A Parent’s Guide to Paying for Back-to-School Expenses
The weather may still be topping the century mark, but Texas students head back to the classroom in mid-August. And that means you can find uniforms, supplies and other school gear front and center in retail stores across the state.
With your children wanting the latest and greatest athletic shoes and you trying to continuously clothe their growth spurts, the price tag can really add up. Texas CPAs recommend five ways to prepare for and save money on back-to-school expenses.
Tip #1: Do a Closet Inventory
Everyone knows kids grow out of clothes quickly. However, before counting out last season’s duds, check the closet to see if those khaki pants or that collared shirt still fit and are in good shape. Maybe an older sibling’s gently-worn clothes could be used to supplement a younger child’s back-to-school wardrobe.
Tip #2: Set a Spending Plan
Before you head to the nearest mall, make sure you have your shopping list in hand. Without a pre-determined list of needed items, you could be asking for trouble. Items to possibly include on your list besides clothing and shoes are sporting or hobby equipment like cleats or ballet slippers; class supplies like notebooks, binders and crayons; and electronic devices and computer equipment.
As part of your spending plan, figure out how many pairs of pants, shirts and socks your child needs. Remember, buying mix-and-match clothing may be less expensive in the long run than buying pants that can only be worn with certain tops, and vice versa. Also, make sure to consult the school’s dress policy first to make sure your child can actually wear what you buy.
Tip #3: Involve Your Children
Back-to-school shopping provides an excellent opportunity to teach your children money management skills. Concepts like comparison shopping, distinguishing needs from wants and sticking to a budget may all be taught during back-to-school shopping. By involving your children in the decision-making process, you can help them learn life-long financial literacy lessons.
Tip #4: Look for Deals Year-Round
Nothing says your children must start the first day of school with a closet full of new outfits. Buy the necessities prior to the first day of class and then keep an eye on sales and other bargains throughout the year to finish out the rest. Plus, if your child experiences a huge growth spurt, you won’t have wasted your entire year’s clothing budget at the beginning of the school year.
Free Tool
Access a Back-to-School Budget Calculator and other free personal finance calculators online at Visa’s Practical Money Skills for Life Web site.
