TIPS ABOUT BACK TO SCHOOL EXPENSES

As the summer season draws to a close, most parents begin or continue their back to school preparations. It is hoped that you have been taking the budgeting advice of the Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC) to conserve and minimize expenditure during the summer in order to save and accumulate money to finance back to school accessories and equipment that you need for September. If you have not been preparing or have very little saved, the CAC has some useful tips to help you stretch the little you have, if you plan, spend and act wisely.

Uniforms and other Accessories
When buying uniforms, try to find out before hand if any close friend or relative you know has any that they will be willing to give away. Adjust these to fit the size of your child. Buy at least three uniforms that will take your child mid-way in the week. Depending on the colour you will have to wash them. If your child is young and the uniform is light coloured, purchasing five for the entire week would be suitable, if you can afford it. Encourage your child to care for uniform and monitor them in doing so. From personal experience, if a uniform is properly cared for, it can last for a couple years, providing that the child does not grow too much. This reduces at least uniform expenses for the subsequent year. Also, if you can sew the uniforms, do not waste money paying someone else to do it.
When buying or making uniforms or even shoes make sure it is roomy in order to allow for growth. Aim to dress your child modestly. It is unnecessary to dress your child in extravagance (bling-bling) when going to school. It is not only costly, but may attract the attention of thieves. Also, avoid buying brand name products for school. Sometimes these are not worth your money and may be easily damaged. Seek a less expensive alternative that is also durable.

School Textbooks
The prices of school textbooks increase every year. You may also find that some of the books needed for certain level courses are not stocked in your local bookstore or are in scarce supply. The Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC) is currently conducting its annual School Textbook Survey, which will cover 100 textbooks across 18 subject areas at both the Primary and Post-Primary levels. The results will be available within the third week of August. Parents are encouraged to contact the CAC for the lowest prices and availability of texts at their local bookstore, before going shopping.

Before you hit the bookstores however, ask friends and neighbours, whose children have passed your child's grade for books on your child's booklist. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to shop early for textbooks to catch last year's stock, which is usually relatively cheaper. When shopping for books, take the child's booklist with you to bookshop and match the books on list with ones in store. Ensure that names of books are listed clearly. If not sure about the book do not buy it; instead query it at the school. It is a waste of money to buy an incorrect book that is not needed. Wrap books carefully and persuade your child to care for them. Monitor your child in doing so. When proper care is given to books they can be resold or traded for the books that you will need that year.

Take advantage of the book rental system at the school. Check the booklist carefully and do not buy books that will be on rental. For exercise books, see if you can but the yearlong supply in bulk. It will prove cheaper in the long run. Purchase stationery that is of good quality.

School Fees and Related Expenses
School fees generally increase yearly and this can be difficult for parents who are not working or who have difficulty paying the full amount. Make yourself aware of programs that are available to assist parents and students in financing school fees.
Sixth Form and Tertiary Level education can prove very costly. In some institutions, which offer sixth form, there is no rental system; therefore one has to buy all the books needed. Make an effort to find others who have used those textbooks before. Search in a store with used books. If you are unable to afford the recommended texts, find one that can be helpful which is of a lower cost. Uniforms are also a problem at that stage. Since sixth form is two years it would be cheaper if a small amount of uniforms were bought. The children will be old enough to care them.
The CAC understands that this a usually stressful time for parents and caregivers, and will be using this space for the next three weeks to give you advice and information which help will guide you to make wise decisions as you make preparations to equip yourselves and your children for the upcoming school term.

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