Here are some tips to make sure you check everything off your child’s school supply list, and keep some money where it belongs – in your pocket:

* Look over your supplies.
Let’s face it, your child didn’t use all of his crayons, pencils, erasers and rulers last year. Admittedly, they might not be in the greatest shape, but by taking careful inventory of what he already has and can reuse, you potentially can put a check mark next to one or two items on the supply list.

* Reduce the price and get a rebate.
Online shopping is growing in popularity – it saves time and gas money, plus you don’t have to take your kids to the store with you. A great site to visit before you start your online shopping should be Ebates.com, where not only can you find coupons and discount codes for more than 1,100 online stores, but you will also get a check back in the mail for a percentage of your purchases.

For example, if you shop at Target.com through the Ebates site, you not only can use the discount codes and coupons, but you also get a 4 percent total purchase rebate put into your account. Once a quarter you’ll receive a check in the mail for all of your rebates. An added advantage – no rebate forms to fill out or points or miles to redeem.

“It’s a great way to save time and money,” says Nikki Laff, a Chicago-based mom of a teenage girl and avid online shopper. “I go in through Ebates to do my shopping and get everything from textbooks to clothing to the basic school supplies and I get cash back. I just do my shopping, I check out, and every three months I get a check, it’s really that simple.”

* Sales, sales, sales, need we say more?
Retailers recognize that parents are looking for sales when it comes to back-to-school shopping. And by combining coupons, discounts and sale prices, you can get some pretty good deals. Check the fliers, go online and compare everything.

* Tax-free holidays.
Clothes are usually the big expense on your back-to-school shopping list. Many states offer tax-free holidays in recognition of this. If your state doesn’t offer a tax holiday, make sure you get the most out of available rebates and sales.

Soon you’ll be waving goodbye as your children once again head off to school. This year, you can sit back with a huge sigh of relief, knowing that you outfitted them for the coming year with some great bargains.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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(ARA) – Back-to-school shopping can be an exhausting and expensive experience and many parents start off on the wrong foot before they even get to the store. But there are simple ways to make this annual shopping trip efficient and affordable.

According to the National Retail Federation, the average American family spends $385 on school supplies for elementary school students — the bulk of which is being spent on clothing, electronics, shoes and school supplies. With more families feeling the pinch of the economy, that simply isn’t a feasible amount to spend this year. Follow a few simple tips and you can save money and time.

Get a list from your child’s school
According to a recent survey from Healthtex Children’s Clothes and Trone, Inc., 39 percent of parents fail to make a list of the back-to-school items they need. Once you’ve got a list, stick to it. Thirty-five percent of parents admit to purchasing school clothing and supplies using the “I see it, I like it, so I buy it” motto, according to the survey. Why buy what your child won’t need?

Make a budget
According to the same survey, 45 percent of parents do not make a back-to-school shopping budget. Use your list to figure out what you absolutely need and compare with your household budget to determine how much you can spend. Make it a fun family activity to search out the lowest prices on things you need and give a small prize to the person who saves the most money.

Affordable, fun clothing
One of the biggest back-to-school expenses are new clothes. Shopping seasonal sales can be a great way to score bargains on the outfits you need. Kids will outgrow a $40 shirt just as quickly as a $10 shirt, so think affordability and durability. Stick to stylish, durable, age-appropriate clothing that’s always affordable like Healthtex clothes. Each item is only $8.

Added savings
Buy school supplies like notebooks, paper, pens, binders, scissors and glue in bulk at warehouse stores for extra savings or stock up when the dollar store has them available. Whether you’re shopping online or in the store, use coupons or online coupon codes. You can save hundreds of dollars on the clothing and supplies on your list.

Stop before you hit the store
Before you even head out the door, “shop” around your house first. You’d be amazed what you can find when you look around in drawers and in the back of your closet. You may even find a bounty of pens and notebooks you’d stocked up on earlier, and then put away and forgotten about.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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(ARA) – It seems like the bell just rang concluding the last day of school, but already it’s time to start planning for next year to ensure your kids are prepared for success. With list in hand, you hit the stores to get necessary items. How can you get all the things your child needs and still stay within your budget?

First, check your inventory at home to see what you have before you head to the store. Extra paper stored in the closet from last year or hand-me-downs from big brother or sister can be useful. After you take inventory, it’s time to make a precise shopping list. Sit down with your son or daughter and determine what he or she needs ahead of time.

