Shop for school without breaking the bank

Q: We’ve just come back from our holidays, which were a little more expensive than we’d planned. Our kids keep asking to go shopping for back to school clothes, but I really don’t want to spend anything extra until I get my credit card balance under control. What can we do? A: Back to school time each year is full of excitement and expectations. Kids hope to outfit themselves and their desks with the most trendy and fashionable clothing and supplies. Parents expect to be hit with additional expenses and “discussions” about how much will be spent on what. And retailers expect sales that closely rival Christmas.

However, it’s easy to forget that kids don’t need all of their new clothing and supplies on the first day of school. There really is no need to pay for everything up front, especially when your credit card is still trying to recover from summer fun.

To make it easier to save on costs for the start of school, take an inventory of what your kids have left from last year. Sharpen pencil crayons, clean and wash backpacks, empty their binders and recover text books. Then only buy what’s still needed.

Next, put clothing shopping into perspective. It’s usually sunny and warm in September, so the kids will still wear their summer clothes. When the weather turns and their growth spurts slow down, buy new jeans and hoodies then. By waiting, kids can also see what’s “in” and what’s not so that you don’t risk wasting money on items they don’t want to be caught dead in.

Find ways to let your kids earn a bit of money and show them how to save up for purchases. Even kids in middle school can be quite entrepreneurial when they want something badly enough! If they have to contribute at least some of their own cash, they might be more willing to mix labels with less expensive items.

While you’re feeling the “back to school” pinch right now, the whole school year is an expense to reckon with. Buy what you need now and then plan how to save on things like lunches, snacks and transportation for all of you.

Set what you save aside, even if it’s only $10 a week. That way you’ll have money to use for that endless list of additional expenses you know you’ll still be faced with the rest of the year.

Scott Hannah is president of the Credit Counselling Society, a nonprofit organization. For more information about managing your money or debt check nomoredebts.org or call 1-888-527-8999.