Some helpful tips for Parents of School aged Children

As we all knew, the prices on goods that we purchase every day have seen an increase due to the rise in fuel costs over the past couple of years.  I honestly thought we would see it earlier than we did, nevertheless it is upon us.

Like many of you, Pam and I have a young daughter and operate off a budget, thus the tips below are just as helpful to us as Parents as they will be to you.

Stick to the list

• Before heading out to buy those school clothes, backpacks, pencils, crayons - MAKE A LIST!  Many school systems provide a list online for Parents or in hard copy at the administration desk.  In making a list and STICKING WITH IT you will reduce your cost and avoid the 'Nice to have' gadgets.
• Don't let your children talk you into taking them with you.  As many of you can attest, the pleading eyes of your little one are responsible for the 'cool' stuff we would otherwise have left at the store.  I know Pam and I are guilty of that!

Look out for Sales

• Especially around this time of year.  Take advantage of the sales - many times you can find out about them online.  Slickdeals is one that we use quite often to get a jump on others.

Take advantage and stock up

• Items such as crayons, pencils, erasers, paper, etc
• Also, look for those items that you provide to the school as a good parent - things such as kleenex, markers, cups, etc.
• Non-perishible type items that don't go out of style.

Do your homework

• Just because Walmart says they have a sale does not neccesarily mean it is the best deal out there.
• Check the office supply stores for similiar items
• Also, many of you have stores such as Dollar General or Fred's in your town - check them out, you will be surprised at what you might find in way of a value.

Shop for next year

• The wife and I have done this for years now.  Many of the big stores put their seasonal apparral on sale at some point during the year.  Don't be ashamed to hit the clearance racks!  If you don't someone else will!  With children, this is sometimes an 'educated guess' but more times than not you will be close.
• Items such as backpacks, lunch pails, etc can be bought on clearance and stored for next year at a significant savings.

Check out local Garage Sales - it is a gamble, but SOMETIMES, there are deals to be had in clothes.

Hopefully these tips will be of some value to you and yours.  Please feel free to post any other tips that you might have found helpful in your shopping.

Tim and Pam Cash

Crye-Leike Realtors, Clarksville

www.cashsofclarksville.com