals were good.

[Ali in OR]

I used to buy from Feb-April, but as the kids are older and activities and school work take so much of my time, it's now more like May-June after our school year has ended and I have a little time. But I'll buy some things through the year as sales or special offers come up. About the only time I don't buy is fall as we have everything by then and I'm not looking for the next year yet.

[Jpoy85]

I wait til the HS Convention and buy everything then with Taxes. :party:

[thebarefootamazon]

Yep, tax return time and we usually do it late. So March/April.

[freeindeed]

My bulk purchases are in April, but I'll grab a good deal any time of the year.

[airforcefamily]

The bulk of everything is purchased just before we start in August. I like things to be new and fresh when we start. I would be too unmotivated when faced with a stack of books I bought six months before.

 

I also get somethings at conventions but never big purchases unless I'm sure that's what I want. Too much can change between the spring and when we start, what if what I buy isn't what we end up needing?

 

We're always picking up new things here and there just to keep things fresh. Craft kits and art supplies are fun semi educational treats and is there ever a wrong time for more books to read?

[lea_lpz]

Usually try to buy most of it in March as my budget comes from our tax return. If I wait too long the money goes "poof".

 

Us too! It's the time of year we can make it happen. The rest of the year is just little things here and there.

[kolamum]

OTHER -- when the educational refund comes in. ;)

[MissKNG]

Year round as needed.

[Anne in CA]

I used to be a really careful planner, but after thirteen years of home schooling I have so many things that I just make a plan in August and only purchase what I don't have already.

[Melissa in Australia]

nov-dec. School year starts in Feb in Australia.