Tip Tuesday: Back-To-School~Saving on Clothes Shopping

August doesn't start until tomorrow, but I thought that since this Tip Tuesday was so close, I would kick off the back-to-school tips. This week, we're going to cover shopping for your child's clothes since many like to put their items in layaway.

Here are 7 easy steps to get your student prepared and save some money:

Step 1: Take Inventory- Bring some bags or boxes with you to your child's closet along with a notepad and pen. Go through your child(ren)'s clothes and see what you can salvage and use this coming school year. Use the bags/boxes for trash and donation piles to double you productivity. That way you can get rid of clothing that they have outgrown or are no longer good at the same time. Write down what they have that can carry into the next school year. Example: 3 pairs of jeans, 5 t-shirts, ect.

Step 2: Set a Budget- Many people have more than one child they need to shop for, so it's important to set a budget on what you can afford to spend on each child.

Step 3: Make a Plan- Now that you have decided how much you want to spend, write down how many jeans, shirts, packages of socks/underwear you will need for each child based off of your inventory list.

Step 4: World Wide Web- Check out your store's deals, coupons, and layaway options online before you hit the store. That way you know what you're after before you shop.

Step 5: Stick to the List- This will be especially difficult when you have your child with you holding up a shirt they "just have to have" (especially teenagers, lol), but you have a budget you want to stick to.

Step 6: Don't Forget about Clearance- Remember, Summer items will be on clearance, but you can find some awesome deals on t-shirts, skirts, etc. that will carry into the Fall season.

Step 7: Reward Yourself- You will be surprised to find that sticking to a budget may actually put you UNDER budget in the end. Why not reward yourself with a little of what's left over or go back and get that shirt your child, "just had to have" and surprise them with it. :)

I hope you enjoyed this week's Tip Tuesday. Some of this goes with how you can save on seasonal shopping items that I posted last week. In case you missed it, here is the link: http://mayday1101.blogspot.com/2012/07/tip-tuesday-seasonal-shoppingtake.html

Also, don't forget to 'Like' my Facebook page to see any deals that I have to share and keep updated on any Giveaway Contests that I have. Link here: http://www.facebook.com/#!/mayday1101