Ten tips for saving money during the back-to-school season

Back-to-school can be a stressful time for all of us, especially when so many of us are struggling to make ends meet in this weak economy. I’ve thrown together a list of ways that you can save money this back-to-school season.

1. Shop the sales
   Every year stores that sell school supplies fall over each other to provide the best deals to get you to buy in their stores. Watch the flyers every week (Google the store name and the date of the flyer and you’ll find sneak previews of future sales).
2. Use coupons
   Be sure to get your Sunday paper to clip the many coupons that are now out for school supplies. Check out Slickdeals.net for great coupon match-ups with your local grocery store – to make packing your kid’s lunches much easier on your pocketbook.
3. Hit the Dollar Store
   I was just in the Dollar Store last week and there are tons of school supplies (and lunch snacks) for only $1. You’ll be nary to find school supplies anywhere for that price, so stock up while the deals last.
4. Target & WalMart are your friend
   Why spend hundreds more at those malls stores when you can pick up some really great fashions at Target or WalMart. Sure, your kids may give you a hard time about it. Make a deal with them – one item at their favorite store and the basic staples (socks, underwear, jeans and t-shirts) at the discount chain.
5. Don’t overlook TJMaxx, Marshalls and AJ Wright
   If your kiddies just can’t get enough of those brand names, be sure to hit the designer discount stores. Often you’ll find the labels your kids want at much, much less than department and specialty stores.
6. Get Cash Back
   If you’re doing your shopping online this year, be sure to start off at Ebates. Not only do they have some of the best discounts online, but you also get a percentage (up to 10% in some cases) of your purchase right back in your pocket. Sign up at Ebates and get an additional $5 cash back with your first purchase.
7. Get Points
   If you use a credit card and you aren’t getting points for your purchases, you’re definitely missing out. There are so many rewards cards out there with great rates and great programs that provide points for each purchase redeemable for anything from cash back to gift certificates to flights around the world. Be sure to pay off your balance each month to make the most of this benefit.
8. Take advantage of tax-free holidays
   Many states are jumping on the tax-free holiday bandwagon by announcing special tax-free shopping days at this time of the year. If your state taxes clothing purchases (unlike Massachusetts) be sure to take advantage of these great holidays. Be sure to plan your day and get out early – it’s always a big shopping day!
9. Go Thrift-y
   You’ve probably noticed the trend towards worn-out, raggedy type clothing. In fact, many of those higher end retailers are charging sky-high prices for something that looks like it came out of a thrift store. Wait a minute – why not go to the actual thrift store? You’re likely to pick up some great retro and lovingly-worn clothing that your kids will love. And reusing clothing is good for the environment.
10. Hit Craigslist and eBay
    They’re the thrift stores of the information age. You’d be amazed at the deals you can find! Be sure to check out the “free” section on Craigslist. One person’s trash is another’s treasure.

Disclaimer: I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Staples blogging program, making me eligible to get a $50 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here.

Posted on August 12, 2010 by Megan | 2 Comments

Worn at BlogHer: Custom Twitter Necklace!

One of the accessories that I really wanted to wear at the BlogHer conference was a twitter necklace, so I contacted my good friend Lori of Moda di Magno for a custom piece.

I’ve featured the Moda di Magno Etsy Shop before – Lori is a lovely, talented craftsperson (and I would say the same about her even if she wasn’t my friend!) who can take an idea and make it a reality – an even better reality than you’ve ever imagined.

Magno even created his and hers pendants for my husband and I when we “eloped”. We got married six months before our actual wedding date (for insurance purposes) and kept it a secret. We wanted a keepsake, but a wedding ring was out of the question, so Lori put together these great pendants that served as the “ring” to our elopement.

You may also know Lori from her “Frail Whale” fame. She created a “Frail Whale” pendant mocking Twitter’s fail whale page that periodically shows up when Twitter can’t handle the volume of tweets. It got picked up from a number of media sources and was blogged by Blink182.

Head over and check out Lori’s latest designs. Tell her I sent ya!

Posted on August 12, 2010 by Megan | 2 Comments

More BlogHer Swag to Give Away

So remember how we’re giving away BlogHer swag?

Well, when I realized how many of you wanted specific items, I went back the next day to get some more. And get some more I did. Dedicated shoppers that we are, my pal Melanie and I hit the expo floor on day two to score swag for you, our dear readers.

There was also a recycle room, but it wasn’t for paper and plastic. Nope. It was for swag! Since so many people flew into NYC, they were limited to the amount of swag that they could take home with them. So, they brought everything else to the swag room and Mel and I pounced on the goodies to bring them to you, dear readers.

As you can see from the photos below, I’ve got lots of swag and I want to give it away to as many of you as possible. Problem is, all that shipping would put me in the poor house. So, you can pick your swag, but you’ll have to pay the postage.

Just click on the images below to see all the swag I’ve amassed, and leave a comment with your top three items. I’ll give away the items on a first come, first serve basis.

Posted on August 9, 2010 by Megan | 40 Comments

Video: How A Girl Must Shop Was Born

Posted on August 6, 2010 by Megan | 2 Comments