Back To School List 2009

• Laptops
• School Clothes
• Backpacks
• Dorm Furniture
• Textbooks

When is Tax Free Day this year?

Texas August 21-23, 2009

Georgia July 31- Aug 3

Florida (dates to be released soon but normally in early August)

Online Shopping Caution at PacSun: I noticed that PacSun has some in-store prices different than online. Example Boys Hurley Athletic shorts $32.99 online and in-store they are $29.99 with a 50% off promo.

Ways for Teens to Make Extra income

BACK TO SCHOOL SAVINGS

It is that time of year again, and parents everywhere are looking for pencils, pens, school clothes and more. Back to school shopping is, without a doubt, costly for nearly every family. Smart shopping can help you save on all your back to school shopping expenses. Fortunately, many retailers do offer sales this time of year and some states may also offer tax free back to school shopping day.

School supplies are a sometimes costly part of the back to school shopping experience. Take advantage of sale advertisements in your local area. Retailers typically have sales on basic supplies before school starts. Do keep in mind that specialty items will be more costly than basics and consider setting a budget for school supplies for older children, especially if they are apt to want to pick their own notebooks, pens and other items. Buy enough of the basics to last through the school year, and consider stocking up on crayons, glue and other inexpensive craft supplies for younger children or home use. You may also find it worthwhile to shop online at office supply stores or similar retailers to save time, and possibly money as well.

While school supply shopping can be costly, buying new school clothes for the family children can be significantly more expensive. Depending upon the ages of your children, they may be looking for more than just the basics. Take the time to review what your children already have before you start shopping. If you are buying school clothes for younger children, consider planning pieces that mix and match well, and buying high enough quality clothing that those items can be passed from one child to another. As children get older, you may find that it is more appropriate to figure out how much you can afford to spend on back to school clothes and allow them to make at least some of their own choices. Online shopping for basics can help to save you time and money. Often major retailers offer great two-for-one deals on jeans, tees, and other wardrobe essentials.

If you are sending a teen off to college, you may have additional back to school expenses. A laptop computer, bedding, dorm furnishings and other essentials can all be a factor. Alongside the costs of college tuition and room and board, sending your child off to college can be a challenge. Shopping for electronics is often best done online, and you may find it helpful to consider buying refurbished items. If your student needs specific computer software, student and educational discounts are typically available to help you save. A budget for dorm décor may be a good idea, or simply allowing your child to be responsible for purchasing their bedding, furnishings and other dorm items.