Then head to a store that can give you a good value for the items on your list. For example, to help parents and teachers access affordable supplies, Office Depot is offering “Penny Specials” on core back-to-school items such as binders, folders, glue sticks, scissors, protractors, calculators, book covers, staplers and more — all for less than $1. The store is also offering free supplies certain weeks during the summer that include items like crayons, rulers, pencil boxes and calculators.

Need clothing for your brand-conscious kid? For younger children, stick to discount stores that offer quality, brand-name clothing for less. For teens, consider visiting consignment shops. Gently used brand-name clothing can be a great way to get them in the styles they want at a price that won’t make you gasp.

The age-old problem always exists at back-to-school time — you want to find a great deal and your kid wants the coolest new stuff. What are the most valuable yet trendy items your children are sure to love? Below are a few of the hottest, yet affordable, items for this year’s back-to-school season:

1. Project Backpack
Purchase an Office Depot canvas backpack and your children can create their own design with two free Sharpie markers in the colors of their choice. They just might be the most unique kids at school with backpacks that no one else will have. Visit www.myprojectbackpack.com between June 28 and Sept. 19 and enter your backpack design to win great prizes and a chance to have it nationally reproduced.

2. Gartner and Mead fashion products
Bold designs in trendy colors make back-to-school fun. These two lines offer designs in polka dots, paisley, flowers, swirls and more — allowing your special students to mix and match folders, binders, notebooks and other supplies. They can express themselves and you can save at prices starting at 99 cents.

3. Ativa 4GB flash drives
Available in a variety of fun patterns, students love having these fashion-forward devices, not only because they are cool, but because they allow students to have their homework, notes and projects with them at all times. For $14.99 your child is sure to get their use out of it.

4. Tug fun calculators
For under $5, you can get a quality calculator, but it doesn’t have to be boring. This year, students can add a little fun and spirit to their calculations with the Fun Rubber Calculator in unique shapes from Office Depot.

Want another money-saving tip? When items are on sale, buy extra. Certain things like paper, pencils and folders will always be used, so why not stock up when they are being sold at a discounted price? For more information on back-to-school supply savings, visit www.OfficeDepot.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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Cost-Saving Strategies for 2008 Back-to-School Shopping

Rising gas and food prices are putting the economic squeeze on most American households, and it’s already time to begin back-to-school shopping. Families with school-age children are expected to spend over $500 on back-to-school merchandise, according to the National Retail Federation.

They’ll also likely spend many days driving from store to store to get all the right items. It’s no wonder parents are looking for creative ways to save money and limit their time in the car.

“The kids may look forward to some new sneakers or the most stylish new backpack as a welcome silver lining to going back to school, but for parents finding a bargain and saving time becomes vital at this time of year,” says Theresa Boldrini-Laird, shopping expert for NearbyNow.com. “Planning, preparation and patience can help parents save money and limit the amount of time spent in the car.”

Here are some easy ways to save time and money when seeking back-to-school bargains this year:

* Remember that saving time is just as important as saving money. While online shopping may seem like an easy way to save time, many shoppers – including parents – are turning to a new shopping strategy that capitalizes on the Internet’s information-gathering power and the unbeatable immediacy of buying in a store.

NearbyNow, a California-based Web site, allows consumers to log on and search for specific merchandise at more than 200 local shopping malls across the country (go to http://www.nearbynow.com to find a mall near you). As a bonus, some shoppers who put items on hold may even get it for free thanks to the HOLD IT. WIN IT.(TM) for Back to School promotion.

Using the Internet or a mobile phone, parents can check the in-store availability of a much-needed item in 10 minutes or less, and if desired, put the item on hold for pick-up at a nearby store in the mall. Shoppers receive an e-mail or text message claim check to remind them where and when to pick up the item, and the claim check may also have other special offers from nearby stores. The NearbyNow service eliminates both hours and gas spent traveling to and from multiple store locations, shipping costs and time spent waiting for online orders to arrive.

* Make your list and check it twice. “It may sound so simple, but making a list is a great organizing tactic that too many people overlook,” Boldrini-Laird says. To draw up your list, first take stock of what your kids already have, and remember to think beyond just notebooks and pens. Do they need new Converse sneakers or will the pair you bought at the beginning of summer do just fine? Can they reuse last year’s backpacks, or can they use a new style with wheels? Does your teen desperately “need” a new cell phone – you know, the one that everyone has. Or does your college-bound child require a laptop? Be sure you know what you really need to buy.

* Decide on a budget and stick to it. Your budget should be generous enough to cover all the necessities and a few “extras” to make your kid feel cool at school. Get kids involved in budgeting; it’s a great way to teach them how to manage money. Plus, if everyone knows up front how much can be spent – and on what – you’ll possibly head off a few arguments.

