Create a budget for how much you can spend on tutoring. Decide if you want to pay an hourly rate or a flat fee. An hourly rate may be cheaper if you simply want someone to help your child with homework an hour a day. Or, if you want a more comprehensive lesson, a flat fee may be cheaper.
Check local online ads. Craigslist is a comprehensive website where you can browse numerous ads for tutoring services. To do so, click the "Lessons" link underneath the "Services" section. From there, you can use the search function to search for the type of tutor you want and filter the results accordingly. For example, type "math tutor" to locate all ads for math tutors. Compare ads to find people offering similar services.
Place an ad in the local university or community college newspaper. College students are often in need of extra work and have demonstrated a proficiency in basic K-12 principles. As such, placing an ad in the local college newspaper can help you to find quality tutoring at a cheap rate. To do so, contact the newspaper advertising desk and ask for information on how to place an ad in the newspaper. They will likely charge a fee for this service, however.
Post fliers at local college campuses asking for a tutor. Include the subjects you need tutoring in and your contact information. You can also post your rate, as well. Alternately, contact student organizations that have an academic focus and ask for tutors. For example, you may contact the math or literary club if you want a math or English tutor for your child.
Negotiate your rate. You can often bargain with students or individuals about how much you will pay for their services, unlike with tutoring companies. Begin with a number much lower than your budgeted figure and negotiate from there. For example, if you have budgeted $15 an hour, begin with $11 an hour and negotiate until you have agreed to pay $15 or $16 dollars an hour. Also, you may be able to negotiate a cheaper rate by arranging for a certain number of tutoring services in advance.