Back to school shopping can be a financial burden…especially if you have multiple kids to shop for. Between the clothes and the school supplies your wallet can really take a punch to the gut. This fall (YIKES! Can you believe it is that time already!?) get the biggest bang for your buck. Here are some tips and tricks to help you in this yearly task.
Lets start with wardrobe:
Bonnie McCarthy of Walletpop.com lays out some rules for clothes shopping:
Absolutely-Unbreakable-Rule-Number-One: The item must look good — on you. No exceptions. It doesn’t matter if the entire world is wearing the cutest dress that’s ever been cut from cloth if it does not flatter your-very-own-self. Put. It. Back. Walk away. Iron Clad Rule Number Two: The item must fit well. No buttons that pop open at the chest, sleeves that look okay if they’re worn rolled up, or pants that might fit if we lose five pounds. No dice. Fashion companies make up their own sizes; no laws mandate that a size six must fit certain measurements. It’s an imperfect system designed to give folks a general idea of what to bring into the dressing room. Don’t get hung up on a number. Try on several sizes and buy the one that looks and feels the best. Period. Iron Clad Rule Number Three: You’ve gotta love it. Not like. Love. Shopping on a budget doesn’t allow for flirting. There’s no casual dating here, it’s commitment. It might take a little more time to shop, but your money will be better spent. You can’t hurry love. This should also help in avoiding the classic I-don’t-love-it-but-it-was-such-a-good-deal mistake that wastes money and closet space. You’re on a mission. Stay focused.
Teach your kids these rules in addiction to the rule I think is the most important:
Decide your budget (per child if applicable) before going shopping. Encourage your child to decide which clothes they want the most. Often times children end up picking the most practical and classy clothes over the ones that they can only wear a few times before it isn’t cool any more when told the phrase, “Which do you want the most?”
Some great stores to get the most for your money are:
They always have a sale going! Just bring your patience as there isn’t always the same item in different sizes. Stick to your size section and you will be stress free. Find great clothes staples for less..ie $10 jeans!
