August 24, 2011 THE VILLADOM TIMES I, II, III & IV • Page 13 Every year, parents spend significant amounts of money on school expenses. While there is not much parents can do about tuition, there are ways to save on additional expenses, including the cost of clothing. Restocking a student’s wardrobe can be costly, but savvy shoppers can lessen the blow in a variety of ways. Although students may not yet be ready to head back to class, both parents and children may not be looking forward to school shopping for a number of reasons. Expenses: Statistics posted on Chiff.com indicate that American parents spent $7.2 billion on school clothing in 2009. Shopping for school items can be a big expense, one that’s especially tough to handle after paying for a summer vacation or financing kids’ stays at camp. Time: Crowded stores can make shopping stressful, especially when kids and adults would rather be spending time elsewhere. Intimidation: Facing a store full of stocked racks and shelves can make even the most avid shopper feel a little anxious. Parents face decisions about choosing clothing that is both acceptable to the school and trendy enough for their kids. This can put added pressure on shoppers. Cranky kids: While some children may relish the idea of picking out a new wardrobe, others may become disgruntled by heading to the store having to try on different things and spend time away from friends. Whether school shopping is fun or feared, it’s a necessity for parents and kids alike. Here are a few tips to make the process a bit easier and help parents save money. Assess what is already on hand. Shopping doesn’t have to mean creating an entirely new wardrobe from scratch. It often means supplementing existing clothing with new pieces that can make things look fresh. Unless a child has entirely outgrown his or her clothes from last year, chances are there will be a number of pieces that are still usable and appropriate. Take a day or two to go through kids’ wardrobes and set aside items that can be used for school. Make a list of new items to purchase. Establish a budget. Set a limit as to how much will Ideas to save on this year’s school expenses be spent on each child and don’t stray over that limit. Around $150 to $200 may be adequate to pick up a few basics. Take out cash from the bank and spend only what is in hand to reduce the urge to overspend or turn to credit cards for purchases. Stock up on the basics. New undergarments and socks will be needed. Aim for about 10 to 12 pairs of each. Buy new shoes. Active children tend to wear out shoes quickly. One pair of sneakers and one pair of dressier shoes, like oxfords, or ballet flats for girls, may be adequate. Shop sales. If the weather is warm, it’s possible to save money on clearance T-shirts and shorts that stores are putting on sale to make room for next season’s items. Don’t fill a student’s wardrobe with heavy sweatshirts or sweaters at this juncture. Layering options are good because students can adjust accordingly to feel comfortable. Intermingle designer with discount. Not every item in a child’s wardrobe has to be trendy. Go early in the day. Although it may be a challenge get the kids up and dressed to visit stores when they are still in vacation mode, arriving early means thinner crowds and refreshed children. Kids who are tired or hungry can be prone to meltdowns. Pack snacks and drinks to be on the safe side. Some stores offer early bird special sales, which can make shopping once the doors open even more advantageous.