Filed under: Preschoolers, Kids 5-7, Kids 8-11, Teens & tweens, Money & work, In the news, EducationGas prices, food prices, a lazy stock market, heck, even my dog's food increased in price significantly last month. There's no denying it, the cost of every day living is on the rise, and families are feeling it in their pocketbooks. That might not be good news to retailers, most of whom are gearing up right now for the back-to-school season. A whopping 90% of parents who completed an online survey said that they'd change their shopping habits this year, while 71% said they'd spend less, and 83% said they'd cut back on new clothes.I can almost hear the protesting teenagers now.As a mom and a grown woman, the pragmatic me says, "Kids don't need new clothes in July (or September, for that matter). Why not wait until they weather cools down, or even until Christmas?" The teenager who still lives inside of me, though, cringes. I remember needing that "perfect" outfit for the first day of school. My own daughter is young enough to be thrilled by a new backpack and some sharp looking pencils (as well as the dozen other items her teacher will likely require), but I know my day is coming when how much we spend on school clothes will be an issue at my house.Will your back-to-school budget be affected by the economy this year? Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Posted on Wed, 23 Jul 2008 10:00:00 EST at http://www.parentdish.com/2008/07/23/par...-shopping/
Comments: http://www.parentdish.com/2008/07/23/par.../#comments