Summer goes almost as quickly as it comes. The end of those long, hot days of fun signifies the start of the upcoming school year. That’s when parents, teachers, and kids start preparing for the “back to school” season! But, during an economy crisis, such as we are in, people are a little concerned about how far their hard earned money will stretch this year. Truth is, there are plenty of ways for families for get FREE back to school clothes or to buy for cheap any clothes that the kids will need to make a fashion statement this school year without making a bad statement on your bank account. Here’s how:
Have a clothes trade. Gather a bunch of friends and acquaintances, and get a big space that you can set up like a consignment sale. This could be a local community center or school. Have teenagers go through their stuff and donate the clothes that they can’t fit, don’t want, or simply don’t need anymore. Make sure that you set standards for the clothes such as no holes, no fuzzies, and no junk. Organize and categorize the clothes, and display them. Give everyone shopping bags and let the kids shop until their hearts are content! If you get other parents involved in the planning, your teens and tweens could get a whole wardrobe for the cost of a bag of chips or case of soda! Don’t forget to have some cool music playing. Anything that is left over can be donated!
Make the most of consignment. Take all of those clothes that your kids can no longer fit or that they never had a chance to wear to your local consignment shop. These wonderful shops will purchase your slightly used clothing from you. You can expect to get paid 30-50% of the price that they will be selling your stuff for. Then, after you get your money, you can buy some of the cool stuff that they have there. Expect to find high quality, top name brands for up to 85% off of the regular retail price. Use the money they give you for your old stuff and you will be getting a whole new wardrobe for FREE!
Work the off -season sales! Buy for summer in the late fall and for winter in the early spring. By following this simple formula, you will be able to buy for cheap any and everything that you will need. From shoes to sweaters, flip-flops to swimsuits, when you buy off season, you can expect to save upwards of 90% off of the regular retail price. When you find a really good deal, buy in abundance, and have great stuff for the kids as they grow.
Malls don’t always offer the best ways for saving, cost-cutting, or opportunities to buy for cheap. During this economy crisis, you may need to try other places and ways for buying those back to school clothes that your kids will need. Creativity and a little planning could take your dollars a long way!
Tags: budget, cheap, clothing, economize, free, frugal, kids, money, recession, save money, shopping, teens