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By Shaunna Privratsky I love the last few days of summer vacation. Excitement stirs the torpid air as kids compare their teachers and classes. The circulars start arriving with the best bargains imaginable, not just on school supplies and clothes, but on house wares, furniture, lighting, bedding, and almost everything else. Each retailer is trying to grab a piece of your business, so they offer ridiculously low prices. It is a bargain hunter's playground. Don't jump at the first few so-called "lowest price of the season sales" because they will go lower! You have to know when to pounce, so that you get the best selection at the best buy. Check off the list of supplies your son or daughter needs, then go crazy stocking up for the home and office. You can score tons of paper, folders, markers, colored pencils, pens, crayons, glue and other supplies. If you buy more now, you won't have to pay high prices in the middle of winter when your children run out of something. Keep a shelf, container or storage crate in a closet for easy retrieval. Other things you might consider are special buys on furniture and accessories for your home or office. Essentially, the products are marketed for dorm rooms, but you can cash in on a bargain, too. Last year, I scored a room-size rug for only $49! I picked up matching sheer panels for $3 each, and redecorated our living room. Bedding is another item to watch for. Bed in a bag sets go for super low prices and you can change the whole look of your bedroom, or freshen up your children's rooms on a budget. You typically get a comforter, sheet set with a bottom and flat sheet and one or two pillowcases, and a bed skirt. Sometimes shams are included for an even greater deal. Clothes sales abound. You can shop your favorite discount stores, go online or tap into a much-neglected spot for great buys. Check out your local thrift stores. Before you turn up your nose, consider this; many department stores donate their "old" or discontinued items to thrift stores, so you can score some brand-new duds with the tags still on. Some second-hand stores cater to the picky teenager. Plato's Closet buys and sells name brand teen clothing. No one can tell it is gently used and your pocketbook will thank you. This is another way to cash in on your kid's and teen's outgrown clothes that are in good condition. Electronic stores also jump on the bandwagon this time of year. You can expect huge savings on everything from computers, software, laptops, music players, entertainment devices and games. Look for 'bundles' or specially priced packaging where you might score a buy one get one free deal, or other free items with purchase. Don't forget the power of price matching. Most retail stores offer this, but won't really advertise it. If you find the same item cheaper somewhere else, some stores will even give you an additional 10% off. This is also useful if you want to do all your shopping at one store, or if the original store is sold out of the item. As the idle days of summer slip into a new routine, don't forget to cash in on all the best buys of the back to school sales. Your kids will head off to school well equipped, and you'll head to the bank with all the money you saved. TO LEARN ABOUT BUDGET STRETCHER PREMIUM Giving You The Power To Control Your Money |
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