Costco Connection - September 2012

; CONSUMERconnection

Money-saving Mo ey- av ng
back-to-school tips

bc-to school tips

SUMMER HAS COME to an end, which means the start of a new school year. This can be a stressful time as parents scramble to obtain school supplies and clothing to prepare their children for school. The shopping list appears endless, stores become packed and the whole back-to-school experience can prove overwhelming for children and parents alike.

The National Federation of Retailers expects that parents will spend about $600 per family to get their children ready for school. Back-to-school shopping is the second-largest annual consumer event, just behind the holiday shopping season. The cost of folders, pens and pencils, backpacks, clothing and lunch food can add up quickly. To avoid overspending and to approach the process in a smart way, try these helpful tips.

Start by making a list.

No matter what you are shopping for, the smartest approach is to make a list. Decide what items are necessary and budget accordingly. Begin by going through school supplies and clothes from last year, and list all of the items and clothes you already have on hand. Come up with a realistic budget for supplies and clothing for each child in school. Work with your children to decide what is important to get, as this is a great opportunity to teach them how to shop on a budget.

Shop in your own home.

Try to find as many items on your list around the house before you hit the aisles. Chances are you probably have binders, colored pencils and highlighters left over from last year. Once you’ve completed your search, gather everything to determine where you can save.

Buy in bulk.

When buying school supplies such as pens and pencils, binders, folders, even paper clips, it is always cheaper to buy in bulk. Once the school year starts your child will likely burn through these supplies and leave you needing to buy more just when the deals are no longer being offered. Purchase enough supplies to last the whole year.

Save money on school lunches.

A large amount of your budget for the school year

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CHRIS A RUSNAK

will be spent on food. Buying lunch at school can add up, and, unfortunately, many school lunches do not meet children’s nutritional needs to begin with. Save money by packing your own healthy lunch the night before, and think ahead when grocery shopping. Though it may take extra time, preparing your own bag lunches will significantly cut costs and help you make smart food choices for your child.

Consider your options when buying textbooks. Although many public schools provide books to their students, private-school and college students are frequently responsible for purchasing their own textbooks. This can add up quickly as textbooks can be very expensive, especially when they are bought new. A smart option is to order books online. You may be able to find them used or at a significant discount on websites such as Half.com. Remember, you can often resell textbooks at the end of the school year to recoup some of your costs.

Stock up for next year.

When the back-to-school rush is over, clearance sales on back-to-school supplies begin. This is the perfect time to buy always-in-demand items (papers, crayons, folders, glue sticks, etc.) for next year, as they are often marked down.

This time of year can put a strain on your pocketbook and may feel like a mad rush, but remember that it can be an exciting time as well. Plan, budget, think ahead and include your child when making smart shopping decisions. By following these tips, you will be able to cut costs significantly as you prepare to send your child back to school. C

I WAS REVIEWING the
charges made from my debit
card last month, and found
two large charges that I did
not make. The charges were
processed by a website for a
business located in India. I
shop frequently at online
websites and am worried
my debit card has been
compromised. Because my
debit card is attached
to my checking account, I
am worried that I have been
defrauded out of my money.
What can I do?

Jerry Upland, CA

Your bank likely has fraud protection policies that will apply to your checking account, though these poli- cies vary depending on the bank. Call your bank right away and inform them that you did not make these charges. They will try to cancel or reverse the charges if possible. You will be asked to file a claim, at which point you will be informed of the number of days it will take for your claim to be processed. Finally, they will freeze or can- cel your debit card and issue a new one right away. Familiarize yourself with your bank’s policy and be very careful when using your credit or debit card online. C

AMY CAN TRELL

David Horowitz is a leading consumer advocate. Visit his blog at www.fight back.com or email him at info@fightback.com. He is a frequent guest on radio and television stations. Consult your local listings for dates and times.