Did you know that the average American family spends $400 per child on back to school expenses?

Take a look at these 14 easy ways to save on back to school shopping, and I’m sure you’ll find a way to take a bite out of that $400 per child back to school expense!

1. Resale Shops: When it comes to clothes shopping, consider giving teens a clothing allowance, and let them make the choice of where to shop. They might think twice about buying a brand new pair of $80 jeans when they could buy 4 pairs of trendy jeans at resale shops like Platos Closet or Buffalo Exchange. Consider it a lesson in budgeting for your teen! Learn more about saving moneyat resale or consignment shops.

 

2. Tax Free Weekend: Do you know when your state’s tax free shopping weekend is? Check out the complete list of tax free weekend dates by state.

 

3. Needs vs. Wants: Back to school shopping is the perfect time to have a discussion about needs vs. wants with your child. Before shopping, take time to organize your child’s closet and make a list of the items he or she really needs. Then…with list in hand…tackle those needs and avoid the temptation of wants!

 

4. Coupon Codes: If you’re shopping online…don’t leave the coupon code box blank! Take a moment to search for coupon codes at sites like RetailMeNot.com or Dealslip.com. If you’re not familiar with saving money using coupon codes, learn how to find coupon codes.

 

5. Backpacks: Have you ever thought of T.J. Maxx, Marshall’s or Ross for backpacks? Last year, we bought a name brand, $65 backpack for $12.99, it was exactly what my daughter was looking for!

 

6. Textbook Rental: If you have a college student, it’s time to look into renting textbooks and saving big! Save $500 a Year on Textbooks
    

7. Discounted Gift Cards: Do you regularly shop stores like Payless Shoes, Target, Children’s Place or Kohl’s? Take time out today to order discounted gift cards…they’ll arrive in just a few days, and you’ll enjoy instant savings! $100 gift cards for as low as $70 to purchase brand name products at your favorite stores! PlasticJungle -Buy, sell & trade gift cards

 

8. Scout Uniforms: You’ll find huge savings on gently used Scout uniforms on e-bay!

 

9. Haircuts: Oh the ways you can save on haircuts! Try your local beauty school for a haircut at a fraction of the cost. If your son has a basic crew cut, my friend promises it’s easy to do yourself…she said her razor even came with hair cutting instructions! Maybe your child only needs a bang trim…did you know most salons offer complimentary bang trims or bang trims for as little as $5. A quick bang trim is an easy way to extend the time between expensive haircuts!

 

10. School Supplies: The back to school sales have begun, and it’s worth the price of your Sunday paper to check out the massive amount of sale ads and compare prices. You’ll always find the Walmart, Target and Office Depot sale insert in the Sunday paper. How about letting your older children look for the best buys and make the shopping list? Don’t forget to order a discounted gift card to save at Office Depot! Right now you can get a $50 gift card for only $46.50!
    Office Depot – $50.00 gift card

 

11. Musical Instruments: New to the band or orchestra? You might consider renting your child’s musical instrument for the first year to make sure it’s something they plan to stick with!

 

12. Water Bottles: More than 40 billion plastic water bottles are used each year in the U.S., and about 2/3 of those end up in landfills! Kick the plastic water bottle habit this year, and you’ll save about $20 a month. Those cute metal refillable bottles are available for a few bucks at Homegoods, T.J. Maxx, Marshalls or Ross.

 

13. School Projects: Each year we buy so many tri-fold display boards and expensive foam core boards for school projects…only to throw them away at the end of the school year. I’ve finally come up with an easy money saving alternative…use ticky-tack to adhere the information to the display board, and when the project is complete, simply remove and reuse! You’ll even be able to reuse those pricey die-cut letters!

 

14. Sports Equipment: Huge savings await you on sports equipment at places like Goodwill, Play It Again Sports & E-Bay. You might also consider trading in your used or outgrown sports equipment at Play It Again Sports.

 

15. Swapping instead of Shopping: Trade in all your kids’ outgrown clothes for $5 boxes of fall gear that fits! Check out ThredUp today!
    

