Crazy Money! Back-To-School Shopping

It’s Crazy Money Day! 

Back-to-school is the 2nd biggest shopping season of the year in the United States. Last year, 1,000 parents of school-age children were surveyed by CardRates.com. Despite the fact that 61% had a back-to-school budget, they overspent it by $370. That’s crazy!

Supplies top the list of purchases, followed by clothing, accessories, shoes, and electronics. Most parents will shop online and at department stores. Preparing now will help you save hundreds of dollars and avoid debt. Begin by shopping at home, reusing any supplies from previous years. Inventory your student’s wardrobe. Shop thrift stores, accept hand-me-downs, and shop used uniform sales. Research the best prices for expensive items like backpacks, sporting equipment, and technology. If you don’t need them right away, wait for sales to hit. They might make good Christmas or birthday presents. Avoid shopping with children unless they’re old enough to make it a learning experience. Then by all means, use this to teach them about managing money. Give them an age-appropriate budget and coach them on how to make purchases. Don’t be afraid to say “No”. Children need to learn that their identity is not in possessions. Training children in this truth will protect them from peer pressure and the lure of more worldly stuff.

Finally, don’t be anxious, but by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to the Lord. Then, wait patiently. If you don’t need it today, wait until tomorrow. You may not need it then either. Or, God may provide in some amazing way!

And if you need help navigating your finances, our budget coaching program is one of the very best.  Go to Crown.org and click “Get Help Now“. You can start today at crown.org.