| "Back to School"...these words can bring joy to tired | | | | Tip 4: Stick to the list: It takes more than just writing a |
| parents, and even to children. After all, spending 8 | | | | list; make sure you stick to it as well. Avoid all those |
| weeks camped together in close quarters can give | | | | other temptations. |
| even the best of us cabin fever. | | | | Tip 5: Assign a budget: As well as having a list, assign |
| However, this joy may not be felt by your wallet. If you | | | | a budget to your purchases and stick to it. We are not |
| have three children, this could potentially be one of the | | | | saying get the cheapest items possible (often these |
| most expensive times of year. There are uniform | | | | aren't a good investment), we are saying that you |
| costs, school books, school fees and supplies. To help | | | | should choose wisely and not spend over your limit. |
| you out, minimise your spending and to ensure you | | | | Tip 6: Use vouchers and coupons: There are loads of |
| stay on top of your finances, we provide the follow | | | | coupons and special vouchers leading up to the start |
| tips specific to back to school and school supplies. | | | | of school. Check out local newspapers and the |
| Tip 1: Check what supplies you already have: While it is | | | | Internet to see what discounts you can get. |
| tempting to go out and buy brand new items, do a | | | | Tip 7: Shop all year round: Often the best time to buy |
| quick check around the house and see what items | | | | school supplies is just after school has gone back. If |
| you already have. Chances are you won't need | | | | you set a yearly budget for school related products, |
| everything new on the list. | | | | and keep your eyes open, you can definitely get some |
| Tip 2: Second hand department at school: See | | | | savings throughout the year. |
| whether the school has a second hand department, | | | | Tip 8: Compare prices: Compare prices either on the |
| where you can source decent clothes from. | | | | Internet or by going into multiple stores. Don't buy all of |
| Tip 3: Write a list: When in the shopping centre it is | | | | your products at the first store you go into, shop |
| tempting to buy everything that your children ask for | | | | around first. |
| (after all it is for education). If you go with a list you will | | | | As you can see, your kids going back to school |
| ascertain what they really need (they can help write | | | | doesn't have to put to much pressure on your wallet. |
| the list) before you are at the shops, and you will be | | | | Just follow the above tips and you will be sure that |
| less likely to make any impulse purchases. | | | | your spending is well under control. |