Back-to-school shopping can be the perfect time to teach kids to inventory their clothes, make decisions, and become smart shoppers. Below are tips on how to get kids involved without burning a hole in your wallet.
- Take an inventory. Before you go to the store, help the children go through their drawers and closets. Do shoes from last year still fit? Are the items an older brother or sister has discarded in good condition? As you take inventory, look for items that can be thrown away, those that need repair, and things that The must be purchased.
- Create a spending plan. After you’ve created your shopping list, involve teens in creating a spending plan. By creating a plan, you’ll develop boundaries that will help them shop within their means.
- Be careful of advertising. There are many shopping apps. One of them is worth noting: Flip. It’s free and offers you weekly ads for large and small retail stores. Check back regularly to see if stores have the items on your list on sale. Look at the ads with your children as you decide where to buy their clothes and supplies.
- Consider buying secondhand items. Secondhand shopping allows you to buy trendy items without the price tag. It may take more than a day or two to find the things you need, but it could be the secret to helping you stick to your spending plan.
- Use the envelope method. This method is a great way to teach children the value of money. Give each child their own envelope and write their name and the items they need on it. This method teaches children that their money will go further when they shop on sale. It also teaches them very clearly that once the money is gone, it’s gone.
