Josh Elledge - Chief Executive Angel
With school back in session, it can be frustrating to have more costs crop up almost right away. After all, you just got done getting everything new the kids needed for school, and they come home with more needs the very first week. What's a stretched budget to do?
First off, keep calm and save on this school year, savvy parent…
Save on this school year (1)
Don't get overwhelmed and waste money on things you don't actually need.
With the whirlwind of a new school year, things can get overwhelming and it becomes very tempting to take the easy route – just grabbing whatever your student said they needed while you're already out. But the budget can't handle too many unplanned purchases, so take a breather and confirm if the item really is a need. Is the school requiring it? Or is it only a suggestion? Is it a need critical to the education of your child? Or really just a want because other kids have it? And – probably the one we kick ourselves over the most later- is it something you have already, but just aren't sure where? Don't buy until you've answered these questions.
Save on this school year (2)
Don't rush to buy warm clothes too early.
It might still be hot out now, but clearance sales for fall wardrobe inventory are closer than it feels. It will only be about 4-6 weeks before major retailers start slashing prices. So wait for those clearance sales to start and don't buy anything without checking Retailmenot.com for a coupon or coupon code.
Want to save even more on cool weather clothing? Remember that quality children's clothing lasts much longer than they can wear them. Ever have a really great outfit that your youngster only actually wore about 10-12 times before either they outgrew it or the season changed? That's what I'm talking about here. Secondhand stores, whether local or online, should be your go-to for nearly everything. There are many sources, and with a bit of diligence (read: spend time, not money), you should be able to locate a suitable number of perfect pieces. Think fall indoor yard sales, Goodwill, Salvation Army, local thrift and consignment shops, church swaps, eBay, online yard sale groups, and online secondhand retailers, like thredUP.com and Schoola.com. To get savings on top of savings, get a coupon code by joining the email list of secondhand online retailers.
Save on this school year (3)
Don't get overly excited that your kid is starting a new instrument, interest, or sport.
Now I'm not saying don't get jazzed about it and support your son or daughter, absolutely do that! But don't get so excited about the prospect of something new that you run out and spend a lot on the new interest. Wisdom cautions that not only do kids often change their minds about what interests them, buying new is simply impractical for many things. Don't even jump right into renting – whether an instrument or other equipment. Instead, use the same mentality you do with clothing.
Secondhand stores are often a surprising treasure trove of things, but even better for this type of need is friends, family, or friends of friends. You never know who might have the exact thing you need, just lying around their house. People are usually happy to pass along the details of your quest, even if they can't help personally. You'll save a bundle buying used from an individual, or you might even be blessed with the item for free!
Save on this school year (4)
Don't lose track of how often you're handing the kids money.
This harkens back to the (sometimes forgotten in this day and age) era of specific allowances for kids. With sports games, school dances, concerts, plays, outings, and field trips – extra costs can really add up quickly. You'll need to set limits, or you're going to struggle to balance the budget throughout the coming months.
As a family, sit down and take time to study the school calendar. Make note of every event your students might be involved in or attend. (As you do, you could go into semi-shock when you realize there is something pretty much weekly, and maybe even more often if you have an especially active young person.) Remain calm and figure out how you're going to foot the bill for all the extra events. And if there are simply too many upcoming events and outings, create a plan for how the kids will earn the needed extra money themselves.
Save on this school year (5)
And finally, a personal encouragement… Don't feel intimidated by “that parent”.
You know the one. The one that makes perfect bento boxes for their kids' lunches and posts pictures on Facebook and Instagram. The one whose kids look like magazine models with outfits that had to have cost at least $100 each. The one that bought what looked like about $50 worth of extra supplies, “just in case”. Close your eyes to it all and resist the overwhelming urge to compete with that. Not only because of the financial burden competing brings, but even more so because of the emotional burden. You're savvy and a smart shopper. You're covering everything your students need day-to-day, and not accumulating debt to do it. So let them be them, and you be you. You just stay calm, and save on!
