How much have YOU spent so far?? ** Kids going back to school.

My son's back to school list is actually pretty short considering what I have had to send with him before. I already had most of it from my over buying last year. As far as clothing goes I have not spent much at all. He is going to a uniform school and you buy the shirts from the school for $10 each for the polo shirts and $5 each for the t-shirts. I have not spent much on pants yet because he is really between sizes on his pants and I don't want to waste money on them right now.

I was just talking to my hubby about this. in clothes we have spent about $150 for my K and luckly we did not have to by my son any clothes his still fit and is in good shape from last year (we have uniforms) We are doing the school suplies tom and by the list we are looking at about 100 for both kids. as far as the snacks last year when my oldest was in K at the begging of the month we had to bring in 20 indvaully(sp) wraped snacks. I don't know how it is going to work this year but I do know that on the supple list they are asking for 2 large bags of ind wrapped candy. And things for the treaser box

I can only speak about my grand daughter who goes to a private Prep. school in our country, The tuition is about US$600 a term and 3 terms in the year. we have to buy all text books and all school supplies that she will be using and with her school uniform (but not shoes) this has come to roughly US$290. This is so expensive for an 8 year old that will be going into grade 4. Then there are her dance, music and art lessons that are taken after school. These too have to be paid for. But our whole family helps as my son has his twins also to support. So I bought her uniforms and some books and my daughter bought the rest of her books and school supplies. My son paid half of her tuition fee and all fees for her extra curricular activities. Her mother pays for half of tuition fees and snacks etc. She also has to carry wipes and anti bacterial gel because of the threat of swine flu. Oh yes, and water too. It is not cheapbut she is so happy at school and is a very bright litle girl who is top of her class. So it is worth it as well as a joy to assist.

when children start school, that we need some school purposes. needs of schools, increase our expenses. but, for the sake of school children, it seems we do not need to do the calculation.

My kids are like me, they love new school supplies. I love this time of year because you can get things cheap at most office supply stores. I love notebooks and have many in my home and this way I can get some cheap. I also hand write my budget so these notebooks come in handy for that. But we haven't faired too badly this year. My oldest, of two school aged children, is entering middle school and I was scared of the increased cost of supplies. But actually I think it wasn't too bad, with exception of the $8 safety goggles. Her list was certainly shorter than her sister's list. One thing we haven't had to buy this year either is post it notes. Those things are so expensive!! And seriously these must be for the teacher because why do you need post its in class? We never had them as kids. All in all school supplies wise we spent under $30 for the both of them together. As for clothes, we do a lot of thrift store shopping. We only buy brand name items and items with little to no wear. But then I can afford to buy my daughter those Limited Too jeans and tops she loves without spending more than I can afford. I regularly go through my kids clothes and they tell me when something doesn't fit any more and usually replace on an as needed basis. This way instead of spending one large sum at one time I break it down to a little here and a little there. And because we shop thrift stores we can get that new top for between $3-$5 and those new jeans for $7 and under. I also check out eBay and will buy if the price including shipping is cheaper than what I can find at a thrift store. Also I bought new shoes earlier this year for buy one get one free. They are still in great condition so they don't need new ones. We do need to get a haircut though and there is a local barber (not the big chain ones like Supercuts who butchered my daughter's hair two years ago) that cuts their hair for $8 each, I figure with tip it will come to under $25. That is all I have left to spend. But yes back to school can get expensive. But I find its more from the extras like haircuts and clothing than supplies.

hehe, i don't have kids. but i can remember what my mom bought me for going back to school when i was a little girl. usually a new bag,writing case,pencils,crayon and other things, hehe

Well my son is studying PhysiyoTheraphy and he is just having his third year examinations and his fourth year will start in September 09. At that time I may have to shell out atleast Rs.55,000/ (U.S.$1,200) on his college and Lab. fees alone. Then of course new clothes, shoes, and books etc as well as transport fees. The list is endless.