Back to School

 Summer is coming to a close soon, and school is getting ready go into full gear. With the coming of school means families rushing to stores to buy lunch boxes, book bags, clothes, shoes, and tons of school supplies. It also means preparing for bake sales, homework, earlier mornings, after school activities, class parties, and festivals. In all, it is one busy, busy time. Which means it can be one very expensive time, but not to worry. For those looking to safe as much as possible on items for schools look no further, here are some handy dandy tips.

School Fall Festival, with two of the three, 2013

• Shop for school supplies at multiple places to save money, before going make a list of needs, go to the stores and write down the prices and then decide where to get what. A few store suggestions, Wal-Mart, Target (yes, they do have some good prices on quit a bit of things including backpacks), Dollar General, and Family Dollar.
• When it comes to shoes, younger kids are going to wear them out FAST! Right now Payless is running 50% off on certain shoes and backpacks, Kohls usually has some brands that are on sale but the biggest mark down will happen after the school rush towards the middle or end of September, Sears has proven to be good and even compares to online deal prices for many tennis shoes, and Shoe Carnival is doing BOGO 1/2 off. There is a lot of options, but the best advice, for younger children get good tennis shoes that support their feet and leave a little room for growth, but try not to splurge because in a couple of months the kid will need another pair.
• Clothing. Thankfully, lots of sales occur at this time, jeans for boys and girls can be found for $10 and under at many stores, including Old Navy and Target. Shirts are a steal for less than $4 or even $3 at Wal-Mart (basic shirts). Of course, there are great prices at Sears and Kohls during this time and Kohls is offering percentages off, which change every few days. One of the best advices to give, go through sale items and even check out consignment shops.
• School Lunches. Okay, as a mom of 3 boys, this can get pricey. Stick to sandwiches and wraps and pizza made from wraps. The sandwiches are simple and the wraps often incorporate leftover items. As for the sides, get sealable containers (small) to put fruits and applesauce in, grab full bags of chips or cheez-its or what not and place certain amounts in baggies for each day. The only real splurge is granola bars, a box of 20, and sometimes rice krispy treats. One can even pack cereal as a side and other leftover veggies or sides from the night before.

Hopefully, these tips will help parents prepare for a successful school year and be able to spend some money on themselves at local coffee joints on a pumpkin spice latte when fall roles around. Happy School Days!!