Back to school
It’s that time of the year when the new school year is just around the corner and the thing that parents are thinking about most is how best to prepare their children for the school year; but along with such preparation they can’t help but fret a little about the impending costs. Yes, of utmost importance is the education of your child(ren).
In fact education is a right every child is entitiled to and a pertinent need of all children, but it can become very costly, as most parents will tell you, if asked. So availing yourself of scholarships and educational grants for your children is the best way to help them get through schooling.
Of course, we both know that only a small percentage of children are eligible for these scholarships, making it necessary for parents of the ineligible children to pay out of pocket and find other available sources to help.
Organize and Save
That having been said, there are a few simple and effective methods that parents can employ to cut the costs of schooling for their children, especially during the back-to-school season. Most often, these methods are taken for granted, but you should not make the mistake of taking anything for granted since nothing is promised or guaranteed.
Maintain an inventory of school supplies for your children and keep it organized. If you are not organized, you will end up spending more money on replenishing your supplies. Small things like pencils and crayons may not cost too much, but if you replenish your supplies unnecessarily, you are losing valuable money.
You should also try involving the kids when making up the inventory list. This will give them a sense of ownership for their things and would know where to take and put their things, as well as taking better care of them.
Tax holidays & bulk buys
Tax holidays are sometimes offered by many states during the back-to-school season. Price ceilings during these periods will usually be put on different school gears. You might want to do a little research and ask about the schedule and details of any tax holidays offered in your area.
It’s a basic economic principle that has worked for years: “The more you buy, the more you save”. Well, this is applicable if you are buying a specific item which you will really need in the near future. In buying pencils, for example, you might want to buy a box rather than buying one for each of your kids.
Let’s face it, you will be needing to replenish these items after some time, so you might as well avail yourself of the lower per item price by buying in bulk.
Transportation & snacks
You might want to consider buying your child a bicycle for him/her to bring to school. This, of course, is not always feasible. Finding a cheap and safe way to bring your children to school daily is an important thing. Car pools and school transportation services are options that you can look at if they are available in your area.
Whenever you have the time and energy to prepare breakfast and lunch for your children, do so. You will not only be saving on the pocket money that you will give to them but you are also secured that your children are eating healthy and safe meals.
Getting your children through school is a big job and a costly one. Saving money through practical and simple means can assist you in this endeavor. The benefits will eventually add up to bringing a brighter future to your children and, as a natural added benefit, your proud satisfaction.