Back to School Shopping on a Budget

Many parents dread the back to school shopping in August each year. The advertisements have already hit the newspapers this year. Ads for blue jeans and fall clothes are spilling out of the paper even though the temperature outside is in the triple digits. Don't despair, you can get through the school shopping season and even have a little money left over for yourself with careful planning.

The first step is to spend some time with your kids cleaning out their closets. Take an inventory of what they already have and what they really need. Their idea of needs and yours might be very different. For example, my daughter feels that needs new clothes even when her exisiting clothes fit fine. She is tired of her current wardrobe or thinks that fashions have changed. If your children are like this, the clothing inventory might take a little longer. Get them to agree to wear some of their old clothing and add some new pieces that they can mix and match.

Once you have your inventory it is time to start looking for sales. Compare the newspaper ads, and sales catalogues that come in the mail against your child's shopping list. Write a list of all the stores you plan to visit.

Before you head out the door, sit down with your children and let them know the exact amount of money you are willing to spend. Tell them that they get xxx amount of dollars for school shopping. You will hear moaning and complaining because it never seems like enough to them. Don't worry. Explain that if they want expensive tennis shoes or designer jeans, they will have to spend less on other items. This is a great budgeting lesson for them to learn. They can save money by buying socks, underwear, or tshirts in bulk from a warehouse type store.

Once you get to the stores, let your kids choose clothing they like. Never force them to buy an outfit that you like. It is not a bargain if it never leaves their closet. Make sure clothes fit a little bit roomy because children grow fast. The pants hemline should be long and shirts should be long in the waist.

Make sure that you stick to your list. If your kids try to deviate from the list your budget will suffer. Gently remind them that they already have five pairs of jeans and they need some more shirts.

Good luck with your shopping. Maybe I'll see you at the mall.