Shopping Ahead

I have heard people ask me or the Mr. if shopping a year ahead was actually worth it.

"Aren't you spending more up front?" is the most common question.
My answer to that question is "YES." Yes you are in fact handing over a larger sum over at once.

HOWEVER...
By larger I do NOT mean larger than you would normally spend in a year. By larger I mean that if you went during the season and bought things sporadically for $10 here or $12 there, you are spending less in one setting but SOOOO much more in the long run.

In the last week I have spent $125 (this is NOT including tax) (Kohls, Childrens Place, JC Penney, Target) during mega clearances for my 3 kids winter clothes next year. That is $41.66 per child. I saved $426...that's $142 savings per child. That basically means if I had shopped DURING the season I would have spent average range of $100-140 PER child. Of course the older and more kids...that amount might go up or average out as the younger ones can get the "hand me downs."

To me its mind boggling to think that people actually buy their kids clothes DURING the season they are in.

PLAN & SHOP AHEAD.

I have three kiddos so I am well aware that they grow, and they grow fast! In spite of that, you can pretty much "guesstimate" what size your kids will be in come next winter/spring etc.

If you have average growing children then you pretty much know what size they will fit into next year. BUT if you have children who grow randomly then you might find yourself a little more apprehensive about stocking up clothes a year in advance. Still plan and buy ahead.

*You can never go wrong with shoes. I have never heard of a kid skipping a size or two in shoes. So when you find them on a good sale buy a size or two ahead and save them. If you watch sales and plan ahead you can find good quality shoes for your price range. Example: Last year Kohls had a clearance sale combined with a Spend 50 Get $10 Kohls cash. Shopping ahead I spent enough for get my $10 Kohls cash. Knowing my daughter would be needing shoes I was able to take that $10, go back a week later and find New Balance shoes for $15.00. With my cash it made it $5.00. Find shoes for cheap, buy big, have shoes for later!

*Buy jackets after the season - jackets run large normally. Chances are your kids will fit into the size you guess. Being as jackets can range from $25-100. Finding them just 50% off can save you a ton. Same goes for most winter wear...hats, gloves, etc.

*After the summer stock up on short sleeved shirts in a couple different sizes. You can wear short sleeved shirts year round. If its cold...put on a jacket. But at least if your kid is growing faster than anticipated you can pull out those short sleeved shirts even before summer.

*Socks & underwear...normally you don't think of buying those things ahead of time. Next time you're at, say, Target (they are known for this) look through their socks and underwear. There's a big chance you will find some on sale. Buy bigger sizes...your kiddos will eventually fit into them. That can save you $3-5 per package.

*Buy seasonal items after the season! Who doesn't love decorations for the holidays? Well be patient, wait until the season is over, and buy those decorations for 80-90% off. Yes you have to wait until next year...but when you buy a wreath that was normally $60 for $6...its worth it.

*Seasonal things also go for items like Barbecues, gardening, snow shovels etc. Buying after the season, you can save hundreds!

*Baby stuff - when you see a baby clearance run on over and check it out. You can always find stuff for a few dollars or less. Save it for an upcoming baby shower.

*TOYS: this is a big one. Plan ahead for toys. There is always a birthday party to plan or attend. Finding toys for 75% off and putting them away can save you lots of money. Same goes for video gaming.

Be organized, plan ahead, wait for clearance prices to reach 70-90% off and SAVE! Try this for a month, figure out how much you saved off the original price and there's no way you'll go back.