52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Back to School Clothes on the Cheap {Week 30 of 52}

Welcome to my 52 Ways to Save $100 a Month series. We’re serious about saving money in 2016. Sometimes it’s the little things and sometimes it’s the big things. I’m here to walk you through some little things that can add up to BIG savings. 52 little things to be exact. Every week, join me back here for another small money saving tip or idea that might not seem like significant savings until you see the overall yearly savings. It might just blow your mind. So pop in each Tuesday and read a new tip that will help you on your way to save $100 a month!

Back to school is right around the corner and buying school clothes might be on your mind. Clothing is expensive, but using a few tricks can cut that bill down significantly. Here’s how I save:

Buy Early or Late: Of course kid’s growth spurts can’t be predicted, but one thing can: they will grow. If I find great deals on jeans, shoes, shirts, whatevers in much larger sizes, I’ll snatch them up and then store them in the garage until they grow into them. It allows me to find rock bottom prices through the years without being restricted by size. Also, I shop AFTER school has started. Come October, all of those over-priced back-to-school clothes start hitting the clearance rack. Typically my kids’ summer wardrobes will get them through until then. I have saved so much money resisting the urge to hit those back-to-school sales.

Make Thrift Stores/Consignment Stores Your Friend: If you don’t mind gently used clothes, this is the way to go for designer clothes and deep, deep discounts. Clean out your kid’s closets and then sell that pile of ill-fitting clothes to a local consignment shop. Take the in-store credit price to turn around and do some school shopping, or turn that donation at the thrift store into a tax credit.

Buy Brand Name: I know this seems like the exact opposite of saving money. But when it comes to clothes, sometimes it will save you tons to spend more upfront. High quality jeans, shoes, jackets, etc. matter. I’ve been able to get years of wear out of brand name clothing, which ends up saving me the money it would take to replace the off-brand clothes my kids blow through.

Host a Clothing Swap: If you can’t stand buying clothes without knowing where they came from, here’s a great option. This is probably my favorite, because you know exactly the house the clothes came from. Plus, most kids strive to look exactly like their friends, so they are usually pretty willing to participate.

Shop Online: I did a whole post on how shopping online can save you big. Kid’s clothes are no exception to that. Plus, most online retailers have excellent coupons and return policies. Also, if you are brand specific, look on Ebay first. Have your kids try on the brand name item they love in a local store and then bid on it on Ebay.

Garage Sale Shopper: Think a few months ahead and make a plan of what clothes you think your kids will need in the upcoming year, then when garage sale season kicks off, hit them hard! Garage sales are where it’s at!

Clearance Racks Rocks: Clearly, this is where you’ll see some of the best deals. But make sure to check out the clearance sections in both the stores and online. Online clearance is actually usually much better than what you find in the stores. There is a better selection of sizes and styles, plus they usually offer free shipping with a minimum purchase.

How do you save on school clothes? Did I miss any great ways?

~Mavis

How Much Can You Save: 80% – 100% {if you swap, it’s free!}. Using just some of the ideas above, I suspect you will save hundreds off retail prices.

More Ways to Save:

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Clean Out Your Closet {Week 1 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Break Up with Cable {Week 2 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Barter Better {Week 3 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Change Your Own Oil {Week 4 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Adjust Your Thermostat {Week 5 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Take Advantage of Your Perks {Week 6 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Pack Your Lunch {Week 7 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Make It Yourself {Week 8 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Preserve Your Bounty {Week 9 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Keep the Change {Week 10 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | The Art of Borrowing {Week 11 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Ditch the Gym {Week 12 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Clip a Coupon {Week 13 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Start Your Garden From Seed {Week 14 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Learn to Cut Hair {Week 15 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Become a 1 Car Family {Week 16 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Make a Phone Call {Week 17 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Shop Christmas in July {Week 18 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Grow a Garden {Week 19 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Just Say No {Week 20 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Go Generic {Week 21 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Make a Budget {Week 22 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Use the Library {Week 23 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Kick the Soda Habit {Week 24 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Improve Your Credit Score {Week 25 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Shop Online {Week 26 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Save on Lodging {Week 27 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Play for Free {Week 28 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Save Big on Birthday Parties {Week 29 of 52}

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