CCCS offers last minute shopping tips for back-to-school shoppers

If you have been putting off your back-to-school shopping because you find it as enjoyable as getting a tooth pulled, guess what? Time's up!

"Most parents would rather do anything else, but getting the kids ready for school is a major expense that requires planning," said Kim Womack, director of education for Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS) of South Texas. "The good news is that with careful preparation and patience, they don't have to spend a fortune."

Parents can expect to spend $550 on back-to-school expenses, according to a recent survey commissioned by the National Retail Federation. Clothing will account for the biggest share of their purchases, followed by school supplies.

Here are last-minute shopping tips from CCCS of South Texas:

See what you have. Pull the kids' clothes out of the drawers and the shoes out of the closets to see what fits or can be handed down. Also, round up the lunch boxes, backpacks and binders to determine what can be used again. Round up supplies sent home from the previous school year and other items at home that are on current supply lists.

Make a spending plan. Decide how much money you can afford to spend then determine how best to use your budget to meet your children's needs. Plan ahead for athletic uniforms, musical instruments, yearbooks, and other items that will be bought after school is in session.

Create a shopping list. Include basic clothing and supplies to them started - you don't need to buy for the whole year at one time. Write down your children's sizes and favorite colors on your list, and carry it with you so you can take advantage of sales.

Compare prices. Get the best value for your back-to-school dollar by scouring the Internet and newspaper ads for sales. If you can wait, you may be able to take advantage of clearance sales once school starts.

Consider thrift shops and flea markets. Save money on almost new backpacks, clothing, musical instruments, and other items.

Involve children in decision making. Tell children how much you can afford to spend and ask them to prioritize their wish list. If they insist on designer clothes or shoes, ask them to pay part or all of the extra cost.

Use credit wisely. Pay with cash if possible. Try layaway if you need time to save the money. If you have to use credit, limit purchases to items you can pay off in 90 days.

"Last minute shoppers who follow these tips won't have to worry about running up credit card balances that will take months to pay off," said Womack. "Take the pressure off yourself by deciding upfront that you'll only buy the absolute necessities and will get the rest later when it's more affordable."

CCCS of South Texas is a nonprofit, community service organization that provides confidential counseling, guidance, debt repayment services, and educational programs. CCCS is a United Way agency and a member of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling. To schedule an appointment, call 800-333-4357 or visit their Website at www.cccsstx.org