Most parents will tell you that having kids is an expensive endeavor so any breaks, specials, or discounts are great. That is especially true when it comes time for back to school shopping (or Christmas or birthday or dances, etc . . .). Schools are making it even more difficult for the parents by requiring special notebooks, backpacks, and even clothes in many cases.
My mother was very fortunate. She didn’t have to plot or plan to save money - I was a penny pincher from early on. A shopping trip was just not successful unless I managed to save a bunch of money. As early as fourteen, my mom was comfortable giving me her credit card. She knew I would be able to get more bang for my buck than she could ever imagine - being the beauty queen in the family.
Parents are getting breaks through sales and even tax free shopping days, but buying for school can still be a budget breaker. Looking over the lists that each school hands out each year was over whelming for me. It’s been twenty years (ouch - has it really been that long) since I was in high school, but I don’t remember needing anything more than notebook paper and a pencil (and even those were optional if you were a jock with a great smile).
So, with as much money as the schools get from tax dollars, you have to wonder where the money is going. Parents shop and pay for everything today. Some schools even charge for a second set of school books that can be taken home and left to do homework so the child won’t have to carry a full pack back and forth between home and school.
Stop the insanity parents. Tell the school that you are going back to notebook and pencils. If we all stick together, what can the schools really do about our new ideas for back to school shopping?
Shopping for teens can be a dangerous venture - shopping for teen girls can drive you absolutely insane. Since the number of shopping days until Christmas just never seems to be enough (even if you start the day after Christmas), it would be nice if someone would just drop gift ideas in our laps.
Fortunately, teen fads are a great resource of ideas and income potential. Hillary Duff it looking to make her mark with a new craft line that will give teens the ability to make custom accessories to match her fashion line.
I like giving crafts or other “disposable” type gifts. There is enough clutter in most people’s homes without me adding to the trinket shelf. So this is the perfect idea for me. She’s even chosen one of my favorite stores to pair with for this venture. Michael’s is not only a great place to shop for gifts, but it has some amazing prices as well.
The only down side for me is that most of the teens I need to shop for are boys (or tomboys) and fashion accessories are not high on their lists. Maybe I can trade this idea with some of my friends for a fast and easy boy idea that won’t break the bank.
Budgeting is hard enough on a single income. When the price of milk begins to skyrocket, it makes buying groceries on budget even more of a magic act. It takes more than just cutting a few coupons to stretch the dollar at the grocery store.
1. Never, ever go into the grocery store hungry. You are much more likely to buy impulse foods.
2. Buy store brands if at all possible. These usually have the same or nearly same taste, as the name brands at a fraction of the cost.
3. Make a list. This usually starts by making a menu. Know what you have and what you will need to make these ingredients into a meal for your family.
4. Switch shopping lists with a friend. This will guarantee that you only get what is on your list.
5. Don’t go to the store with the kids. Shopping takes concentration – something that is not normally accomplished with the kids in tow.
6. Find a store that has double coupon days, and frequent them on those days. You could end up getting some items for free – always good for the budget.
As the price for essentials continues to rise, it will take more creativity to stay in budget. Follow these guidelines, and continue to look for more tips. We’ll get by with a little help from our friends.
