Beating the high cost of back-to-school

Tom Newton, 6, gets ready for first grade by stocking up on pencils and notebooks at the UD Bookstore in the Perkins Student Center. Assisting him is his father, Frank, assistant director of residence life, his 4-year-old sister, Abby, and mother, Amy.

4:29 p.m., Aug. 17, 2005--Notebooks. Backpacks. Three-ring binders. Lunchboxes. And, the latest, greatest fashion trends in pants, shirts, jackets and shoes. Maybe even a cell phone, laptop or PDA. Every year, kids seem to need (or want) more at back-to-school time. Last year, the average American family spent $450 on back-to-school shopping, according to a survey by the National Retail Federation.

What’s a family on a budget to do?

Plenty, according to UD family and consumer sciences educator Maria Pippidis. “Start with setting priorities as a family and sticking to them,” Pippidis says.

“The first two points I always emphasize, whether I’m teaching a workshop or counseling an individual,” Pippidis says, “are to get organized--to figure out where the money is going--and to set goals to determine where the money really needs to go.”

A third and equally important component that Pippidis stresses, especially when budgeting for big-ticket items that fall beyond regular household expenses, is opening all lines of communication.

“When you’re a parent trying to establish where your money will go, the conversation has to include the entire family, because the process will otherwise get undermined if everyone’s not on the same boat,” she says.

One effective way to achieve results, Pippidis adds, is to divide expenses into categories and make a written list that then gets posted somewhere obvious, like the refrigerator door.

“I think conversations about finances are hard to have, especially for kids, who might not understand that it could be a choice between a $100 pair of sneakers or paying the electric bill,” Pippidis says. When parents explain priorities in a concrete way, it helps kids determine which items are “must-have” and which aren’t essential.

Pippidis notes that negotiating with fashion-conscious teens and pre-teens is another good way to curb back-to-school spending.

“A parent can set limits,” she says. “For instance, if your teenager wants a $50 pair of jeans, you can decide that you’ll cover $30 and the rest must be paid for by the teen.”

Another valuable strategy to use with older kids is to make them active partners in the spending process. Pippidis suggests that parents help older children develop a list of needed items, give them a set amount of money, such as $100, and let them shop for themselves.

Perhaps most effective of all cost-cutting strategies, Pippidis says, is the tried-and-true technique of planning ahead and watching for bargains and sales.

“There is nothing new about pre-planning or hitting the sales, but it does take discipline,” she says.

And, don’t forget to check out second-hand clothing stores, garage sales and consignment sales. Many teens enjoy the shabby chic appeal of vintage clothing and parents will like the bargain prices. For kids who aren’t thrilled at the prospect of wearing someone else’s clothes, look for “gently- used,” quality clothing from brands they recognize and like.

Looking ahead to next school year, start putting aside money each month in a “back-to-school fund.” This spreads costs over time, Pippidis says, and allows parents to pick up bargains before the prime school shopping time begins.

Photo by Kathy F. Atkinson

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