Back to School Spending Tips

Here are some tips to spend less when going out shopping for Back-to-School necessities so that you "hit the books and not your wallet" as Jean Chatzky, of Practical Money Series, says.  In addition to lots of patience after listening "I want!" all the time when going shopping, pay attention to these back to school spending tips since as you may have experienced before, a budget wears out too quickly.

Hit the Books, Not Your Wallet by Jean Chatzky, Practical Money Series

Ideas to involve kids:

• Getting the kids involved in planning that big shopping day can make everybody happier. You'll spend less.
• Share the budgeted amount you can afford and enlist their help in choosing how the money should be spent.
• Give them an opportunity to develop creative solutions. For example, put them in charge of online or newspaper comparison shopping and coupon clipping.
• Hold a family or neighborhood yard sale and use the proceeds to add items back to the list.

Other ideas to keep in mind:

• Wait until after school starts to buy some items. Stores frequently offer deep discounts when they need room for holiday merchandise.
• If your kids are in peak growing years, stagger clothing purchases throughout the year so they don't outgrow everything all at once.
• Sell outgrown but useable clothing at consignment stores or online - and shop there as well.
• Check around online at discount sites for savings on basic supplies.

Have a smart back-to-school shopping!

-The Moms Buzz

source: www.practicalmoneyskills.com