In these tough economic times it is important that parents take a realistic look at their finances and create a budget they can stick to. In theory, this is good advice, but often parents are forced to make difficult choices.

Most important are those expenses that absolutely need to be paid, such as rent, car payment, insurance and utilities. Then there are the items that fall into the category of luxury vs. necessity.? We all want the best for our children and want to provide whatever help they need to succeed in school. But these days the cost of a weekly private tutor can be prohibitive.

A private one-hour tutoring session costs from $30 - $45 per hour and much more in large cities.? The price of taking your child to one of the national learning centers also varies, but you can expect to pay $200?- $400 per month. Fortunately, with the advent of the internet, more affordable options are now available to parents, such as one-on-one online tutoring and online tutoring software companies. Both are a good option for children who enjoy using computers, and they have the added time-saving convenience of learning in the comfort of your home.

Online tutoring is interactive one-on-one tutoring via the Internet. Usually an online diagnostic test is given to determine the kind of help a child needs. Then the child works with a live, online teacher who customizes a study plan based on the results of the diagnostic test. Tutor and student communicate via instant messaging and interactive whiteboards. Sessions run from $20 - $30 per hour, which is less costly than a private tutor. In addition, some online tutoring companies have unlimited tutoring packages which run approximately $150 per month. Many provide money-back guarantees if your child is not satisfied with a session.

Online tutoring software is similar to tutoring with a live tutor except that it is completely software driven and costs significantly less. Most start out with a placement test, after which the child receives an individualized learning plan to meet his or her academic needs. Some have game-like activities and motivational characters that interact with children in a fun and engaging way. Monthly costs vary?from $16?- $25. Many have free trials, so the program can be tried for free to see if it works for your child.?

These are challenging economic times, but online tutoring programs could be a viable and practical option for parents who want to give their children the extra help they need. Take advantage of a Free Trial offer to see if the program is one your child will benefit from and enjoy. It is definitely worth a try and you have nothing to lose!