 
 
 
 

How will you save money on your back to school shopping?

Have you check The Budget Diet’s freebies page today?
~~~~~~~

Image courtesy of: Grant Cochrane / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

A big fashion trend right now is tribal style — and it fits perfect with these hot, summer days we’re having. To rock the trend, stock your wardrobe with bold, bright, and exotic prints, plenty of animal and tribal patterns, and loose, relaxed pieces. You’ll be right on track with celebrities like Jessica Alba, who’s known to wear this playful style. Jessica stepped out with her daughter, Honor, both in true tribal style. Get this mom and daughter duo’s look for less!

Jessica And Honor’s Look

1. A leopard circle scarf from Affordable Scarves — $18.95. Wrap this exotic leopard print scarf around your neck to dress up a basic tank.
2. A basic white tank from Old Navy — $19.99. You can’t go wrong with a white tank because they’re so easy to dress up with accessories!
3. Some camel colored pumps from White House Black Market — $30.00. Get yourself some beige or camel-colored shoes. If heels aren’t for you, sandals are great for tribal style.
4. Some tortoise cat eye shades from Sunglass Warehouse — $15.95. It doesn’t get any more exotic than cat eye shades!
5. A black tote bag — Jessica’s tote isn’t exactly tribal, but she’s packing for two in her oversized bag. Want something a little more exotic? Check out this wooden frame clutch.
6. Some wide leg jeans from Levis — $45.00. Who else is glad wide jeans are back in and skin-tight pants are on the way out? Jessica’s pants have a very 70s feel — which is another big trend right now.
7. An exotic tank from Gymboree — $7.99. How cute does little Honor look in her tank top? This zebra print top from Gymboree is on sale for dirt cheap. Snatch one up fast!
8. A jean skirt from Children’s Place — $16.95. A basic jean skirt is very versatile and can be dressed up, down, or tribal style!
9. Brown sandals from WalMart — $12.00. Dress your little one head to toe in-trend with these leatherette thong sandals.

Jessica has another little girl on the way, so I predict we’ll be seeing more of her in loose and flowing, exotic print dresses. Tell me, do you have any pieces that are part of the tribal trend?

Author bio: Sarah Beckman is a writer at Affordable Style where she blogs about how to style accessories. She’s a bride-to-be who’s on a budget for her October 1 wedding.

I don’t like to cut corners when it comes to my wardrobe, but with my wedding quickly approaching (and my fiance not understanding the need for a closet full of shoes), I’m putting my clothes budget on a diet. Woe is me!

Fortunately, I’ve discovered the value of inexpensive accessories. Accessorizing on a budget is easy and a great way to expand your wardrobe without breaking the bank. You can transform simple jeans and a black tank top into many different looks by simply adding a scarf to your neck or a belt around your waist. I like to buy simple tees and tanks that are inexpensive because I know I can make them look great with accessories. Learn how to accessorize!

In the photo, I compiled seven accessories that all cost less than $15. All of these accessories can transform the black tank and blue jeans into a new look! Here’s what I found…

1. A pink T-shirt circle scarf from Affordable Scarves — $14.95. Circle scarves are BIG right now, and I’m sure you can see why! Simply loop this precious pink scarf around your neck a couple times, and your black tank top is automatically upgraded.
2. A coral bow belt from Zara — $9.90. You can dress up any plain top with a belt cinched around your waist. Put a skinny belt around the slimmest part of your waist to accentuate your curves!
3. Pink and gold cocktail ring from Forever21 — $4.80. Okay, so I know shopping in Forever21 can be an absolute nightmare and their clothes might be too juvenile, but everyone can wear their jewelry. They have tables of inexpensive and darling costume jewelry that can spice up any look.
4. Daisy flower necklace from Forever21 — $6.80. A gold statement necklace can spice up any plain shirt. This flower necklace is perfect with a black tank top because it fills in the deep neckline.
5. Gold cuff bracelet from Forever21 — $6.80. I love to wear bold cuff bracelets because there’s absolutely no thought involved, and they make simple looks more interesting. This particular bracelet comes in silver and gold.
6. A floral headband from Charlotte Russe — I think of Charlotte Russe as being Forever21′s older sister. It’s a great place to shop for inexpensive accessories. This floral headband will definitely make a pretty statement and keep fly-away hairs out of your face.
7. A leopard print head scarf from Affordable Scarves — Head scarves are trending right now, and I think this silky leopard print scarf would look great tied as a head rosette wrap. Not sure how to tie that? Check out this video on how to tie a rosette wrap.

My fiance always thinks that I’m wearing new clothes, when in reality I’m changing up the same old clothes with inexpensive accessories. Sometimes I have to show him my receipts so he believes me!