* Shop smart. Take advantage of back-to-school sales, and visit retailers’ Web sites to print out coupons. Many offer online-only coupons to reward committed deal-hunters. As much as possible, avoid using credit cards to fund back-to-school purchases of short-lived items like schoolroom supplies, backpacks, clothes or sneakers.

To save money on gas, consider doing your back-to-school shopping in a single trip and carpool with other parents also tackling seasonal shopping.

“Smart shopping strategies may never really ease some kids’ desire to avoid going back to school and extend summer fun forever,” Boldrini-Laird says. “But they can definitely make the back-to-school experience more cost-effective, time-friendly and stress-free for parents.”

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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Back-to-School Shopping Online

The back-to-school shopping season can be hectic for many parents. It’s no wonder that online shopping has become so popular when you can shop from home, work, and now—thanks to Blackberries and cell phones—even on the go. But with new shopping sites popping up every day, it can be easy for you and your money to get lost in the virtual world.

Here are some smart tips for online back-to-school shopping that will leave money in your wallet and a smile on your face:

Read the Reviews

Before you buy anything, read the reviews! Just because a product is flashy and has a high ticket price does not mean that it works well or even at all. Trust your fellow shoppers, and let their advice guide you to the perfect product.

Compare Prices

Comparison shopping sites are great for shoppers that already know exactly what they want and are willing to spend the time searching multiple merchants for the best price. These sites search hundreds of online merchants to find the lowest price on your chosen item.

Think With Your Head, Not Your Heart

How many times have you fallen so hard for a hot pair of shoes, the newest MP3 player, or even a 12-cup coffee maker that you overlooked the unnecessarily high sticker price in order to get the object of your affection, only to feel guilty later? Next time, stop yourself before you add the item to your virtual cart. Take a couple of hours or even a couple of days to think about your purchase—do you really want it? Do you really need it? If the answer is still “yes,” you’ll be able to make the purchase with a clear conscience.

Search for Online Coupons

Before making your final purchase, be sure to check out an online couponing site to save extra cash. Online couponing sites provide deals that you may not find in-store or even on the Web site of a particular merchant. For example, CouponCabin.com (www.couponcabin.com) is updated throughout the day and provides deals from more than 950 merchants.

Save Money Even after You’ve Spent It

Most of the major online retailers have a customer protection policy that allows shoppers to ask for a refund of the price difference if the price drops shortly after you purchased the item. Some online merchants will even beat a competitor’s price. This requires some follow-up on your part, but it will pay off in the end – literally.

Online shopping may be an open frontier, but you don’t have to be afraid. With these tips in mind, you and your wallet can tame any shopping Web site.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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Five Tips for Saving Big on Back-to-school Shopping

It’s almost time for the kids to go back to school, and this year shopping for school supplies will be a lot more difficult for many families. Due to high gas prices and stretched budgets, financially pinched parents are looking for creative ways to save money.

In addition to cutting back on normal back-to-school purchases, parents are comparing prices and looking for bargains so they can get what they need without having to spend a lot of money. Here are some ideas that will help you shave costs on your back-to-school shopping.

1. Do your back-to-school shopping online.
All of the major retailers have an online presence, and many offer significant savings if you shop through their Web sites. Some retailers will even offer free shipping.

According to a recent survey done by the National Retail Federation (NRF), online shopping will experience a significant increase this year. Of the 200 people surveyed in the study, 25 percent said they planned to do their back-to-school shopping online this year. The top two reasons to shop online are to find deals and to save gas money.

But those aren’t the only reason consumers like Marisa Olson of Philadelphia, Pa., will choose to shop online this year. “I like shopping online for the convenience of it, and because it allows me to comparison shop without having to run all over town to check prices,” says Olson, who is happy to share her secret for finding the best deals online. Rather than logging on to the sites of several individual retailers to check prices, she uses Microsoft’s Live Search cashback (www.live.com/cashback) to find the best deals.

The site has partnerships with hundreds of the nation’s major retailers to offer brand name products at bargain prices. Simply log on to www.live.com/cashback, enter the name of the product you are looking for into the search box, and the site will bring up the best prices available at several different stores. Click on the deal you like best, and if you make a purchase, in addition to a great price, you’ll also get cashback which comes directly from Microsoft.

“I recently bought a Louis Vuitton bag and saved over 20 percent. I got more than $200 deposited into my PayPal account. That’s a great thing, considering it was a splurge that I wouldn’t have made otherwise,” says Olson.

