Money Smart Ways to Get Your Kids Ready for Back to School

Do you still remember the days when school supplies meant paper, a ruler, some glue and pencils? These days, we have gone a lot more high-tech, and no matter how much some of us "old-school" parents want to fight against it now school supplies include PCs and Western Texas Scientific Calculation Instruments. Clothes seem to become more expensive the less there is of them, and now many schools have started resorting to school uniforms (yes, even in public schools), since so many kids have forgotten how to dress for success. If you dread the day you get the school supply lists as much as I used to, allow me to give you a couple of hints, tips and tricks that worked very well for me.

Split the list into categories!
Take a really close look at the "School Supply" list and decide which item on them fall under reusable items (book bag, pencils, pens, new notebooks, Rulers, erasers, etc), just as good used (clothe, shoes, books, PC's), and must have new.

You may be surprised how many reusable items been sitting around your house. They may only be a few cents to dollars a piece, but in the long run those purchases add up. Gather up all the reusable items you can find and distribute them between your kids if you have more than one.

Purchase used items at a level they are needed!
Have the newest, fasted, shiniest computer may be fashionable, but it isn't necessary. Take a look at your local used electronics / computer store and see what they have to offer. If all else fails Wal-mart is often running specials for computers starting at around $500. Ask your School specifically what the computer will have to be used for and then base your purchasing decision on the answer. For Google researching, typing or simple application you can use a computer which still has a Windows ME or Windows XP installed. You don't need a Vista Operating System. A 100 Gigabyte hard drive should be more then enough for the simple writing programs plus a few other things.

Second hand styles are just as chic.
If your kids are used to name brands and now the economy has you on a tighter budget than usual, you may have a bit of a fight on your hands with your kids. You can however avoid the drama by checking out resale boutiques like "The Buffalo Exchange". Retro-chic may be acceptable as well for your new age prince or princess.

Consider Barter.
Can't afford that new PC but really need one for your kids? Do you have anything you no longer want and need at the equivalent value? Why not check into bartering. Craigslist has a barter section, so does backstage.

Save with plastic money!
Websites like plasticjungle.com offer Gift Cards at often reduced prices. Take a look at them and see what you can use for back to school. Sometimes those savings add up, especially if your kids refuse to wear second hand apparel and you don't want to have to fight about it.

Plan you shopping spree ahead!

Compare prices on various Sales Ads for major department or retail stores. While checking out the various savings, don't forget to add your gas price output into it as well. Sometimes you end up spending more going to a cheaper store further away.

Consider shopping bulk and in Groups!
Why not team up with some fellow Mom's who will need the same items as you do? This way you can take advantage of Bulk Costs. Get the items and split the Product and the cost. Plus your shopping time may be cut in half as well.

Consider shopping online!
Amazon has often times free delivery on purchases over $25.00. Why pay higher prices when you get the same thing for cheaper online, plus you safe the gas costs, driving time and hassle in the store. Walmart has a thing called site to store, which allows you to pick it out online and have it shipped to your nearest Walmart.

Revamp, Renew and Redo!
If you are crafty and your kids don't mind being unique or even better love to craft as well, why not have a "Get ready for School" Crafting Night. Instead of paying double the price for "spiffed up" School bags, Notebooks, Folders etc. get plain ones at a cheaper cost and decorate them yourself. Plain T-Shirts can look fabulous when decorated with your own pizazz.

Resources and Inspirations:
Woman's Day Magazine Issue No 13 (Now at your Newsstand)
Think smart & cheap Newsletter