Back to School Shopping

We're already well into August, which means the back-to-school shopping season is heating up. Don't bust your budget this year outfitting your kids for school. Use the following 3 tips to get the clothing and supplies you need and still keep some money in your pocket.

1. Shop at consignment sales. You can find name-brand clothing for everyone in your family at consignment shops, but the bargains are exceptional if you are shopping for kids. Many children outgrow clothing so quickly that you can get gently worn or even new outfits for a fraction of the retail price. Inspect items carefully to look for stains, rips, tears, or broken zippers. Many communities and organizations have seasonal consignment sales a couple times a year so check the listings in your local newspaper.


2. Clip coupons and use them. Most of the major retailers are running specials on clothing and other school supplies during the month of August. Stock up on notebooks, pens, crayons and other supplies when you find them marked down. I've seen spiral notebooks advertised as low as 10 cents each recently, as well as several buy-one-get-one-free specials on a variety of items. Gather up retailers' flyers from your local newspaper and do comparison shopping online before heading out to make purchases.


3. If you have a limited budget, only buy the items your child absolutely needs to start the school year. You don't need a whole fall wardrobe to start school, especially when the temperature isn't expected to drop for a while.

Don't let back-to-school shopping stress you out. There's plenty of time to get the things your kids need. Take time to set up a shopping budget and stick with it.