For an entire year we were bleeding $350 per month to keep my daughter enrolled at a private gymnastics academy.
That monthly bill didn’t even cover boosters, leotards, warm-ups, meets, meals or hotel stays. Put together, those expenses topped out at more than $6,000 a year!
My savings were shrinking right before my eyes. And this was only the start of our competitive gymnastics journey.
As a single mother with three other children in addition to my gymnast, I realized this was completely unsustainable.
Saving on Gymnastics With One Simple Change
We discovered that a YMCA two towns over runs an excellent gymnastics squad for a fraction of what we were paying at the private gym — and the weekly practice time is comparable.
Yes, we do need to buy a monthly family membership. But that membership gives our whole family a place to be active and have fun. Plus, the meets are within about two hours, so we avoid hotel expenses.
All told, we trim more than $4,000 per year by moving my daughter to the YMCA team.
Here’s the side-by-side comparison:
My daughter is thriving on her new team, challenged and mastering new moves.
Turning It Into a Learning Opportunity
As we went through the change, I explained to her how switching teams could deliver a similar experience while cutting our costs significantly.
Because I include my children in our plan to become debt-free, we talked about using the money we save to knock down our remaining balances. Kids understand money more than we often give them credit for.
My daughter was particularly proud of her contribution — she knows the payoff for getting out of debt is a long-awaited, fully paid vacation. She was all in!
During the transition another realization hit me: my daughter never compared the two gyms the way I did. She doesn’t care about the upscale address or the frills of the private facility — she’s 10 and simply loves being on the mat.
Our family rule now is to center after-school activities around the Y and our school programs. We can provide these opportunities without creating financial strain or piling on debt.
Could You Make a Similar Change?
Considering moving your child from a private gym or club? Look into local YMCAs and community centers near you.
Come prepared with these questions to make sure you get the most value for your money. They’re geared toward gymnastics, but you can adapt them to other sports:
- Is there a monthly or annual membership fee in addition to the team dues?
- How much gym time will your child actually get for the cost?
- How far is the facility from your home? Are the commute and fuel costs reasonable?
- How far will you have to travel for meets or competitions? Will overnight stays be required?
- Is there a booster fee?
- Are parents expected to volunteer?
- What are the uniform expenses?
- What is the team’s competitive philosophy and does it match your family’s values?
- What are the safety standards for equipment and coaching?
- Is there frequent turnover among coaches? What are their qualifications, and are background checks conducted?
Your Turn: How do you economize on your children’s activities? Do you include your kids when making financial choices?
Note: For more tips on reducing costs related to kids’ activities and fitness, check out resources like save money on sports equipment for kids and ideas for ways to exercise without gym membership.
