In the News - August 2008
Back-to-school shouldn't break the bank
MARION, Ark. - It will cost the average family more than $594 to stock up on
back-to-school supplies this year - up from last year's $563, according to the
National Retail Federation. However, purchasing endless amounts of paper, pens
and notebooks shouldn't break your budget, says VeEtta Simmons, Crittenden
County extension agent with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.
"With a little creativity, you can reduce the cost," Simmons said.
Before shopping, parents should make a budget and a list of everything their
child needs, listed in priority. An inventory of everything the child already
has is also helpful, so unnecessary purchases can be avoided. No child really
needs nine boxes of crayons.
Back-to-school shopping can be a learning experience for children. When
parents involve children in budgeting, the children can learn money management
skills. Also, parents should advise their children to avoid notebooks adorned
with fancy logos or pictures. These are usually more expensive and contain less
paper than plain cover notebooks.
"If everyone knows how much he or she has to spend and on what, you may
eliminate a few disagreements," she said.
Compare prices at different stores is a smart strategy when it comes to
back-to-school shopping. Check newspaper advertisements and catalogs to stay
informed about varying prices at different stores.
"If a nearby store is offering low prices on blue jeans, it may be worth the
drive," she said.
When shopping for clothes, it is important to keep things simple. Basic,
durable clothing is the key. Parents should look for strong buttonholes, secure
buttons, reinforced stitching, firmly woven or knitted fabric, and basic styles.
For younger children, buying clothes they can manage without much help is the
best choice.
"Remember, the easier it is for them to dress themselves, the less stressful
your mornings will be," Simmons said.
If not all the supplies are mandatory at the very beginning of the school
year, parents should postpone buying those items that can wait. School supplies
are cheaper or on the clearance racks by mid-September.
"Above all, stay within your budget," Simmons said.
For more information, visit www.uaex.edu. The
Cooperative Extension Service is part of the University of Arkansas Division of
Agriculture.
August 1, 2008
Editing by Rachel Hobby
For the Cooperative Extension Service
Media Contact: Lamar James
Extension Communications Specialist
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2187 or (501) 753-0207
ljames@uaex.edu
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