| Ding! Dong! The back to school bells are tolling. Are | | | | Children get over excited when it comes to back to |
| you ready to answer the call? With all of the expense | | | | school shopping and may try to convince you that |
| put forth last year, you cannot imagine the amount of | | | | they need something that is not on the list. Stick to the |
| time and money you will need to spend this year just | | | | list! Don't let those doe eyes and pouty lips cost you |
| to outfit your kids in clothes that fit and school supplies | | | | more money at the register. |
| that actually meet their academic needs. Never fear! | | | | 5. Buy in Bulk: Purchasing school and classroom |
| Here are some simple tips you can use to check off | | | | supplies in larger quantities can actually save you some |
| everything on your school supplies list, without having | | | | cash. Sure, your kid might not need 10-15 notebooks |
| to empty your bank account. | | | | right now, but he/she will need to refill from their school |
| Supplies: Classroom and Personal | | | | supply list later in the year when prices have gone |
| 1. Make a List: Making a list of everything your child | | | | back to normal. Buy everything you need now, even if |
| needs for the coming school year will actually make | | | | it seems like overkill. Prices are always lower around |
| school supplies hunting a piece of cake. Once you | | | | back to school time. |
| have everything written down, go over the list a couple | | | | Supplies: Clothes, Shoes, and Accessories |
| of times to make sure. Most schools will actually send | | | | 6. Price Limiting: As stated before, don't let your kid be |
| you a list of the supplies your child will need, and will let | | | | your worst shopping enemy. When purchasing back to |
| you know the classroom supply needs as well. This list | | | | school clothes, make a budget for each kid and stick |
| will allow you to do some school supply hunting online. | | | | to it! Your older children may need a little more in their |
| Hunting online helps you find the best prices on | | | | budget based on what they think their "friends" are |
| everything on your list. In some cases, you may not | | | | wearing, but don't leave the younger kids out. Make |
| even have to leave your house. | | | | sure you get each kid a couple of new outfits and |
| 2. Clip Coupons: Once your list is compiled, look in your | | | | maybe a special back to school item (watch, jewelry, |
| newspaper, junk mail pile, and your online coupon | | | | day planner, or wallet). |
| sources for school supplies. Pulling out your scissors to | | | | 7. Don't Overload: Unless your kids have done some |
| cut a few coupons, or scouring the internet for the | | | | serious growing over the summer, you really don't |
| best deals may actually save you hundreds of dollars | | | | need to splurge on a whole new wardrobe. Go |
| on school and classroom supplies. | | | | through their closets with them and figure out which |
| 3. Discount Shopping: Believe it or not, you can find all | | | | outfits are going to be good for another year, and |
| of the things on your school supplies list by just | | | | which ones just will not do. Remember, your kids might |
| stopping by your local discount store. Not surprisingly, | | | | try and hoodwink you into believing that they just |
| you can find super deals on notebooks, writing supplies, | | | | HAVE to dress in the latest fashions. Not so! If it fits, |
| and other things your school may have listed as | | | | doesn't have holes in it, and still smells clean they can |
| classroom supply needs. Don't break your bank to get | | | | wear it again. |
| name brand supplies, when your local discount store | | | | Buying school and classroom supplies doesn't have to |
| can give you the same quality goods at much lower | | | | cost you more than you make in a year. If you follow |
| prices. | | | | the above tips and just stick with the plan, you can |
| 4. Kid Control: When shopping for school supplies your | | | | conquer the back to school "armies" with a well placed |
| biggest enemy may actually be your own child. | | | | coupon and a smile. |