Released August 1, 2008
MARION, Ark. - It will cost the average family more than $594 to stock up on back-to-school supplies this year - up from last year's $563, according to the National Retail Federation. However, purchasing endless amounts of paper, pens and notebooks shouldn't break your budget, says VeEtta Simmons, Crittenden County extension agent with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.
"With a little creativity, you can reduce the cost," Simmons said.
Before shopping, parents should make a budget and a list of everything their child needs, listed in priority. An inventory of everything the child already has is also helpful, so unnecessary purchases can be avoided. No child really needs nine boxes of crayons.
Back-to-school shopping can be a learning experience for children. When parents involve children in budgeting, the children can learn money management skills. Also, parents should advise their children to avoid notebooks adorned with fancy logos or pictures. These are usually more expensive and contain less paper than plain cover notebooks.
"If everyone knows how much he or she has to spend and on what, you may eliminate a few disagreements," she said.
Compare prices at different stores is a smart strategy when it comes to back-to-school shopping. Check newspaper advertisements and catalogs to stay informed about varying prices at different stores.
"If a nearby store is offering low prices on blue jeans, it may be worth the drive," she said.
When shopping for clothes, it is important to keep things simple. Basic, durable clothing is the key. Parents should look for strong buttonholes, secure buttons, reinforced stitching, firmly woven or knitted fabric, and basic styles. For younger children, buying clothes they can manage without much help is the best choice.
"Remember, the easier it is for them to dress themselves, the less stressful your mornings will be," Simmons said.
If not all the supplies are mandatory at the very beginning of the school year, parents should postpone buying those items that can wait. School supplies are cheaper or on the clearance racks by mid-September.
"Above all, stay within your budget," Simmons said.
--30--
http://www.uaex.edu/news/august2008/0801schoolsavings.htm
Contact: Lamar James, (501) 671-2187, ljames@uaex.edu
