Money Monday – Maximize the Back-to-School Savings

Happy Shoppers

It’s that time of year again when most fret they haven’t finished their summer reading lists, and start demanding a new Fall wardrobe even though they may not need one.  The Back-to-School mantras and sales aren’t only for students and parents anymore – it really is for everyone.  Have you been putting off buying new items because things seem to be more expensive through the summer?  It’s not your imagination, it’s a reality.  A lot of companies do not offer a reasonable discount on most products after all the Mother’s Day promotions back in May.  Father’s Day and graduations do not really offer a financial break either.  So, when can we really maximize our need for new items without going broke?  The Back-to-School time frame.  I’m not sure not everyone needs new pens, pencils, or loose leaf paper, but home goods, electronics, and even car dealerships are willing to give you a better deal this time of year.  They want to unload all the older items before they get plenty of new stock in time for holiday shoppers.  It doesn’t matter which store is your favorite either.  They all will start putting the back stock out on the floor just to get it sold.  That’s why it’s hard to maneuver in the store until you realize the extra product on the floor.

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Topical Tuesday – Thinking of Spring Cleaning?

I know this time of year we are busy wrapping up the school year, trying our best to get our lawns in shape, and working hard to clean out all the old junk in our homes.  We are used to giving away old clothes, and out dated electronics in some cases too for all new upgrades.  What about in our pantry?  American’s over-consume a lot of things, but our waste of food seems to be the worst.  I invite you to look through your pantry especially and donate anything that has not yet expired that you know you or your family will not consume before its expiration date.  There are many food banks that desperately need items to help in your community.  There are many families that can not afford to put not only a health meal on the table, but enough that everyone gets enough to eat.  Many children go to bed starving, even in some middle class neighborhoods.

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Read Across Your Home & America

Oh The Places You'll Go

You can and will move mountains!  Parents (or loving family members of children), please read to your kids starting at a young age, and encourage them to love reading as they grow.  Too many kids are falling behind in school and in life due to illiteracy.  

You can always start your own book swap in your family, community, or partnering with your local library.  Take charge in your children’s education!