How To Save Money On Back-To-School Clothes

When kids are going back to school, its often necessary to update their wardrobes and whether your child wears a uniform or not, it can get expensive (and stressful). However, if you work with your child and apply a few money saving tips, you can save yourself money and maybe even some headaches.

Check out consignment sales.  This is the time of year when consignment sales are taking place across the country.  This is not only a great way to find new clothes for your child, but also, to sell clothes that you have and no longer need.  This allows you to make a little so you can spend a little.

Visit online swaps.  There are several clothing swap sites available online.  These are forums that you join where you request that boxes of clothes be mailed to you – for around $5 plus postage.  Once you receive the box of items you need, you turn around and list things you no longer need.  Someone will request the box from you and you’ll just package and ship it out to them. 

Shop with your child.  Let’s face it.  Kids know what they want to wear and what they don’t – or more importantly what their friends will and will not wear.  When you shop, make sure that you take your child with you. 

Set up a cost sharing plan.  As your children get older, they may make some money themselves.  To help teach responsibility, set up a cost sharing plan.  For instance, they may want a pair of tennis shoes that cost $99, but you are willing to spend only $65.  Let them know that they can have them if you split the cost and they cover the additional $34.  This helps them learn the importance of money and to determine what is worth spending money on – and what is not.

Shop off-season.  Right now you will find summer clothes on clearance at nearly all stores.  Plan ahead and purchase items in the size you believe your child will wear the following season.  When you combine these sales with in-store coupons, it is easy to pick up much needed items for as much as 80% off and more.

Do you have any strategies to save money on back-to-school clothes? Let me know!