Back to School Bargain Hunting
When it has only just begun to feel like Summer, with the rain giving way to a few weeks of sun and the buzz of the Olympics still in the air - it is hard to believe that in little over three weeks time the new term starts and most parents are already turning their thoughts to the task of kitting out the kids!
You will already see the high street stores displaying a whole range 'Back to School' necessities, with everything from stationary to uniforms starting to line the aisles.
Do you manage to budget towards the Autumn term each year - or is it all last minute panic buys?
Some parents have it all under control, a budget set aside and items stocked ready to pop into satchels already bought.
And for others the end of August hits them with the sudden nightmare that they let their guard slip for a few weeks, kicked back and enjoyed the Olympics or settled for a few stress-free weeks not thinking about the daily routine.
For some the working day has seen little change, bar the added stress of how to juggle the kids during the 'Summer Hols'.
And now that August has passed the half-way mark all thought will be turning to getting everything arranged for the new school term.
Whatever way you shop you will certainly find plenty of great savings on the High Street and in most superstores today.
With essentials available online and prices to afford most pockets, now is a good time to get those sports kits packed, uniforms pressed and stationary bags filled, ready for the new term.
Supermarket chains, including Asda, Morrisons, Tesco and Aldi are all running offers and cut-price clothes, that are flying off the shelves as parents rush to grab the great deals available.
Recent reports are that Aldi is selling the cheapest school uniform for as little as £4, while Tesco and Morrisons are also running a close second in the price wars.
It is worth having a look at what is left in the wardrobe from last term and seeing what will work for a few more weeks, while you replace the essentials.
It is easy to forget that many bargains are on sale all year round and you don't have to buy everything new at the start of every term if your child is not changing to a new school.
Many schools also have their own uniform sales, with some of the pre-owned items on sale, to help cut the cost of buying new.
And don't worry, the new term will be under way before you know it and the recent stress for uniform shopping will be replaced with the 'glee' of looking forward to and preparing for Christmas 2012!!!