(NAPSA)—Here are tips to help you stay within the family budget and still send your kids off to schoolin style: Find a one-stop shop for most of your shopping needs. Look for stores like Target that will have a variety of products from school supplies to fashion finds, all for a great price. Focus- ing your shopping at one destination will limit shopping trips and save you time. Do your homeworkearly. Check newspapers for store circulars and sale information or visit retailers’ Web sites to learn about special deals. Most retailers post their circulars on their sites. Track sales and cut coupons for the school supplies you need and plan your shopping trips accordingly. The better you plan, the moreyou will save. e Make a list before you head to the store. Try not to wander through every aisle with the kids and stay focused on the itemson yourlist. When it comes to fashion, every year there is a new trend that teens “must” have. Let them indulge in one trendy item. Focus the rest of your money on the basics they will use year-round, such as jeans, sneakers, T-shirts and a few hooded sweatshirts. e If your teen is college bound, work with your teen to draw up a list of must-haves for the dorm room. Ask them to sync up via e-mail or phone with their future roommates to discuss who will bring what to the dorm room. Save a few purchasessuch as trash cans, lighting and furniture until you visit the dorm and can assess what the school is providing. Then purchase whatis missing. e Stay focused on the basics. A “bed in a bag” in a chic print can provide your college student with all the bedding needed Informed shopping can help you send your children to school looking smart. for the school year. Consider an extra set of sheets for laundry days. Other basics includelighting, such as a great task lamp for homework and reading; a laundry bag; a shower caddy; and at least two sets of towels. Add decorative accessories such as wall art and picture frames to make the dorm room a home away from home. Don’t forget extra storage for the closet or under the bed. As you shop, look for bedding and furniture that are multifunctional and do double duty, such as a reversible bedspread or a storage ottoman. Before you leave, stock up on commodities to get your teen through the first few months at school, such as paper towels, laundry detergent and trash bags. Save money by buying generic brands, such as the up & up brand from Target. Learn more. For tips on school and college supplies, visit Target.com/kids or Target.com/ college, where you'll find everything from trendy fashion collections to cool school supplies and dorm decor.