2. Hit end-of-the-summer clearance sales.
Behind the holiday season, back-to-school is the most important shopping period of the year for retailers. And as a result, the weeks before school begins are a great time to shop for clothing, footwear, electronics, house-wares and school supplies. It’s not uncommon to find items marked 50, 60 or even 70 percent off since stores are desperate to clear out inventory in order to bring sales numbers up and make room for fall merchandise.

3. Shop at local consignment shops.
Why pay retail prices for clothes that the kids are going to outgrow anyway when you can find some great bargains at your local consignment shop? Consignment stores accept clothes that are gently used and in good shape, so if you’re willing to invest a little time thumbing through the racks, you may be able to find inexpensive children’s clothes that are nearly new at a fraction of retail prices.

4. Buy in bulk.
Another strategy you can take to save money is to buy in bulk. Warehouse stores carry a wide range of seasonal merchandise, including back-to-school supplies. But before you purchase a 100 pack of book covers, a box of 100 pens or pencils, 50 Crayola markers or a two-pack of scientific calculators, do your homework to make sure it’s a great deal.

Bring a notepad to your local office or discount store and write down the unit price for each item you plan to purchase. Then when you return to the warehouse store, compare the numbers and make sure your savings will be significant enough to be worth it.

5. Reuse some of last year’s school supplies.
But perhaps the best way to save money is if you can reuse some of last year’s school supplies. Those Fiskar’s scissors probably don’t need to be replaced yet. Neither does your son or daughter’s pencil box, or the markers that came home unused.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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“Back to school can be an exciting time for families,” says Don Currie of Dixon Ticonderoga, an educational supplies company. “Things can get pretty hectic. They are preparing for the new school year and catching up with friends and it is easy to lose focus on what this time of year is all about — education.”

With a little advance notice, families can get ahead on supply shopping and have more time to find the sales. These begin long before school starts, when most people are not yet thinking about back-to-school shopping. An early list also helps you focus on the essential top ten must-have products, ranked by Dixon Ticonderoga. As appearing on school supply lists across the nation, here are the suggested top buys for school supplies:

1. Ticonderoga #2 Pencils — Nearly every school supply list in America names a pencil as the number one item a child needs for the school year. From the “My First Ticonderoga” with a thicker barrel for the small hands of young students, to the SenseMatic Plus that automatically advances lead without clicking, twisting or sharpening, Dixon Ticonderoga has a pencil for students at every age.

2. Prang Glue Stick — Just as you would purchase extra pencils, it is important to purchase additional glue sticks in case they dry out.

3. Color Markers — Whether coloring for art class or making a gift for dad, markers are a must for budding artists.

4. Crayons — Recognized as an alternative medium for more advanced artwork, crayons remain the must-have item for children worldwide.

5. Scissors — When choosing scissors for young students, look for child-friendly scissors with a round tip and a soft grip.

6. Loose-leaf Paper — Wide-ruled paper is created specifically for little hands learning to write. For kids in middle school and up, the thinner lines of college-ruled paper is fine.

7. Backpack — To make sure it fits your child correctly, make sure the bag rests one to two inches below the shoulders and up to four inches below the waistline (Note: The waistline is level with the bellybutton.) A two-strapped bag is good for comfort and even weight distribution.

8. Folders/notebooks — Look for extra slots inside notebook covers for storing handouts and assignments. Students can be more organized and won’t lose important papers.

9. Pencil Holder — A container large enough to hold pencils, markers, rulers, erasers and sharpeners helps to keep tools organized and in one place.

10. Tissue Box — Having their own personal tissues reduces the amount of germs they come in contact with — meaning fewer colds in your house.

Consider having extra supplies at home for when your child has homework. If they don’t have to carry all their supplies back and forth, it lessens the chance of them forgetting or losing their belongings. Having the right tools — at school and at home — helps to motivate and support kids in their new venture, where educational and social challenges should be their main focus.

“For decades, Dixon Ticonderoga has supplied the premier number two pencil to students of all ages,” says Currie. “It is our desire to maximize every child’s educational experience by providing educational and inspirational tools that are the ‘best of its kind.’”

Find Dixon Ticonderoga and Prang school supplies at www.dixonticonderoga.com

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One thing to remember is that consumables can be bought any time of the year.  Consumables include paper, crayons, notebooks, construction paper, pencils, pens and any other item that can be used regularly during the school year that will eventually run out.  If you follow the circulars of your favorite retail and office supply stores, you can get great bargains on these items.  Purchase a plastic tub to store these items in your attic or basement and you’ll have them on hand year-round for your children.

