As they prepare their kids for back-to-school time, many Orange County parents are wondering if they can cut a little money from the annual August spending routine. Luckily, the answer is a resounding yes! With proper planning, ringing in the 2015 school year can be a little less stressful — and a little bit easier on the pocketbook. The following will help you save big this year:
- Go for the basics
- Stock up on sale-priced items
- Consider gently used items
School supplies can really add up — especially trendier options. Store-brand notebooks and folders will do the trick just as well, so resist the urge to give in to kids’ demands for items emblazoned with the latest cartoon, movie or TV characters’ images. Stock up when you find a great price in Orange County stores’ weekly or August back-to-school circulars. Better yet, search closets and desk drawers for unused supplies from last year. If you find yourself caving to little ones’ pleas for the hottest 2015 school supplies, limit them to a single item.
When it comes to clothes and accessories, go for quality. A cheap backpack won’t be able to withstand children’s roughhousing — or even everyday use — for very long. The same goes for shoes; seek out quality brands on sale. Purchase two if possible: one in your child’s current size and the other in the next size up. You’ll be ready for that next growth spurt and won’t end up paying full price.
When it comes to clothing, supplement growing children’s wardrobes with quality items from Orange County thrift stores; Craigslist is a great place to find items for kids as well. Or consider inviting neighborhood moms over for an afternoon of trading kids’ clothing. Take advantage of August sales to stockpile socks and underwear for now and the rest of the 2015 to 2016 school year. Filling your kids’ closets and backpacks with sale-priced items now means avoiding last-minute purchases of overpriced clothing and school supplies later on. Your young ones will even learn a thing or two about smart shopping!
Are you going through a divorce or modification of your current custody and/or support order and you have questions? Call the Law Offices of William M. Strachan at (714) 841-1931 or visit his website.
