How to cope with back to school expenses!

It is always apparent when the summer is over and school has officially begun for the thousands of students across the island.

The first thing you notice is the congested roads as the traffic slows to a crawl amid the rush of parents and children on their way to school.

The stores over the weekend before schools reopened were enjoying a brisk business, as at one point, The Sangsters Book Store ran out of plastic bags due to the great influx of customers.

Parents also eagerly lined up at Woolworth, located in The Mall Plaza,  as they tried to fill the needs of their children before the start of school.

Many parents looked dejectedly at their totals on the register as the cost of their purchases was more than they had budgeted to spend. Some persons were even seen putting items back on the shelves as they could not afford them, even though they were needed.

Coping with back to school costs

One thing parents should be mindful of is that not all the books on the booklist need to be bought at once.

In fact most books, especially those used in English Literature are used at different times during the year.

The best thing to do is to have consultation with the teachers before any books are bought.

Some schools have book drives which encourage  students in used textbooks in previous years to sell or trade their books with students at the same school.

Since the bus fare has recently been increased, another way to save money is to check out a private bus system many schools have arrangements with selected drivers who for a fee collect and drop off students.

Although I know most high school children are not interested in taking their own lunches to school this is a good way to use leftovers to make simple sandwiches and save money.

I have found that children respond well if you explain that the extra money that you are saving from sending them with a packed lunch will enable parents to buy an extra treat later in the year.

So how are you coping with the back to school costs?

Let me hear from you!

Teri Ann Renee Paisley

Gleaner online Writer

Tags: back to school costs