Tips for Teaching Teens to Bargain Shop
I took my daughter to Plato’s Closet today, and we left with 3 tops and 1 pair of jeans for $39! Yes…it was a lesson on budgeting for her from her mom, the money saving expert!
Yes…they were all the brands she loves: American Eagle, Hollister and Abercrombie.
If you’re not familiar with Plato’s Closet, they buy and sell trendy, name brand, gently used clothing and accessories for teens.
Thankfully, she’s finally convinced that bargain shopping is the way to go. I simply explained to her that we’re going to spend “X” amount…would she like to go to the mall and buy 1 item or go to Plato’s Closet and get 4 items? Our shopping day gave me the chance to teach her how to bargain shop and give her a lesson on budgeting!
So, the next time your teen wants to go shopping…try this approach! Of course, you could use this same teaching method at Goodwill or any thrift shop.
Happy bargain shopping with your teen!
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Photo courtesy of Free Web Photos
I’ve been a life-long thrift store shopper. When I was a teen, it was out of necessity and I found it very embarrassing. Thankfully, I grew up and recognizing the value of a dollar and that “new” wasn’t “better” if it meant paying 10x as much. I just wrote a piece on this for my blog where I showed what I purchased at The Salvation Army for my tween daughter- Abercrombie, American Eagle, Hollister, etc. and what it would have cost had I paid retail prices. Nearly $500 vs. the $40 I paid. My daughter has no problems going to the thrift store because she knows it’s a smart thing to do AND she can have nice things. This is an important lesson that’s easier to instill before they’re full-fledged teenagers! Thanks for the practical, insightful post!
Kudos to you for raising a financially responsible teen! As I tell my daughter…if you want nice things, you have 2 choices: make more money or buy thrift!
Great website! I have two teens, and one soon-to-be teen, and clothing is expensive. We love Plato’s Closet!
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