If you have a student in college, planning ahead will save you a lot of time and money.  Typical items that they will need include toiletries, office supplies, clothing, medicine such as cold remedies and aspirin, clothing and small appliances.  All of these items are on sale at different times of the year.  Take advantage of the sales and buy the items in bulk.  You’ll be amazed at how much money you will save on these items if you buy them during off-season sales.

Clothing is always the most expensive item on your child’s back to school list.  There are several ways to save money on these items while still sending a styling student off to school.  One way that many parents have discovered is to buy a complete wardrobe at an online auction site.  This is one way to buy many new or almost new designer items at a fraction of their retail cost.  Another way to save money while still looking good is to shop at thrift stores.  If you want designer labels, shop at thrift stores in high-end neighborhoods.  There are also many stores that sell great looking gently used items at slightly higher prices than the Goodwill or Salvation Army.

It is also a good idea to shop for clothing during seasonal clearance sales.  If you have a child that is still growing purchase clothing a size or two larger so the items will fit next year.  Items that can be purchased for a song include swimsuits, t-shirts, shorts and undergarments.  Fall clothing sales are also great for children and you can buy snowsuits, hats, gloves and jackets at cost for next year.  College age students can also save money by purchasing seasonal clothing in their current size for the next year, including boots and shoes.

Many families have also discovered that they can have exchange parties with their neighbors.  Instead of having garage sales, neighbors with children can get together and exchange outgrown clothing.  This also works well with dance outfits and sports equipment.  Plan a get together with your friends before school starts and after it ends each year to exchange play clothing, jeans, sweatshirts, boots, winter coats and other items that no longer fit.  Your children may also like to attend the party so that they can choose items that they would like to have.

Plan your back to school shopping strategy early this year. If you do you’ll be able to spend the weeks leading up to the next school year hassle free.  Your children will have the items that they need and you’ll be able to avoid those long lines at the store.

 

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One of the best times of the year to shop for school supplies is after the school sales.  Consumable items that can be purchased incredibly cheap after school starts include notebooks, paper, pencils, pens, notepads, post-its, lunch boxes and college dorm items.  You can save upwards of 50 percent on these kinds of items by buying them later in the school year.

What parent doesn’t dread school clothing shopping?  Marathon shopping sprees can test your endurance and temperament.  One way to avoid this is to break up the school clothing shopping into several days over the month before school begins.  This will help you avoid impulse buying and the inevitable arguments that erupt when your children are exhausted.  You may want to save some of the shopping until after school starts so that your child can see what their classmates are wearing.

It is also a good idea to go over a budget with your children before you hit the stores.  This will help them learn about finances and help you avoid a fall out while shopping.  Keep a running tally of the amount you’ve already spent so that you child knows what he or she can afford at the next store.  Many children will choose to have a few more outfits as opposed to one pair of fashionable shoes that won’t last until winter.

Many children and parents forget to dress comfortably before they start school shopping.  Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and clothing that is easy to get on and off.  Wear sneakers, t-shirts and pants that are easy to get on and off.   

Another way to save time and money is to set aside an afternoon with your child to go through their current wardrobe and see what fits.  You and your child may be surprised at what no longer fits after wearing shorts and t-shirts all summer.  After you have weeded out the outgrown clothes make a shopping list of the items your child has to have for school and prepare a bag to donate outgrown clothing to local charities that accept them.

Save money by shopping the seasonal clearance isles.  Start picking up items your kids like to wear in the spring and summer.  Jeans, polo shirts, light weight jackets, undergarments and socks can be bought cheaper at other times of the year than during the month prior to school starting.  If your child is growing quickly, buy clothing a size or two larger and save money during seasonal clearances.

An alternative to shopping in the malls for school clothing is to purchase clothing lots on the Internet at auction sites.  You can bid on complete wardrobes for your children and save yourself time and money.  Many wardrobe auctions include lots of designer items so your children will be in style and not break the bank doing it.  Families can also save money and avoid the back to school crowds by shopping at the Salvation Army or gently used clothing stores.

Finally, don’t forget who has to wear the clothes.  Allow your children to pick out a few of their outfits even if you don’t like them.  Of course you don’t have to allow them to wear outfits that don’t fit correctly or will be inappropriate at school.  The last thing you want to do when school shopping is to buy items that your children will refuse to wear.  A successful school-shopping spree should end with both you and your children happy with the purchases that have been made.

 

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