Tips on Back to School Shopping

There is something about a new box of markers that cannot be explained, but how can you keep that good feeling all the way to the cash register? August and September are two of the most expensive months when it comes to your kids.

Here are a few tips to help you out as you get ready for the new school year:

Before you go shopping:

• Determine your budget for school supplies and clothing.
• Review school supply list and clothing needs.
• Pull out last years jackets and shoes – maybe some can be used.
• Go through the leftovers from last year, you may be able to check some items off even before you leave home.
• Recycle as many items as you can. So if the math set is just missing a protractor – replace the protractor not the whole set.
• Go through flyers, clip as many coupons as possible. Look online for coupons. Determine what stores you will be visiting and for what items.
• Prioritize your lists from most important to least important. You can cut from the bottom of the list if necessary.

While shopping:

• Use cash not credit cards – that may help you stick to your budget.
• Remember to use your coupons and look for in-store specials.
• Keep track of how much you are spending as you go. This is a great time to involve your kids. It can help with math and problem solving.
• If an item you usually have to replenish during the school year (paper, notebooks, glue sticks, pencils) is on sale – stock up now to get the greatest savings.
• The same goes for clothing items – socks, t-shirts and other basics. If they are on sale stock up but make sure you allow for some growth.

Back to school shopping for school supplies and clothing is also a great time to teach your kids about budgeting and determining the difference between a want and a need. Let your kids know how much money is budgeted for shopping and have them help you comparison shop. That way they can see that choosing one expensive item means that it is necessary to cut back in other areas. While going through flyers or when confronted with in-store displays, and the new sparkly notebook or really cool backpack seems to change from a want to a need – spend some time with your child determining what has to go from the list. Maybe the sparkles will not be nearly as attractive once they understand what else has to be sacrificed to get it. On the flip side by doing your homework before you hit the stores, and saving as much as possible on the ‘needs’, one of your child’s’ wants, like those expensive sneakers, may fit in the budget.