Thanks again for reading!

Just when you finished buying school supplies and clothes, now it’s time to think of the next big shopping expenditure—Christmas.

Walmart, struggling to retain and grow its profit share, is bringing back layaway, although in a truncated form. Walmart got rid of its layaway back in 2006, right before the economy really started to tank.

Only electronics and toys items can be put on layaway. Each item must be at least $15, and the whole bill must be at least $50.

Among other companies that have layaway—with fewer restrictions–are Sears, Kmart and T.J. Maxx.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/44442002/ns/business-stocks_and_economy/

Look for things that can still be used, like T shirts which can be layered over long-sleeved shirts.

Next prioritze what is needed, and then come up with a final list.

It’s time, then, to start thinking about what where to get the clothes.

Go thrift shopping first. For younger children, try mom 2 mom sales. For older kids, go to a chain thrift store (which usually have a better selection), such as Goodwill, Salvation Army, and Value World or Value Village.

The best bets there are jeans, winter coats and jackets, and turtlenecks

Consignment shops are another good way to find stuff. Plato’s Closet (wwww.platoscloset.com) is a great find for more trendy stuff.

But what can be a huge chore and cut to the bankbook can be managed.

First, you gotta determine a budget. One thing to remember is that you don’t have to do all of the back to school shopping now. So, without using credit cards, how much can you afford.

Take the amount in cash, and show your kid.

Once you have a budget, it’s time to look at what you really need.

Flyers and sales circulars from Kmart, Kohl’s and Target will help you or, if you want to be spendy, buy a copy of a magazine–like Seventeen, for example. Don’t go to a store. No one needs temptation!

Then go through the closet. What do they really need? Keep referring to your budget.

They’ve got great books and great clothes, and seriously, what more do you need? No, I don’t work there, thankfully

The prices are very reasonable always in the single digits, and its prices are cheaper than the Salvation Army (unless it’s the five for $5 sale). Well-regarded brands cram the racks, brands like Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Franco Sarto, Nine West, etc. etc.

Value World is a chain of thrift stores, which gets its merchandise from Purple Heart, and it sells it for them.Value World is not a charity.

Like many thrift stores, the price tag are color coded, and each day a color is half-off

One of my favorite things about Value World is that they often have coupons in local coupon books.These coupons are usually for half-off anything in the store. They sometimes have coupons on their website, www.valueworld.net. If you subscribe, you get extra coupons.

One final note, I’m just a fan, not an employee of the store.

Today, I saw something funny. It was a credit union advertisement, saying it had money to loan for…school clothes.

Now that was a new one on me.

Since clothing for children, by definition, is disposable, borrowing money for them would be last thing to do.

So how can you dress your kids for school without running for a loan.

There are secondhand sources you can try.

Plato’s Closet
Ebay
Mom to Mom Sales
Resale shops
Rummage Sales

So how do you convince your kids that secondhand is cool. Well, there are lot of ways.
It’s environmentally friendly, for one thing.

Another idea is to give your kids a set amount of money, and the kids can see themselves how far this goes.

Of course, they will also be announcing different sales throughout the day.

It’s a lot fun, although really crowded.

For more information, visit www.SalArmyThrift.com

On Monday, Sunshine Thrift Store is having a 1
1/2 off clothing sale all day, from 9am to 5pm.

Having been there on numeous occasion, I will tell you that clothing is their strong point.

The store is located at
37665 S. Gratiot Ave.
Clinton Township, MI 48036
(586) 465-5930

Visit SunshineThrift.com today

Premier Pet Supplies is offering a low-cost vaccination clinic
on Sunday, June 26.

The store will be hosting a low-cost vaccination clinic from 10-2pm . Everyone is welcome and Steve Grunwald from 99.5 WYCD will be here with his dog Daisy promoting the event from 12-2.

The non-profit group Tail Waggers will have a licensed veterinarian administering vaccinations for rabies, distemper and bordatella. Each vaccine is just $12 or get all 3 for only $30.

No appointment is necessary, call the store for more details 248-647-4310.

The sale runs now until June 28th.

Materials Unlimited is located at 2 W. Michigan Avenue in historic downtown Ypsilanti. Store hours Tuesday-Saturday 10-5, Sunday 12-5, closed Monday. Shop online at www.materialsunlimited.com.