Money Saving Tip$ 4 U - Back to School

It's That Time of Year Again - - BACK TO SCHOOL

It hard to believe that the summer is close to ending, but back to school certainly is on the minds of parents and kids. Here are some tips to make the most of your school supply money.

Do they really need something new or do they just want something new. One of the biggest contributors to back to school expenses is the need of kids to have new stuff. While some new items are unavoidable, not every item needs to be brand new. Getting over this mentality is more difficult than putting it into practice. After a week, none of the other kids will be able to tell that your student's glue bottle was not full on the first day of school. Recycle your kids' school supplies.

Look through last year's school suplies. You may find many things that can start out the new year. Scissors and other school "hardware", like protractors, rulers and supply boxes, may have some wear, but will work for another year. Glue bottles that are at least half full can enjoy renewed life Even crayons can be fixed up like new. Recycle other kids' school supplies. As kids get older, their supply lists change.

Organizing a neighborhood "used school supply swap". You and your neighbors can benefit from items in usable condition that may not be needed for the next grade. If your third grader has outgrown his scissors, there will be a kindergartner ready to take them over. Items you purchased in bulk, like those big pink erasers, can be used to bargain your way to other supplies that need replaced. Also, some teachers require different brands than other teachers, so you may be able to swap those Crayola colored pencils for the RoseArt markers this year's teacher has requested.

Check out Office Max - There are a lot of penny items for back to school. They have crayons for a penny as well as rulers for a penny. Every week, Office Max puts the power in your penny on different items. So you should check to see when the products you need are part of the promotion.

Check the circulars and you'll also find great deals at other retailers.

If possible void brand names and trendy clothes. You can get so much more for your money, if you go to an off priced, discount type of store. Keep in mind too, that consignment shops and some really nice thrift shops will be a good alternative. You can even combine your neighborhood swap to include clothing and shoes for the younger children.

If your school allows it, pay your tuition with your rewards credit card. You can get reward points or cash back, just by using your card. This only works if you can pay off the balance right away.

Packing your child's lunch will help save money throughout the school year.

If there were no schools to take the children away from home part of the time, the insane asylums would be filled with mothers. ~Edgar W. Howe