~~~~~~~

Author bio: Sarah Beckman is a writer and editor for Affordable Style. At work she blogs about fashion and how to get celebrity looks for less. In her spare time, she’s a budget shopper who’s planning her October wedding.

Every Saturday morning my friend Ellen would shop garage sales, and return home to show off her treasures. I used to marvel at the treasures she would find until I wised up and joined her!

What treasures can you find at a garage sale or yard sale? Here’s a list (in no particular order) of some items I discovered when volunteering at a school garage sale:

• Terra Cotta Pots
  All sizes 50¢
• Sterling Silver Jewelry -
  All the jewelry, real & costume was in a basket marked 50¢
• DVD’s
  50¢…that’s cheaper than renting a movie, and then you can sell it back at a garage sale or half price books.
• Jean Jacket
  Name brand, $2.00! Clothes are always a bargain at garage sales, but you must be willing to dig! The clothes are usually piled in a heap on a table, and there will not be a dressing room.
• Birkenstock Sandals
  $1.00! A lady found 6 pairs!
• Locker Shelf
  Like new for just 50¢.
• Samsonite Suitcase
  Brand new with tags for only $1.00!
• Set of Dishes
  $10.00 for the entire set! Yes, this is why Ellen had a set of dishes for every season!
• Lladro Madonna
  $2.00! Somebody must not have known the true value of this! You just might find the next star of The Antiques Road Show at a yard sale.
• Stuffed Animal
  50¢ for a brand new giant Easter Bunny! If your children are always begging for new toys, and you find yourself always giving in and blowing your budget…maybe it’s time to take them to a garage sale! Toys abound at garage sales and yard sales!
• Mountain Bike
  I told my son that there was no point in spending $200+ on a brand new bike for college that was going to sit out in the rain, so he found a great $40 mountain bike at a garage sale!

 
Of course, I can’t promise what you’ll find at a garage sale, but I can promise you’ll find some bargains!

Please remember The Budget Diet’s rules for shopping at Garage Sales, Goodwill, Consignment Shops and Thrift Stores:

• Be Open Minded
• Shop Often
• Be Friendly
• A Bargain is Only a Bargain if You Can Use It
• Use Your Imagination
• Shop in Upscale Neighborhoods

 
Start your Saturday morning off with a bargain! Get in the garage sale habit!

Please click on the title of this article to let me know what treasures you have found at garage sales and yard sales.

In today’s economic climate, many find it an extreme challenge to get ahead and keep money in their pockets. With gas prices off the charts, the price of food climbing the ladder with ferocity, and the costs of housing, phones, children, etc., life can carry with it overwhelming financial stress. However, money saving options do exist in the world, providing a plethora of outlets; helping to pinch those pennies and ultimately save money for those more important things in life. While many may cut out coupons from the daily newspaper, other highly valuable options do exist. Websites such as Ebates, Mr. Rebates, iGive, and UPromise not only offer easier, more convenient shopping alternatives, but they also offer great deals in receiving coupons, rebates, and guided information regarding keeping the cash in your wallet.

Ebates

How it Works:
This company was started in 1998 by two District Attorneys with reputations of prosecuting those committing fraud and identity theft.

