It is no secret that kids can cost a lot of money. From the day they are born parents shower their children with toys, clothes and gadgets. Retailers cash in on the numerous items that promise to entertain kids and make life more convenient for parents. With all the toy commercials infiltrating our living rooms it’s hard for parents not to feel the pressure from their kids to buy, buy and buy!
Here are some ways to help you save some of your hard earned cash when buying for your kids.
1. Stock up now for end of season items. All stores have summer clothes and toys on sale right now. Make an assessment of your child’s growth pattern and buy that size up for next spring and summer. Save some funds for when the winter fashion goes on sale (usually in February and March). Don’t buy too much because you can’t be sure how much your child will grow in a year. Snow suits and boots may be a good example of what to save on for the following year since they are usually more costly at full price. Make a list for yourself of what your child goes through in a season before you take advantage of any sale.
2. Say YES to hand-me-downs. We all have friends and acquaintances that have clothes that can be handed down. Take advantage of being given FREE clothes, shoes, books, sports equipment, toys or whatever you can get your hands on. When you are finished with certain items yourself, do another the same courtesy and pass it down.
3. Sell your stuff. If you’re looking to make a little money sell your old stuff online or contract a consignment store to do the selling for you. You can use the money you make to buy new items at the same consignment store. It’s a win – win scenario!
4. Shop in thrift stores for hidden treasures. Why spend $30 on a sweater for your two-year old when he or she will grow out of it within a few months? There are numerous stores that sell gently worn items for a fraction of the cost. For $30 you could buy a number of items. Don’t forget, Halloween is coming up and thrift stores are great sources for hidden gems.
5. Go to swap parties or play it again stores. Equipment and required clothes for certain sports can be very expensive it you pay full price. You don’t have to go into debt if your child plays lacrosse, hockey or is into skiing. Play it again sports stores sell a huge variety of sports items in all sizes. Ski resorts and hockey arenas have been known to host swap parties that offer discounted clothing and equipment and allow you to swap your items with other people. Watch for such sales in your local community.
6. Invest in clothing patches to stretch your clothes through a season. If your child’s pants or snowsuit tears, buy iron-on patches to mend the tear. Sometimes simple patch work is all you need to make an item last to the end of a season.
For more tips on how to save and how to manage any debt you are burdened with, visit OCCA Consumer Debt Relief’s Finance blog at www.occa.ca. Our mission is to help Canadian consumers manage their finances wisely and to live debt free..
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