Raising kids can be expensive. Even just providing essentials can take a large chunk out of your paycheck. Here are a few tips to help you stay on budget and still be able to afford to purchase all the essential items for your children.
Being Fashionable on a Budget
Shopping for your kids needs doesn’t have to be expensive. Shopping at thrift stores for second hand clothing is a great way to save a lot of money and often you can find good quality clothes for pennies on the dollar. Sometimes you can even find designer clothes that may not have even been worn! Of course, some of the clothing may be out of date, but staple items such as jeans and accessories will likely still be fashionable. Since jeans tend to be costly when purchased new, this can be a real money saver. Shirts tend to go out of fashion a lot faster, so it might be a good idea to keep an eye out for sales on clothing at stores with new clothing. This may be department stores, superstores or shops at the mall. Signing up for their email newsletters can keep you informed on upcoming sales. This way you can purchase an entire wardrobe for your children and still save money in the process. As seasons end, clothing for that previous season goes on sale. Purchase clothing for the next year, ahead of time, in a larger size for your child.
Buying School Supplies
The start of a new school year often indicates a list of back to school supplies for each child. The price of these supplies can really add up if you do not plan your shopping ahead of time. Use the internet to search for back to school deals and sales. Many stores offer school supplies for really cheap at this time, including items under $1 and even some for a few cents. Most stores will also accept credit cards to pay for purchases. Good stores to keep an eye out for sales include superstores and office supply stores. You may save additional money by shopping at several stores to get a variety of good deals. As soon as the going-back-to-school season ends, stay on the lookout for discount supplies that can be saved and used throughout the year.
Baby Supplies
Caring for babies can be an expensive ordeal. That’s why it’s a good idea to purchase diapers and wipes in bulk, to save you some cash. The internet has several sites that give customers discounts if they purchase in bulk and get diapers regularly shipped to their home. You can sometimes even find discount codes for additional savings. Another place to buy diapers and wipes includes membership warehouses. If you do not have a membership, you can ask a friend if they’re willing to go with you. Or you can keep a lookout for guest passes that some warehouses sometimes post online for certain special days throughout the year. These membership warehouses also carry other essential baby items such as bath and body products and baby food.
For things like strollers, cribs, and baby clothing there are a variety of consignment and second hand shops that cater to the new mother where you can find these items… often in almost new condition.
Suggested places to shop for your children in order to save some money include second-hand stores, superstores, office supply stores, membership warehouses and online businesses.
So the key to saving on the essentials for your kids is to simply remain on the alert… watch for sales and don’t be afraid to shop around.
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