Posted on Jul 30, 2015 in
SCHOOLS
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While kids and parents alike eagerly await the fresh start of a new school year, the back to school season is not without its share of stressors for busy families. The start of school means new schedules, teachers, shoes, backpacks and friends, as well as new academic challenges.
If the shopping itself is adding stress to your household, ease the back-to-school burden on your family with these helpful tips to simplify shopping for the school year ahead.
1Make note of your inventory. School lists often carry over each school year, so make sure you aren’t buying multiples of things you already own. Some supplies are more exciting when refreshed every year, but buying the same old boring ruler year after year is simply a waste of money.
2Make a list with your children. Put everything you need on that list, and be clear that once the list is done, it’s done. Having everyone on the same page with a complete list helps ensure nothing vital is forgotten, and the list can serve as a handy tool to keep your budget in check.
3Begin shopping as early as possible. Hunt bargains before the traditional back to school season to get the best deals. Not only will you save some cash, shopping before the rush will give you a wider selection to choose from, so you’re sure to find the items you need in the styles you – and your kids – want.
4Be a savvy online shopper. Check out favorite brands and retailers online and sign up for their email alerts, so you’ll be in the know when the best deals hit. Many retailers now offer online-only specials, so watch ads closely to know when you’re better served making purchases in-store or online. Also, keep an eye out for free or reduced shipping for extra savings that make it even cheaper than buying in person when you factor in the cost of gas.
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5Create a back-up bin at home. You may find that your kids consistently run out of certain items midyear. Devote a special area of your home to keep extras in stock, and take advantage of sales during back to school season or buy in bulk to get a better price.
6Put quality ahead of price. While it’s tempting to go for cheap when your list is long, remember that sometimes quality buys actually save more in the long run. You can buy a ton of cheap pens that skip or simply stop working. Or, you can look at affordable, quality alternatives that allow children to focus on writing, not on the pen.
7Make your children shopping buddies. Involve your kids in the back to school shop- ping process by giving them a budget. Help them allocate money for all of the expenses, including clothing, school supplies, shoes and more. Use the opportunity to talk about how shopping smart for the necessities can leave room for some fun buys, too.
8Reduce and reuse. Save plastic and money by encouraging kids to embrace reusable items, such as lunch bags in place of paper sacks and plastic containers instead of sandwich bags. If water bottles are allowed at school, look for a durable, refillable option that can be used again and again.
9Make the old new again. Turn barely used items into something new by decorating or adding stickers. Not only is this a fun activity that can help get the kids excited about and engaged in planning for the year ahead, it’s easy on the budget and eco-friendly.
10Swap with other moms. Make back to school time more fun by hosting a swap event with other moms for clothing, backpacks and shoes. It seems that kids are forever trading with their friends, so embrace that mindset, and see what exciting new treasures you can find for your kids to call their own.
Source: Family Features absolutely!focus
