Extracurriculars for kids - how much to spend

[Anonymous]

How much do you think it is acceptable to spend on kids' extracurriculars for a family with an annual income of about $250K and no debt except $500K mortgage?

[Anonymous]

I spend $500 per kid per semester. The $500 has to include registration fees, costumes, equipment, tournament fees etc.

[Anonymous]

except for once a week music lessons, my parents spent zero.
I was in girl scouts (minimal dues); performed in school plays (free), volunteered (free except for bus fare), and did other free extra curriculars provided by school

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:except for once a week music lessons, my parents spent zero.
I was in girl scouts (minimal dues); performed in school plays (free), volunteered (free except for bus fare), and did other free extra curriculars provided by school

That's a big "except" though.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How much do you think it is acceptable to spend on kids' extracurriculars for a family with an annual income of about $250K and no debt except $500K mortgage?

We don't look at it as was it acceptable to spend at x income. Our children have interests and needs and we try to find what is available that fits our budget and within what seems fair. We don't have a max or min budget.

[Anonymous]

10% gross

[Anonymous]

Honestly, I hate these types of questions, however they are intended. Every family has different needs and wants. How much should a vacation budget be, how much for clothing, how much for food.

It depends.

It depends on how many kids, what ages, what their interests are, what other expenses there are.

If you're trying to compare to others, you'll drive yourself crazy.

[Anonymous]

I total agree with PP. I don't try to compete. I ask myself does the cost of whatever I am signing up for provide a reasonable value. My husband and I make in the low $200K range.

I decided that I am okay with paying $160 a month for 2 hour weekly math classes but I am not okay with paying $150 a week for Karate.

I decided that I am okay with paying $80 per month for 1/2 hour swim lessons and $100 a month for 1.5 hour ballet lessons.

[Anonymous]

Our HHI is the same. We pay $140 per kid for soccer (for the season) + uniforms/new gear. $80/month per kid for swimming lessons. One kid is thinking of doing a dance class in the fall which would be $350 for Sept-Dec (weekly classes.)

[Anonymous]

DC1: $826/semester for weekly choir and twice-weekly gymnastics.

DC2: $870/semester for weekly violin + violin extras.

HHI $90K

Like PPs above, I start with their interests and then try to make it fit in my budget. Note that violin costs much more than choir or gym. Luckily DC2 only wants that!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:except for once a week music lessons, my parents spent zero.
I was in girl scouts (minimal dues); performed in school plays (free), volunteered (free except for bus fare), and did other free extra curriculars provided by school

That's a big "except" though.

a token each way several times a month? that was a two bucks a month

[Anonymous]

I sang in my church youth choir for free

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:except for once a week music lessons, my parents spent zero.
I was in girl scouts (minimal dues); performed in school plays (free), volunteered (free except for bus fare), and did other free extra curriculars provided by school

That's a big "except" though.

a token each way several times a month? that was a two bucks a month

The music lessons,

Music lessons cost much more than sports, or practically any other activity that you care to mention - except polo (the one played on horses) or sailing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:10% gross

tithing?

[Anonymous]

Our DD just started travel soccer and it will be very expensive for us. Official jacket, pants, shorts jerseys and ball, and backpack, plus fees and driving all over creation. She is dedicated though, so we are going to give it a try.