Shop More, Pay Less: Back-to-school tips for keeps

Sending your kids to school is really expensive *stating the obvious.* We all know how important providing the best education for our children is. According to Santander:

“Parents spend an average of £224 a child preparing for the new school term – that’s almost 30% more than last year. And the expense doesn’t stop once the novelty has worn off their new shoes and Ben 10 lunchbox.”

Although it has been proven that providing a decent education for their children means everything, there are cheaper alternatives and workarounds you can consider without compromising your child’s educational needs. Some of them are provided below.

Uniforms

Your child can still have a classy and smart look without spending too much on uniforms. You can buy uniforms and garments which are made of high quality materials at a reasonable price. Instead of buying cheap yet flimsy uniforms—which will cost you more in the long run—investing in quality schoolwear allows you to maximize your money’s worth. For instance, your kids’ M&S Unisex Skinkind Polo Shirt might still be useful after a few years with proper care. Additionally, if can buy the school’s logo patch separately, you can sew it yourself. Doing so can help you save a lot and spend your remaining budget on other school essentials.

Discount Coupons

If you want to avail of discounts on school supplies, you should consider getting coupons from various voucher code websites. Anita Naik of Voucher Codes explained that “by checking voucher code sites, savvy parents can find an array of useful discounts to help combat the financial strain of sending their kids back to school.” With bags and other supplies being offered at slashed prices, “this means you will start earning money each time you click through to buy featured deals,” said Sarah Willingham from Lets Save Some Money.

Shop Wiser

You can save more by buying garments such as trousers, shorts, and skirts with adjustable waistlines and hems. According to MSN Money, “consider buying trousers and skirts that are slightly longer than necessary and stitching the hems. As your child grows, you can let down the hem without having to buy new clothes. Be strict with the kids and make sure the uniform comes off as soon as they get home. Wash clothes on a low heat to help prevent colours fading and jumpers shrinking.”

This is a collaborative guest post.

Helen

Helen is a mum to two, social media consultant, and website editor; and this site is (we think) the only Social Enterprise parenting magazine!Since giving up being a business analyst when juggling travel, work and kids proved too complicated, she founded KiddyCharts so she could be with her kids, and use those grey cells at the same time.KiddyCharts has reach of over 1.1million across social and the site. The blog works with big family brands (including travel) to help promote their services, as well as offering free resources to parents of kids under 10.It gives 51%+ profits to Reverence for Life, who fund a number of important initiatives in Africa, including bringing running water and basic equipment to a school in Tanzania.Helen has worked as a digital marketing consultant (IDM qualified) with various organisations, including Channel Mum, Truprint, Talk to Mums, and Micro Scooters. She loves to be creative in the brand campaigns she works on.Get in touch TODAY!

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