August 17th, 2009
Depending on where you are in the world, you may already be thinking about getting the kids ready to go back to school. But with this state of the economy, planning may be more important than ever for this time of year.
How can you get your kids all that they need for the new school year without breaking the bank? Here’s part 1 of our 3-part series.
PART 1: Plan Your Attack.
Each year, back-to-school sales seem to start earlier and earlier, but one thing is for sure: the sales cannot be beat. Sure, you can save money by shopping the sales — but without a clear plan, you could wind up spending more! To avoid going overboard, take a walk through your children’s closets before you hit the mall. See what clothing & accessory items are in good condition and still fit for this year, and make a list of what essentials are needed.
For smaller children, fashion doesn’t change as rapidly as it does for older kids and adults, so many items can be used as hand-me-downs or repeat seasons. Older children may be able to create fresh looks with existing basic components (like jeans, jackets, etc.) simply by adding new accessories such as hats, jewelry or scarves.
Taking a few minutes to create a wardrobe strategy will keep you from buying more than you need — and more than you can use (for example, 3 pairs of black jeans is not nearly as versatile as 1 pair of black jeans, 1 pair of dark jeans, and 1 pair of chinos).
Some school supplies may still be fully functional for this year, while others will most definitely require replacement. Having a very clear list will keep you within your spending budget while ensuring that you get everything your children need. And starting your list NOW will help you keep your eyes peeled for those essential items — at the best possible price.
Stay tuned for part 2 of Back to School: Shop the Sales
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