Rather than guessing what may or may not be needed for the coming school season, ask your kids to locate their supply lists. Have them check out the school website, or perhaps locate that June notice sent home from school that’s now buried in their knapsack. Failing that, have them check with their friends. Each school and even each class does things a bit differently, so August is a good time to reach out to friends or the school to get the information you need.
Once you know approximately what supplies are needed, determine how much you can afford to spend. Ignore marketing-induced hype and average spending predictions and focus on your own situation. Consider your overall household budget, where you could find some savings to come up with the money you need, and how much you can afford to spend if you need to shop with credit. Then work backwards to calculate what each child can spend.
Match what you already have to supply lists and challenge your kids to be resourceful. In age-appropriate ways, help them understand how much money is available for all of their back-to-school shopping needs and wants, and that spending a little less on notebooks and pens, leaves more for new clothes or shoes.Article content
When it comes to the bigger ticket items on their lists, like electronics, sports equipment, or musical instruments, encourage your kids to check with family and friends to see what can be borrowed or swapped. If you have an employer who has a practise of donating old but functional laptops, ask if you could secure one — or more — for your family’s use.
Arguments can be all but eliminated if your child knows you’re only buying what has been planned. They’ll be less likely to ask for other items and you’ll be. If they do try to persuade you to buy something extra, it’s easier to say no when you can show it is not on the list. Back-to-school shopping is pricey enough, you don’t want to get carried away and end up in debt over it.
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Source: TheTorontoSun - 🏆 23. / 68 Read more »