by Aran M

Created on: August 09, 2009   Last Updated: September 10, 2009

Getting your kids there back to school gear is hard at the best of times but in these times of global recession it can be harder then ever to have any money left in your pocket to even think about buying back to school stuff. Your little terrors want the most expensive and probably useless things to take back to school and you need to find a balance between keeping them sweet, getting what they actually need and your budget.

Make a list!

You should make a list of exactly what you need before you even think about stepping out to buy anything. Work with your kids to find what you actually need and what are just wants. If you can't afford the wants cut them out. There is no point getting into debt over something your kids will probably lose on there first day back anyway!

Don't buy what you already have!

It can be tempting to go out a buy all new stuff, but why waste money. Dig around your home for pens, pencils and all the rest of the things on your list. Don't waste your cash on things you already have. There is simply no need to waste resources an fall into the consumerist trap that the companies want you to. If you have it, don't re-buy it!

Buy to last!

It's an old fashioned idea but it still holds true buy things that are actually going to last. Something might look nice but is it going to last a day with your kid? If not don't waste your cash on it. You will need to factor in how careful your child is and how likely it is he or she will lose things. If your child is always losing things buy bulk cheap stuff that you can give your child a few at a time. If you have a very careful child that doesn't lose much buy things that are better quality that will last along time.

Sales and savings

Sales only save you money if you were planning to buy the product anyway! Find what you are looking for and then go by as many shops as possible to see what the best price is. Don't go shopping and buy something simply because it's on sale, that's no saving. Another trick to watch out for is shops that drag shoppers in with savings only to make it back with impulse buys - if you stick to your list you should be fine.

So in summery, buy less, buy smart and have fun!

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