Keep your kids in fashion on a budget
Submitted by: Kevin Chertkow

How many times have you purchased clothes and what seems to be weeks later they have grown out of them? How about the article of clothing they just have to have because so- and-so has them and they are going to die of shame if they don't get them, too? As you try to keep your kids in fashion on a budget, you wonder what so-and-so's parents do for a living to afford these outrageous prices.

Shopping is a great way to bond with your kids, especially daughter dads. I came up with "daddy daughter date day" with my daughter to go to lunch, get a haircut, and shop just so I could have some one-on-one time. When it's with one of my three sons it's "just the boys today." If you're watching your nickels and dimes but still trying to be a fashion hero, here are some ideas you can use to keep your kids in fashion on a budget.

Find it on eBay - http://fashion.ebay.com
It's probably a good idea to find what you're looking for at the store first so sizes can be tried on. If you're lucky enough to have a phone that can get on the Internet, find it on eBay right there in the store. If you're trying to avoid the shopping madness, you can find many brand names at great prices right at your fingertips. Always do the proper eBay seller research so you don't get taken for an expensive ride with nothing to show for it.

Don't forget the power of reselling clothes they have grown out of to get a little change back from your initial investment.

Coupons and online coupon codes - Why pay off-the-rack prices when there's a good chance you can find a printable coupon or online coupon code that could lower the price? Don't wait for the coupon to come to you go and Google the words "coupon code" to pull up many sites that offer all types of coupons. www.flamingoworld.com, www.couponmountain.com, www.couponcraze.com and www.couponcabin.com just to name a few.

Take a good look through the site. You can usually find coupons on more than just clothes. Don't forget to read the rules and limitations to save yourself frustration.

Shopping for tomorrow today - When stores start blowing out their seasonal wear to bring in the expensive next seasons clothes, buy sizes that your child will grow into. If your worried about being behind the fashion trend by the time they grow into the clothes, ask yourself if you bought it today and it still fits next season, would you throw it away because it might be out of trend? If you're trying to keep your kids in fashion on a budget, I bet you'll get as many seasons you can out of it as long as it fits.

If you judge the size incorrectly or they go through a growth spurt, you can always eBay if you have to and get some of your money back.

Clearance racks - There's no shame at taking advantage of the clearance racks. If the brand name is just as popular at full price, it will be just as popular on sale. Clearance racks are also a great time to go shopping for tomorrow today.

Hit consignment stores, yard sales, Walmart and Target - These speak for themselves. These places are powerful and very popular places to get great deals as well name brands.

At the end of the day you do all you can to give all you can for your children. They don't always understand "It's just not in the budget." Hopefully, these ideas will help you keep your kids in fashion on a budget that works for you and still make you a hero.