Back to School

 
Welcome back to that time of year again filled with the bustling of shopping malls, long lines and the excited faces of students eager to return to the school year. Yes it is time again for some back to school shopping and what better way to beat the long lines of department stores than some internet shopping? Seriously let’s be honest who actually visits department stores anymore? With such a large variety of online options and tons of internet deals department stores have almost become ancient history. Perhaps all these choices are overwhelming? Do not fret my fellow my-kids-think-I-have-nothing-better-to do-but-shop-for-them moms we’ve come up with some tips to consider while out trying to keep the wallet tight.

Avoid the lines

Avoid the stores if you can. Like we said before why even deal with them if you don’t have to? Online options are near endless and deals are easier to find than ever before. Sites like: www.UltimateCoupons.com and www.Tjoos.com eliminate the hassle of searching for markdowns and sales in the first place. Ultimatecoupons.com even has a link at the top right for back to school deals to look out for. Just click the links to coupons for stores like; Macys, Borders, Charlotte Russe and Ecampus.com materialize. Like magic save up to 75% on back to school supplies! All verified working coupons! I know I sound like a horrible infomercial but great deals make me excited. They should do the same with you. I mean what’s better than walking away with a few hundred dollars worth of clothes and realizing you’ve only spent half at best.



Plan

If there was ever a lesson learned in Back to school shopping it would be planning. Last thing you want to do is find yourself rushing last second for new shoes. Knowing most people won’t plan their back to school shopping benefits you. Make a priority list and follow it. Focusing, listing and sticking to the necessities causes eliminating those initial unnoticeable then expensive items easier. I find it when I walk into a store with a purpose and only one purpose I don’t leave with a cart full of random items. At the end of the day it’s those small items which overcharge my credit card. In fact I would suggest this to anyone anytime you go shopping. Make that grocery list and stick to it.

Budget

This works hand in hand with a plan. Budget and plan your shopping list. My standard limit for three kids is $150 each keeping my total back to school budget under $500 for everyone ages 10-13. Classroom supplies are on the top of priority list and at the very bottom is clothing. Trust me when I say $150 is more than enough to get your kids prepared for classes. Freshmen College students are a different breed and the first year of college is stressful. Consider rearranging your budget to ensure your college student is equipped to take on the first year.

Of course shopping and necessities are different for every person. Avoiding the lines, planning and creating a budget will go long ways to guarantee the shopping gets done pain free. Check out www.thebargainist.com, www.bensbargains.com and www.Deallocker.com for more great deals. Have fun and good luck out there!