The website offers 21 categories for shopping, including Baby & Kids, Clothing, and Music & Movies.

In order to get any rebates or coupons, one must set up a free membership through the website. Upon doing so, a member has instant access to savings. Simply select a category and see the websites that provide a certain percentage of cash back. For example, if a person is interested in purchasing toys, and a toy store is offering 8% cash back on all purchases, a member must click on the website offered through Ebates. Ebates will take note, adding an 8% total of whatever is spent to the member’s account. It’s that simple. Four times a year or more, Ebates will send a check to the member via snail mail or directly to his or her Paypal account. If a member chooses to do so, Ebates will also donate the rebate to the member’s favorite charity.

There is also a section at the bottom of Ebates entitled “Ebates Daily Double”. Here resides a section for those companies who have doubled their rebate value. Taking a look at the Daily Double provides an excellent opportunity for saving.

Mr. Rebates

How it Works:
Mr. Rebates, launched in 2002, offers 2000+ online stores to shop from. The Better Business Bureau gives this site an A+ rating.

Similar to Ebates, Mr. Rebates encompasses the same saving concept. However, Mr. Rebates adds a number of categories to its shopping list, for instance: Automotive, Garden, and Green Shopping.
Typically, the rebate confirmation will only take 3-5 business days through this website. However, it may take up to 30 in some cases. Choosing a category through this site will not only provide what coupons are available, but the cash back percentage. Mr. Rebates also has the option of friend referral, offering more money to those friends accepting the request, and using the service.

iGive

How it Works:
Just like Ebates and Mr. Rebates, iGive allows a member to set up an account, taking advantage of many shopping opportunities. However, this site adds its own little flair. Upon setting up an account, a member will be asked which cause he or she would like money donated to. For example, if a person wants to rescue retired greyhounds, iGive will donate the rebates acquired to whichever greyhound rescue charity the member chooses. An excellent source for charities who need funds, iGive provides extra funds for those needing it most.

upromise

How it Works:
This site, like the others, transforms rebates, providing them to those seeking out a college education in the future. Here, a member may choose a budding child, be it a daughter or son, grandchild, or niece or nephew, and put the rebate money aside, saving it for that child’s college education.

