Back to school is a time when children look forward to getting new clothes, shoes, school supplies and extra goodies for added comfort at school. For many parents, back to school time for kids means an empty wallet. The most popular items on the market are pricey and often hard to find. But there are ways to save money on back to school clothing and supplies if parents plan ahead and know where the best deals can be found.
Plan Ahead for Back to School Savings
It’s hard to anticipate what children’s clothes or shoe sizes will be for an upcoming school year, but parents often know some staple school supplies that can be purchased throughout the year. Looking for sales on school supplies during the year can reduce the amount of money spent all at once. Purchasing supplies ahead of time during store sales and saving them for the upcoming year is a good way to save money.
Before heading out shopping with kids chomping at the bit for the newest fashion trends, take inventory of what each child already has in his drawers. Have the kids try things on to determine what really needs to be bought. Check for staple items like jeans, socks and underwear. Buy clothes that kids can wear comfortably now and still have a little room to grow. Clothes that fit too perfectly on shopping day might not even fit for the first day at school.
Coupons for Back to School Shopping
Before heading out to the malls or outlet stores, check online sources and newspapers for coupons. Online coupons can be found for retailers like Target, Kohl’s, Old Navy and many more popular stores at websites such as Coupon Mountain, eCoupons, and couponmom.com. If parents know of specific stores that their kids like, check that store’s website for coupons.
Also check with neighbors or friends to see if they might have coupons or know of upcoming sales or deals for local stores. These extra steps could save some big bucks at the cash register.
Budget for School Supplies and Teach Kids About Money
For many parents, planning for back to school shopping presents a good opportunity to teach kids about money and budgeting. Set a budget before heading out shopping and let each child know how much he is allowed to spend and on what. When children have to stay within a certain budget, they are more likely to make smart purchases, save money and purchase what they need rather than what they want.
Back to school does not need to be so hard on the wallet. Proper planning can really reduce the amount of money spent on back to school shopping. Purchasing school supplies throughout the year, looking for coupons and money saving deals, and setting shopping budgets can all help save a lot of money when it comes to buying school clothing and supplies.
Lucia Jenkins - Lucia is lifelong student, writer and bookworm. She has worked in the IT Industry for over 15 years, specializing in Process Improvement, ...
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