Back to school shopping is no joke. Depending on the age of your children, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $1500 on back to school shopping.
Clothes are one of those essential perennial items you’ll be shelling out cash for each year, but there’s no reason they should take up the bulk of your spending budget. There are ways to get back to school clothes at a reasonable price.
Whether you’re a CEO or a working mom, the desire to save money doesn’t discriminate. Check out these cash saving tips that will have your wallet thanking you this school year.
1. Set a Budget
Before you even step foot in a store or visit an online shop, you need to have a solid spending figure in mind. Without it, it’s easy to get carried away and not realize how much you’re really spending until you’re at the register.
Having a firm number will help you rein in the tendency to get carried away, and it will make you think more carefully about what you’re buying. It’s important that this number not be flexible. In fact, if you can come in under budget, that’s even better.
2. Go Thrifting
There are few better ways to save money on clothes than by buying them used. Frankly, besides socks and underwear, there are few things you absolutely need to buy used. If you can get it for cheaper, why not?
You might be thinking, “My kid is fashion forward. There’s no way they’ll go for that.” Think again, mom and dad. 90s fashion is back in a big way, and thrift stores are chock full of vintage Tommy Hilfiger, Polo, and other major brands that will have your kid looking on trend for less.
3. Look For Sales
Retailers know when back to school shopping is about to begin, and they’d be foolish not to take advantage of that. Many stores will have big sales around this time in order to entice buyers. Even if it’s just a marketing tactic to get you through the door, savings are savings!
In the olden days of yore, you might find ads for sales in the newspaper. Here in the future, try taking a look at online ads advertising upcoming events.
4. Pick the Right Retailers
If your kid is self-conscious about secondhand clothing and wants to be fitted with fresh new garments, that’s ok. There are high-quality brands where you can still shop smart.
Don’t sweat it if you’ve got a fashion girl on your hands. You can still make them happy and save money by searching for online retailers that offer both quality and savings.
5. Ask Friends and Family
Just like you probably are, your friends and family members are desperate to get rid of the old clothes stacking up in their homes. Kids grow almost too quickly to keep up with, so your loved ones will no doubt have a stockpile of clothing they’d be more than happy to part with.
Much of the time, these clothes were only worn for one season, so they’re as good as new. If you play it close to the chest, your kids won’t even know they’re hand-me-downs.
Don’t Go Broke on Back to School Clothes
Here’s the bottom line: There is absolutely no reason to spend exorbitantly on back to school clothes. Especially considering some of them will only last a year if your children are still growing, being as frugal as possible by following these tips is just the smart thing to do.
Now you know how to save money on your kids, but what about you? Don’t forget to apply the same principles to your own purchasing habits. Happy shopping!
