Expenses that don’t seem to end, excited children, are all part of the back-to-school chaos. If you don’t watch it your expenses can skyrocket. Perhaps a little discipline is in order. So what do you have to consider? Textbooks, school gear like bags and notebooks and pens/pencils and calculators, clothes, and shoes. There’s a lot to digest, along with the stress that goes with it because you and countless other parents out there are going through the same thing, crowding it out in the bookstores and school supplies outlets.
1. Textbook search
Textbooks are a major part of the schoolyear’s expenses. Buy your children’s textbooks used, on-line whenever you can. You can treat yourself to a relaxing spa massage with the savings you’ll generate from doing this.
2. Postpone some shopping for later
Usually after the first days of school, items are sold at cheaper prices. Get your children basic gear for the first few days but shop for the rest later, when you can get these at bargain prices. In the meantime you can let them use last year’s crayons and pencil cases.
3. The study table
Allow your kids some creativity to decorate their own homework desks. No matter how brightly-colored their chairs are, this makes doing homework fun for them. And make sure those desks are in their respective rooms.
4. Sorting clothes
Clothing is the most important issue to discuss with your kids. If they wear school-dictated uniforms, then there is no problem. But if their school is liberal and they can wear just about anything, your kids could be crying for new designer-label attires. Be sure to talk it out with them. Getting them the clothes they want is just not possible. Compromise on what new clothing pieces you can buy that they can wear with some of last year’s clothes. And donate those clothes they don’t want anymore.
5. Cell phones
For your kid whom you think is already responsible enough, getting a cell phone seems like a big investment but you can control it with the plan that you get. This phone may be a life-saver if your kid is old enough to go out with friends, especially during the after-school afternoons. Get an unlimited text-only plan so you don’t pay through the roof. Best thing is, you’ll always be in constant communication with your kid.
6. Battery power
Stock up on batteries, your kids will need these for their calculators. At least now you can replace the batteries for the remote, the wall clock, and the fire alarm.
7. School lunch boxes
Stock up on reusable plastic containers to serve a lunchboxes for your kids. Take out also your easy-to-make recipes for cheap, tasty, and healthy food for your kids’ school lunches.
Perhaps the above can ease your plight a little in this chaotic period. That’s what back-to-school has always been. Although you still come out a winner if you do get to experience some savings. Buying new school items will be delightful if you could use online promo codes that will bring you great savings from these items.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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