//PAY TO PLAY? TIPS TO CUT SPORTS EXPENSES

Two, four, six, eight, who do we appreciate? How about Lincoln, Washington and the other presidents posing on U.S. currency? After all, if you’re involved in sports, you know that it takes a lot of green to play these days. Don’t believe us? Check out these prices:

STX Kannon Lacrosse Stick – $234.99
Nike Zoom LeBron Basketball shoes – $179.99
Three-day cheer camp – $331.00
Adidas Keeper Soccer Gloves – $129.99

Hopefully the cost of playing a sport won’t scare you away from getting involved. The benefits of participating are too great to pass up. Before you decide to sit the season out, we have some tips to help cut your sports-related expenses:

• Buy used. Many stores now sell quality, name-brand used sports equipment at reduced prices. Check out places such as Play it Again Sports or UsedSports.com.
• Wait before buying pro-level equipment. There’s no reason to buy a $300 baseball bat when you’re just starting out. Save your money and develop your skills first.
• Sell used. When you’re ready for an upgrade, sell back your old equipment and use the money to buy new equipment.
• Pass on the extras. Companies make millions selling stuff that most amateurs don’t need. Before you buy anything ask yourself, “will it help improve my performance or protect me from injury?” If not, put your money back in your wallet.
• Carpool. Paying for gas to drive to practice and games is an easy way to waste money. Talk to your teammates and start a carpool. It’s good for the environment, great for your wallet, and even better for developing team morale.

These are just a few ways to make participating in sports more affordable. Get creative, get active and have fun.