Back to school shopping can be a financial burden…especially if you have multiple kids to shop for. Between the clothes and the school supplies your wallet can really take a punch to the gut.
This fall (YIKES! Can you believe it is that time already!?) get the biggest bang for your buck. Here are some tips and tricks to help you in this yearly task.
Lets start with wardrobe:
Bonnie McCarthy of Walletpop.com lays out some rules for clothes shopping:
Absolutely-Unbreakable-Rule-Number-One: The item must look good — on you. No exceptions. It doesn’t matter if the entire world is wearing the cutest dress that’s ever been cut from cloth if it does not flatter your-very-own-self. Put. It. Back. Walk away.
Iron Clad Rule Number Two: The item must fit well. No buttons that pop open at the chest, sleeves that look okay if they’re worn rolled up, or pants that might fit if we lose five pounds. No dice. Fashion companies make up their own sizes; no laws mandate that a size six must fit certain measurements. It’s an imperfect system designed to give folks a general idea of what to bring into the dressing room. Don’t get hung up on a number. Try on several sizes and buy the one that looks and feels the best. Period.
Iron Clad Rule Number Three: You’ve gotta love it. Not like. Love. Shopping on a budget doesn’t allow for flirting. There’s no casual dating here, it’s commitment. It might take a little more time to shop, but your money will be better spent. You can’t hurry love. This should also help in avoiding the classic I-don’t-love-it-but-it-was-such-a-good-deal mistake that wastes money and closet space. You’re on a mission. Stay focused.
Teach your kids these rules in addiction to the rule I think is the most important: Decide your budget (per child if applicable) before going shopping. Encourage your child to decide which clothes they want the most. Often times children end up picking the most practical and classy clothes over the ones that they can only wear a few times before it isn’t cool any more when told the phrase, “Which do you want the most?”
Some great stores to get the most for your money are:
They always have a sale going!
Just bring your patience as there isn’t always the same item in different sizes. Stick to your size section and you will be stress free.
Find great clothes staples for less..ie $10 jeans!
Next up, school supplies:
The sales are incredible right now! Stock up on your school supplies now and save money throughout the year.
Look at the store’s ads and watch for deals. Often times you will find a Buy 1 Get 1 Free deal or even mail in rebates after purchasing $______ in the brands product.
Cut coupons. There are great coupons in the Sunday newspaper. You can also check out coupons.com or the manufacturer’s website for additional coupons. Don’t forget! You can combine a STORE coupon with a MANUFACTURER’S coupon for greater savings. (The other day I saw tape on sale at Target for 50 cents. I had cut 2 coupons for $1 off 3 rolls of tape. I bought 6 rolls of Scotch for $1!! I don’t have kids who need it for school yet, but now I am stocked up for Christmas present wrapping!)
Some great stores with CHEAP school supplies are:
Right now they have tons of things at extra cheap prices! Example: 8 Bic pens for 1 cent! (minimum of $5 purchase…that is easy though.) Plus! If you go to Staples.com you can get a coupon for $5 off a $50 purchase!!
Not only do they have cheap school supplies they have affordable college dorm basics. Right now you can get notebooks for 25 cents, a desk for $50, and a 6 piece towel set for $10!
Office Max has some amazing deals right now. Folders for 1 penny, crayons for 5 cents, colored pencils for 25 cents, and 3 pink erasers for 50 cents. Remember…stock up and save!
If you have any other back to school shopping tips and tricks, share them with us! Everyone loves a good deal!
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