CCCS Offers Check-List for Back-to-School Shopping

HOUSTON, TX - July 1, 1998 - For mom and dad, the end of summer means that - thankfully - the kids will soon be starting school. But before that happens, parents must conquer the back-to-school shopping obstacle course. To be successful, parents must handle uncooperative children, navigate packed stores and avoid such budget-sinking traps as expensive tennis shoes and designer jeans. All told, back-to-school shopping can wreak havoc on both a parent’s nerves and wallet.

But, according to the Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS) of the Gulf Coast Area, Inc., parents can prepare their kids for school without breaking the bank. Not only that, children can actually benefit from the shopping experience. "Kids develop their future money management skills by emulating parents," says Sharon McLean, executive director – operations of CCCS. "So school shopping is the perfect opportunity to teach kids how to be wise consumers."

To help, CCCS has prepared a checklist for parents on smart back-to-school shopping.

Determine What Needs to Be Purchased

• Go through each child’s closet, try on clothes and see what still fits.
• Where possible, repair current clothes by sewing buttons back on and patching the knees.
• Pull out stored hand-me-down clothes to see what items are now the right size.
• Check with your children’s schools to find out what school supplies will be required next year. Also make sure you understand if there is a dress code or uniform policy.
• Compile a list of the clothing and accessories to be purchased for each child, involving your child in the process. Include items such as eyeglasses, shoes, backpacks and lunch boxes.
• Create a master list of school supplies for all of your children. These can be purchased together.

• Decide on appropriate dollar amounts to spend on each child.
• Estimate the total expense for the items currently on your list. If you are over your budget, look for places to trim.
• Together with your child, set priorities on purchases. Explain the amount you have to spend. If there is a particular "hot" item they have to have, help them adjust their budget elsewhere.
• Encourage an older child to keep back some money for after the school year begins. That way, he’ll still have funds for an overlooked must-have item.

• Take each child shopping for clothes separately.
• Compare prices and quality to make sure you’re getting a good deal.
• Shop early for uniforms. The stores may run out of your child’s required colors or sizes.
• You may be able to visit thrift stores for some items (call the clothes "vintage" for a more positive reaction from your kids). Also, many schools run uniform exchange programs.
• Shop in bulk for notebooks, pens and pencils - items that you know you’ll need throughout the year. You can split purchases with a neighbor or friend.
• At times, you can save money by buying through catalogs, particularly if the company doesn’t have a retail outlet in your state.
• Check newspapers and circulars for sales on school supplies, clothes and shoes.
• Start setting aside money as soon as possible so that you don’t have to foot the whole bill at once.
• Whenever possible, pay with cash. If you must charge items, make sure you can pay off your charges within three months.

Headquartered in Houston, CCCS of the Gulf Coast Area, Inc. has offices in Brazos County (Bryan/College Station), Brenham, Southeast Texas (Golden Triangle), Deep East Texas (Lufkin), Southeast Houston, Northwest Houston, East Harris County, West Houston, the Brazosport area and Fort Bend, Montgomery and Galveston counties.

CCCS is primarily funded by national, regional and local creditors and businesses. Counseling is available in person and by phone. To make an appointment with a CCCS counselor, dial (713) 923-2227 or toll-free 1-800-873-2227. Spanish speaking counselors are available.