FORMER high-flyer Kel Galavan has shared her savvy tips on how to get ready for the new school year without breaking the bank.
The mum-of-two, from Kildare, 30 miles west of Dublin, lives with her husband Dave and their two children.
After working in the rate race for years, she decided to quit her £90k-a-year job in a bid to spend more time with her family.
“In just 12 months, we saved more than £4,000 on beauty plus another £20,000 on clothes, takeaway coffees, meals out, childcare and holidays,” she said. “It was the best thing I ever did”.
So Kel knows a thing or two about saving money – and luckily, her skills also come in handy when it comes to the school season.
With backpacks to fill, supplies to purchase, and uniforms to sort, getting ready for the school term can feel overwhelming.
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Here, Kel shares her top tips…
Savvy Uniform Shopping
School uniforms are one of the biggest expenses parents face during the back-to-school season.
These outfits can be costly, but with thoughtful planning, you can cut costs and still have your kids looking smart.
One thing you can do is shop second-hand. Look through charity shops, online marketplaces and local buy-and-sell groups for the best deals.
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You can also look through school shops as they also sell second-hand uniforms.
Meanwhile, instead of spending a fortune on a new uniform, you could make your own one from scratch – provided your school allows it.
Consider customising plain store-brand uniform pieces with iron-on school crests. This will give you the required look at a fraction of the price.
But above all, the best thing to do is plan ahead. Shop during sales or even in the months before to get better discounts rather than waiting until August, when the prices tend to spike.
Thrifty Supply Shopping
Beyond uniforms, stocking up on school supplies is another essential task.
Before heading off to the shops, find out what you already have at home. Many supplies from the previous year can be reused, saving you from unnecessary purchases.
Once you’ve got a list of items you absolutely need to go out and buy, you should compare prices online to identify the best deals.
Plus, many stores also offer price matching, so don’t hesitate to ask.
And don’t be afraid to go generic – while the more expensive version may look nicer, store-brand supplies like notebooks, pens and pencils are just as good.
Remember to buy in the bulk, too, as your child will most likely need a top of notebooks and other supplies throughout the year. This goes for everything from notebooks to pencil cases.
Back-to-School Budgeting
Creating a budget for the back-to-school season can help you keep your expenses in check.
The first thing you should do is list the essentials: write down everything your child needs for school from uniforms to extracurricular costs and even bus fares.
You can then prioritise the must-haves and figure out which costs can wait. This way, you minimise the risk of overspending.
With each category you have written down, stick to a spending limit. This will stop you from impulse buying.
Remember to explore different discounts on offer from retailers in your area and online & subscribe to newsletters from your favourite stores to stay updated.
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Getting back to school ready doesn’t have to be a financial headache.
Using these thrifty strategies ensures your children have everything they need without breaking the bank.
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