Smart Budgeting Tips for Students: What Am I Going to Wear?

Posted Jul 21 2010 by Michelle Mealey in 

One thought that comes into a student’s mind before summer vacation is over is, “What am I going to wear next school year?”  Students can plan their expenditures for the upcoming school year by using these basic budgeting and spending tips.

  • Prepare a spending plan. Figure out how much money you want to spend on clothes and other accessories.
  • First, go through your closet and find out what items you have before you plan your trip to the department stores. The most common type of overspending is paying too much for things.
  • Next, prepare a list of what you need. Donate any unused clothing that you will not wear to your local charity.  This will eliminate overspending on items you already have.
  • Organize your list from head to toe. Find out what items are on sale and buy them one at a time.  You may start out buying all shoes, socks and undergarments in one week. The following week purchase your blouses and shirts.  Next, purchase pants and skirts.  Purchase your accessories last.   During the school year you can also purchase items as needed. Consider shopping at thrift stores, discount stores and taking advantage of retailers offering layaway.
  • Before purchasing school supplies such as paper, pens, pencils or markers, wait until you receive your schedule of classes so that you do not purchase items you will not need.  Some teachers are specific about what is required for their curriculum so you do not want to end up with a backpack full of items that are not needed.
  • Remember, coupon shopping is not just for food.  Many department stores advertise coupon items in your local newspaper. Watch for sales and clip coupons to help save money on your back-to-school supplies.

Photo: Mythoto

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About the Author

Michelle MealeyMichelle Mealey is a remarkable educator who brings passion and the highest level of professionalism to Springboard’s mission of promoting and providing financial literacy for all. Michelle joined Springboard in 2004, and is an advocate for providing sustainable consumer education to every generation of learner. Learn more about Michelle.View all posts by Michelle Mealey →

  • Karina Martinez

    I absolutely love this blog! Is definitely what we as students need for our upcoming school year. We tend to get over excited and spend too much on things we may already have or don’t remember we have. Personally, I have a few shopping bags that I put away and haven’t even hanged in my closet and forget that I already shopped for that particular item. I also forgot that there are coupons out there that can help us bargain our shopping. School can be expensive and time consuming, but a little shopping and with these spending tips can make it all better. Thank you for this fabulous blog Michelle.

  • Briana Alexander

    This article is great. Going back to school is always a time to reinvent yourself but at the same time staying on budget. Another great thing to remember is great basic pieces to have in your closet can go a long way. Assorceries can always make an outfit more than what it is. Thrift stores and little mom and pops stores are great places to find a deal.

  • Ashley Gordon

    This artical was really helpful! I can relate alot to the information here. As the artical states; you can go through old clothes that you never wear and donate them to great organizations or you can find stores in your local area such as a thrift store and they can buy them off of you for some extra money you can spend on school supplies. Plus there are always sales at every store, just look for the bright red discount signs usually located towards the back by the dressing rooms. Looking through clearence items is fun as well, becomes a scavenger hunt for the perfect low price item! Make an experience out of it. Coupons are great as well and saving money will always put a smile on your face and leave your wallet feeling heavier!

  • Sharon Kenney

    This article was right on when it talked about making a list before you shop. You do not want to purchase too many of one item. Buying articles of clothing that can be mixed and matched with others makes the wardrobe go along way and is easier on your budget.

  • Martha

    I love this Blog. We should plan ahead before going shopping. At times we just buy things we want not need. So these tips are helpful. Making a list from "head to toe" LOVE IT! this will really help to go directly to what u need only and not over spend on things we dont need.this will help our budget.

  • Jeannette Davis

    This is very important information students are not always informed on how immportant it is not to overspend or on how this will affect you in the future. Credit is important for our everyday life thinking ahead is the key to budgeting your finances. This is a great article!

  • Deborah Winston

    I think this article is very good. It provides some good practical advice. In this uncertain economic time it is so important to make your money stretch as far as you can. It gives you a reason to dig deep into your closets and drawers and possibly find a whole new wardrobe you had forgotten all about.

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