Each of these sites provides a great deal of savings; the perfect way to keep cash in your pocket or the ideal way to donate to those you feel need it most.

~~~~~~~

Jeff Acaits is a freelance writer who has previously covered personal finance matters including private student loans.

Photo courtesy of Free Web Photos

Rule #1 – Be open minded!
Don’t go shopping for a specific item because you probably won’t find it! If you go in looking for a size 8, black cocktail dress, you’ll likely come out empty handed. Instead, go in looking for a cocktail dress and look at sizes 6, 8 and 10 because alterations work miracles!

Rule #2 – Shop often!
Take the time to browse Goodwill and Thrift Stores regularly since the inventory changes daily! Remember, browse does not always mean buy! Consider your shopping excursions “treasure hunts” because you won’t always find a treasure! I promise, once you discover your first amazing deal…you’ll be hooked!

Rule #3 – Be friendly with employees!
Make friends with an employee, and you just might be able to get them to call you when a certain item comes in! This is especially true at consignment stores. My mother is a knitter, and one of her “friends” called her when 100+ skeins of yarn were donated and put on sale for 25¢ each! Being friendly might also help you bargain on the price!

Rule #4 – A bargain is only a bargain if you can use it!
Only buy items you absolutely LOVE! If you start buying items just because they’re a bargain, you’ll quickly run out of space!

Rule #5 – Use your imagination!
Look beyond the chipped paint or tarnished silver, and imagine what a good cleaning or fresh coat of paint will do! I have a friend that loves to brag about her $10 chair – it was a thrift store treasure that was in perfect condition, but it had very dated upholstery. Of course, she had to spend a bit on new fabric, but the chair now looks like something out of a designer magazine!

Rule #6 – Shop in upscale neighborhoods
Yes, you can find consignment shops and thrift stores in upscale neighborhoods, and this is where the treasures are waiting! Cocktail dresses abound in these stores because many of the woman in these neighborhoods attend charity functions regularly and will not wear the same dress twice! My teenage have a closet full of Polo and Jos. A. Bank khaki shorts all from Goodwill, all for $5!

Please click on the title of this article to let me know what treasures you have found when shopping thrift stores and consignment shops.

My daughter recently informed me that she’s going for best dressed at school, and just like that a shopaholic was born! It was time for a lesson on how to bargain shop from her money saving mom!

I have taught her to bargain shop at Plato’s Closet, Marshalls and even a garage sale, but she loves nothing more than a shopping day at Abercrombie, Hollister and American Eagle!

So, this money saving mom set 3 simple rules for her mall shopping sprees:

1. She must make all her purchases with a discounted gift card.
2. She can only buy sale items.
3. She must try to find a coupon.

 
Discounted Gift Cards
I purchased a $50 Abercrombie gift card for $43. Instant savings of $7. Discounted gift cards are available to hundreds of stores, but the inventory changes daily, and you must plan ahead since the gift cards take about 1 week to arrive in the mail. Patience pays!


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sale Items
Don’t be tempted by all the fancy displays in the front of the store, just head straight for the clearance section in the back of the store! Their clearance merchandise is generally from the current season. Here’s what we found:

• T-shirt – regularly $17.50 on sale for $5.95
• T-shirt – regularly $17.50 on sale for $6.95
• T-shirt – regularly $19.50 on sale for $8.45
• T-shirt – regularly $19.50 on sale for $8.45
• Top – regularly $24.50 on sale for $7.95
• Top – regularly $24.50 on sale for $7.95

 
Coupons
Before our shopping trip, my daughter checked the Abercrombie website for coupons, but no luck! She’s also given her e-mail address to her favorite stores, and they frequently send her coupons. Often, the stores do not allow you to use the coupons on sale merchandise, but it’s still worth looking.

How does all of this add up?

Original Price of all items: $123.00 + tax

Sale Price of all items: $45.70 + tax

Instant Savings from gift card: $7

The bottom line is we bought 6 shirts for $43!

Even better, if she doesn’t stay a size 0, we can sell them on e-bay for about the price we paid!

If you’re planning a clothes shopping trip soon, make sure to order your discounted gift cards today and start looking for coupons!

~~~~~~~

Image courtesy of: nuchylee / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

T.J. Maxx is located right next door to my daughter’s dance studio, so I often spend an hour browsing the T.J. Maxx bargains!

Let me tell you, if walk up and down every aisle at T.J. Maxx, you just might be amazed that the deals exist far beyond the clothing racks! Stores like T.J. Maxx are the secret to living the good life on a budget!

20 Great Things You Can Find at T.J. Maxx and probably never thought of!

1. Chi Hair Products (not the flat irons, just the shampoos and conditioners!)
2. Pet Beds
3. Skincare Products – yes, you can afford high end skincare at T.J. Maxx!
4. Fitness Balls, Yoga Mats and Weights
5. Workout Outfits
6. Undergarments to help you suck it in like Spanx at a reasonable price!
7. Skechers Shape-Ups toning shoes
8. Purses
9. Calphalon Pots and Pans
10. Dishes
11. Glasses
12. Gourmet Food Items like pasta, pasta sauce, soup mixes, coffee and salsa.
13. Scrapbook Paper and Kits
14. Notecards and Stationery
15. Accessories – an inexpensive way to add a decorative touch to your home! Don’t miss their seasonal decor!
16. Furniture – especially chairs and small tables
17. Artwork
18. Mirrors
19. Throw Pillows – a quick and inexpensive pick me up for a tired sofa!
20. Sheets – yes, you can afford Egyptian cotton!
21. Towels
22. Children’s Toys and Books
23. Baby Gifts
24. DVD’s
25. i-homes and other accessories for i-pods (my daughter told me to add this one!)

 
Please click on the title of this article to share your T.J. Maxx bargains!