| For most parents, late August and early | | | | parents and students can split the costs of the |
| September means back to school. This is the time | | | | bulk order. |
| to start buying school supplies for your | | | | Not only will this mean better cost savings - it |
| children--clothing, bags and the inevitable decisions | | | | additionally saves you all the hassle of finding |
| and arguments about whether to buy brand name | | | | supplies, shopping around or dealing with |
| or no name products. | | | | complaints about brands or colors. |
| If you are a parent buying for your grade school | | | | ** END OF SEASON CLOTHING ** |
| children, you have been learning the ropes for a | | | | Now is the time to stock up on summer and |
| few years now. Even so, if your child is new to | | | | sport related clothing. If your child intends be |
| school or you are doing your own school shopping | | | | taking part in after school activities like swimming |
| for the very first time, you can learn from a | | | | or gymnastics, you can get a great deal from |
| heads up on how, what and where to purchase | | | | clothing stores with their end-of-season sales. |
| the items you need. | | | | Pay attention for double-duty clothes that can be |
| Here are five tips that will help you save money | | | | worked into fall and winter wardrobes as well. |
| AND keep your sanity! | | | | Skirts worn with thick tights, tank tops worn |
| ** PURCHASE EARLY ** | | | | layered under long sleeve shirts and sweaters or |
| Wait too long and you are sure to find the | | | | cropped pants tucked into high boots are all |
| shelves void at all of your favorite discount | | | | trends that move summer staples into trendy fall |
| stores. If your biggest concern is getting a good | | | | and winter wardrobes. |
| deal, start shopping early. | | | | As a note of caution: make certain you are |
| There will be plenty of supplies on special by | | | | aware of school dress codes when making style |
| August. Do not forget dollar stores for low prices | | | | choices. Some schools forbid bare shoulders or |
| on pens, paper and a myriad of additional essential | | | | skirts shorter than a standard length. |
| items. | | | | ** FINDING THE RIGHT BAG ** |
| If you have waited too long already, your first | | | | Do not forget the bag! Kids bags are often far |
| bet is stationary or office supply stores. While | | | | too large and weighty for them which leads to |
| they may not always be the cheapest, they are | | | | sore muscles and even headaches. Try to select |
| more likely to keep their accessories in stock. You | | | | a backpack that sits no lower than the waist and |
| will also protect yourself from running about | | | | look for styles with padded shoulder straps and a |
| considering they are sure to possess all things you | | | | waist strap for additional support. |
| need. | | | | Teens and college bound students may prefer the |
| ** BUY IN BULK ** | | | | look of hobo bags and slouchy purses, but heavy |
| If you have a few friends that require supplies | | | | books are best carried in a backpack that is |
| for their kids (or college buddies), ponder buying in | | | | properly worn. Carrying a pack on one shoulder is |
| bulk at membership stores or other bulk stores. | | | | just as damaging as a purse. If you still prefer a |
| You may not be capable to get everything you | | | | sac or bag find one that has a strap that crosses |
| need but essentials like paper, pens and the like | | | | above the body to spread the weight. |
| can be loaded up and split among everyone | | | | The beginning of the school year can be both |
| saving you money. | | | | exciting and stressful for parents and children. |
| ** BUY THROUGH YOUR SCHOOL ** | | | | Take your kids shopping at clothing stores and |
| If your school has not previously brought in a | | | | supply stores to prepare them for another |
| pre-packaged purchasing system, inquire about it. | | | | memorable year at school. |
| If each classroom has a basic package then | | | | |