Are you ready?

The new school year will be here in a few weeks and the advertisers are already reminding us that they are here to help us get ready for “Back to School”.

Remember, that the advertisers’ job is to make as much money as they can for their shareholders, and they know just how to place those adverts to catch our attention. They also understand that if they can’t get adults to spend, they can get their kids to get them to do it. Have you noticed that children are now selling cars in the commercials? Kids might not be able to drive cars, but they are dressed up to hook us into buying something to make little Johnny feel better about our parenting.

Before you grab the flyers and begin the mad rush to mall or store, take an inventory of some of the clothes that Johnny and Suzy already have in their closet; consider whether they can get another month of wearing before they grow out of them. September is pretty warm; can they still use some summer clothes?

Also, think twice before grabbing that 28.9% credit card. Have you made a list of what they really need? Would it be wiser to wait for the sales on some of the things they need?

Another option is to shop on a weekday; on the weekend, everyone is also shopping and the crowds tend to contribute to you spending more or buying things you did not plan to buy.

Wherever possible leave the kids at home with a sitter; you will save more than the price of the sitter while shopping without the kids.

Finally, make a list and really check it twice. Stick to your list. Know how much you have to spend and try to stay on target.

Happy Shopping!

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