Are you the financial puppet on a string because your child is starting first grade or a new grade next year? Perhaps you have been looking forward to Christmas and have not given stationery, school uniforms and those add-on costs one thought, but you should. It is time to get your back-to-school budget ready before spending on those silly season extras.
Experts say school items are cheapest during November and December. Zeeva highlights that it is indeed wise to do school shopping before January, but make sure that the items you buy are on discount. Here are a few things to also take into account:
Uniforms. Tough, uncertain economic times are not making life any easier, as the rand tumbles, the price of school uniforms will also go up. Zeeva encourages you to make the best financial choice when it comes to school uniforms. Do your homework and compare prices before buying the necessary clothing or uniform for your kid(s).
Stationery. School materials are unavoidable expenses that you should budget for. And, as highlighted – you can make the most affordable choice by doing research (comparing prices). Look at the well-known shops and don’t forget to consider online options. Some schools also provide stationery packs which are convenient but make sure that the price is not exorbitant.
Additional costs. That’s not all folks – also keep those extras in mind that you have to budget for during the rest of the 2018 year, such as electronic devices, textbooks, sports clothing, and school trips. Be sure to include all the necessaries for the back-to-school budget as well as the month-to-month add-ons. Prepare yourself mentally (and your pocket, financially) in advance.
Source: Zeeva a professional debt review/debt counselling company for women. For more information visit the website or Facebook page.