CincyShopper

Back to School Savings Tip: Reuse, Swap, Discount Shop. Let’s face it back to school shopping is expensive! But is it really that expensive? Or do we, as parents make it expensive?

I’m going to go out on a limb and say that parents make it more expensive than it needs to be. It today’s society parents and children alike get caught up in the shopping and a lot of times purchase wants instead of needs. If you’re on a budget you need to make sure you can stretch that budget as far as you can, especially if you have multiple children.

Back to School Savings Tip

Reuse

Certain things you do need to buy new every year. Your son or daughter will probably need new shoes, new socks, new underwear and some clothes. Some things you don’t and shouldn’t buy every year. If your child has a backpack that is still in good condition, there is nothing wrong with using it again. You can also reuse a lot of school supplies like binders, supply boxes and folders.

Did your older child outgrow a jacket or other clothing items? If they are still in good condition pass them down to your younger children.

Clothing Swaps

Clothing Swaps are becoming very popular! Usually a clothing swap consists of a local group of moms who swap clothes with other moms. You can find some really great finds by participating in a clothing swap. If you don’t have one in your area considering setting one up. Using Facebook Groups is a great way to get it started.

Resale Shops

Children’s, teen’s and even parents can save big by shopping and selling to a local resale or consignment shop. Consider checking your yellow pages for local resale stores. Here in Cincinnati consider checking out Reruns for Wee Ones, Once Upon a Child  or Plato’s Closet . You can always sell of your unneeded items and buy some like new items to save your budget.

Craigslist

Take an hour or so and browse through Craigslist. This is great option if you have older teens that want designer clothing. You can sometimes find designer jeans and shirts for a fraction of the price.

Discount Clothing Stores & Thrift Stores

Stores like Gabrial Brothers, Ross, Marshalls and TJ Maxx offer brand new clothes at rock bottom prices. These stores aren’t always as organized as high-end retail stores but I think the time spent going through the racks is worth the savings.

Thrift stores are another place to find great deals. Once again you will have to spend some time going through the racks. The time spent and the treasures you might find could end up saving you a ton of money!

Every week I will be focusing on a new Back To School Shopping Tip for you. You can view last weeks Back to School Savings Tip: Shop Early.  Additionally, starting at the beginning of July I will be featuring Back to School shopping lists for all the stores and even online. These lists will list all the supplies offered on sale and coupon matchups for each. This will be sure to help me get shopping and hopefully help you with your shopping lists. Get started as early as you can so you can save big! Be sure to start checking all those clearance racks for amazing finds to stash back. I have come across some amazing deals just looking in the clearance section at many of the stores..

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