How to Shop Smart in Back to School Time

Time flies fast, it's almost back to school time again! Are you ready, or more importantly, is your wallet ready?

You know what, back to school shopping doesn't have to be stressful, if you shop smart, you will find it's actually fun!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. First, set a budget.
   
   Like everything else you do, you need to set a budget first before you go out spend. Your budget could be based on past years' experience, considering any new requirements this year. For example, last year you probably didn't spend any money on the shop because your kid were still ok with the great shoe he or she had from the year before. But this year your budget should consider allocating some money to a new pair of shoes because kids grow up fast!

2. Second, get your kids involved.
   
   Share your budget with them, ask for them to spend sometime planning during the summer to prepare for a list of the items they will need in back to school time. They will learn how to give up something in order to get something else.

3. Third, shop around.
   
   Most retail stores will run promotions for back to school items, however, different stores might have different promotional items. So collect all the brochures and coupons and do the planning at home - together with your kids - before splurging.