The cost to go back to school keeps rising and this year it has been estimated that American families will spend approximately $75 billion on back to school shopping. Many parents begin looking at back to school supplies in August.
For your children, shopping for clothes is the only exciting thing about going back to school. However, that does not mean you need to break your bank account. Here are some tips that will help you when doing your school shopping.
1. Take stock
Before you hit the stores do a sweep of the school supplies and go through your children’s closet. Go through their clothes and take out what does not fit or what they will not wear so you can make a list of what you really need.
2. Wait for the list
With all the stores advertising sales for back to school, everyone will be stocking up with supplies but once you get the list you can compare them with the supplies that you already have and avoid spending on unnecessary items.
3. Hit up the dollar store
They have some of the best bargains on school supplies. You can find notebooks, pencils, erasers, and more for a good price. Children may not like the idea of buying the supplies at the dollar store, but you can shop alone and don not tell them about the place you bought all the stuff.
More: 7 Ways to Reboot Your Family Budget
4. Make a list
Set a budget and determine how much money you have and are willing to spend and stick to it. This will also help your children learn how to manage their money. You can also let them create a list of the things they need and create their own budget.
5. Set limits
As your children get older, they will want the latest on name brands but as a parent you need to set limits for theirs and your own good. Teach them the most important money based values.
Lastly, do not give in, you do not need to empty out your bank account, remember you are the parent and what you say goes. Going back to school shopping does not have to be stressful, it should be a fun family activity.