So... I know this is a little late as we are less than three weeks away from the start of the new school year, but better late than never. Plus there is always next year if you find any of the following tips useful. Please note, this is for all parents, no matter your social status or household type; I think everyone generally likes to save money or could do with a bit more efficiency.
First off - what qualifies me you might ask? I am a mom of a six year old and a twelve year old, so I have had about nine years of back to school prep and six years doubling up so I have narrowed it down to a science.
TIP #1: Make a check list in order of what to handle first.
Everything on the list is important, but it is wise to take note of when the sales usually happen, whether you like to avoid the rush or don't mind it, etc. School usually goes out in June so you have two and half months to get it together, so spread out the back to school shopping if you cant get everything at once. Also, getting the stuff in parts also helps you to stay within your usually end of month dance without feeling like you are spending a lump sum on back to school. Get an early start and pace yourself.
TIP #2: Know your shopping personality.
Like me, there are some people who cant handle crowds so if you know you're going to get flustered with a lot of people, long lines and book stores running out of books - again. GET AN EARLY START.
TIP #3: Know your vendors.
After six months of going to Coronation Market, I knew who my vendors were, who had the best produce and the best prices. Not only did I get value for my money but I was able to do market in less than 30mins. In and out. Its a time saver, you know their usual prices and you know what you getting for your money. This same thing applies to back to school shopping.
TIP #4: Uniforms
- Get the uniform thing in motion early, especially if they're being done by a dress-maker. You know by late July she/he is going to be swamped and trust me you don't wan't to be collecting uniforms the weekend before school starts. My mom is a dress-maker so I know. It gets crazy. Even if you are getting them from the school or an outlet ready made - put your order in, get that process going.
- Another thing with uniforms is - you don't have to buy a new set of uniforms every year. If your child has a complete set of uniforms for the whole week and keeps them in good condition, you can just buy one or two new uniforms for the new term (this doesn't apply to students attending a new school), to add to the previous set. Another thing to do is buy a portion before school starts and take your time to get he additional ones to round out the week. Again.. there are many combinations to what you can do to pace yourself and/or save money, just choose the one that suits you.
TIP #5: Books
- We all know book prices can be very exorbitant so this tip can be applied at any level of education. Know your neighbor; in your community, at school (PTA), at church, etc. Why? You can give text books previously used by your child to someone who needs them and also get text books from others who has previously owned them. Even if you decide to sell/buy them from each other it can be at a subsidized price (way lower than the book store). This especially can be done within families, with cousins and other extended family members to help each other out. If you have children that are a couple years apart, you can save them until the youngest comes up so he/she can use them. And don't stress over the fact that the book may have a few dog ears, they are only using it for one year, help the child/children to understand that its not the book but the information inside of it. Who knows, the money you save from getting a book from a previous owner could buy the hip school bag/school shoes that he/she wants. Help them to understand the economics.
- When you shop at the book stores and you get to sign up a leaflet to enter a competition to win money. Do it. You never know - you may just be the lucky winner with JMD50,000 - JMD100, 000 in cash price. It takes three minutes and you have nothing to loose. I don't know about you, but even when I have lots of money, I'm always open for more.
TIP #6: School Fee
Again... you have two and a half months. Pace yourself. If you find that you have challenges paying all the money at once, start putting down certain amounts here and there. Also many financial institutions, for eg. credit unions, give scholarships for all levels of education, even the school itself may offer. So get in the know, do some research and see how you can access scholarships. Also encourage your child to do well in school because this, as you know, is a major factor in accessing scholarships.
TIP #7: School Bags, Lunch kits, water bootles/igloos
It is better to buy good, durable items that can serve your child for a couple or several years than to buy a whole set of new things every summer. Unless you want to - that's fine. No matter the brand - if you decide to spend a decent amount of money to buy a strong school bag, lunch kit, etc.. these items will last longer than inexpensive stuff (or poor quality that is pricey) that you will have to replace every year.
TIP #8: Miscellaneous (Socks, stationery, lunch bags, etc)
These things are usually inexpensive so no major tip here. Just pick up a few of the small stuff here and there, "one one coco full basket".
Back to school doesn't have to be a stressful experience, a big production, or leave you financially adjusting for the next couple months after school begins. You just have to plan ahead, pace yourself and be active in communities, groups and families that can help each other. MY FINAL TIP is... If you have a surplus, help someone; a pack of pencil, some notebooks, anything is appreciated. As a parent I know how challenging it can be at this time of year so I know others go through it as well. Pay it forward this back to school. One Love.
Stephanie Hava
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