This year’s elementary #school supply list typically includes Post-it notes, glue sticks, headsets and other tech accessories, according to The New York Times. Add basics such as paper, facial tissues and plastic storage bags, and the tally can easily reach nearly $200. To economize, shop for needed supplies first (accepting generic brands), budgeting expert Andrea Woroch says, and look for #back-to-school clothing as growth and need dictate: “Don’t assume you need a brand-new wardrobe on Day 1.” You can always find quality used goods to fit your growing child at the #thrift and #secondhand shops supplied by #donations to ClothingDonations.org. #BackToSchool #Inflation
Tag: thrift shops
Consumers Tighten Belts at Back-to-School Time
A survey performed by the Mall of America recently asked more than 500 consumers how they plan to handle the #back-to-school #shopping season, finding that more than half (51%) will focus on deals rather than labels when making purchase decisions. Three out of 5 (61%) say they plan to spend less this year due to economic concerns, though a greater majority (70%) estimate their spending will be in the $100-$499 range. And even in the days of AI-fueled bargain-hunting, the vast majority of respondents said they would do at least some of their shopping in person at a physical store. #BackToSchool #Inflation
When It Pays to Wait on Back-to-School Shopping
The early bird doesn’t necessarily get the worm when it comes to #back-to-school #shopping, says Go Banking Rates. Plan on hitting the stores right before school starts, says consumer finance expert Austin Kilgore, to take advantage of retailers’ clearance prices. “It may sound counterintuitive, but sometimes there are supplies on the list that kids won’t need right off the bat,” he says. “If you can wait to purchase one of these, clearance sales usually begin right after school starts. And with so many different start dates, it pays to keep your eye out for these sales.” #BackToSchool #Inflation
Five Ways to Save on Back-to-School Shopping
With #tariffs increasing costs on a wide variety of essentials, many parents are wondering how to stretch their back-to-school dollars — 85%, in fact, according to U.S. News & World Report. Mom.com offers five ways to save this season: Shop back-to-school sales and clearance racks for kids’ clothing, but concentrate on the basics at larger retailers because better discounts may be on the way. State sales tax holidays can help save, especially on high-dollar items such as computers. But perhaps the best way to save is to go used at a clothing swap, consignment store or thrift supplied by donations to ClothingDonations.org. #BackToSchool #Inflation
How Much Sun Is Too Much Sun?
With #summer heat arriving early, you have probably already found find yourself doing more in the sun this year. Whether you are a sun-worshipper or an air-conditioning aficionado, it pays to know how much sun is too much sun.
Everyone needs some sun exposure to produce vitamin D, Johns Hopkins says, which aids calcium absorption and builds bone density. “But unprotected exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause damage to the skin, eyes and immune system” as well as skin cancer.
Much depends on a person’s complexion. Those with pale complexions and light eyes have less melatonin in their systems — the pigment that causes tanning. As a result, the amount of direct sunlight they can endure without damage or sunburn can be as little as 10 minutes.
People with darker complexions tend to have more natural protection against UV rays, and may be able withstand exposures of up to 60 minutes without protection, according to the National Institutes of Health. Regardless, everyone should be careful to limit exposure.
Applying a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 to all exposed areas is a good start. Blocking sunlight is the ultimate protection; you can cover up with lightweight, long-sleeved garments and a wide-brimmed hat. Protect your eyes with UV-blocking sunglasses whenever possible.
The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.; a good rule of thumb is to seek shade if your shadow is shorter than you are. Awnings, tents and trees can help. You can also carry your own shade in the form of an umbrella, but remember that surfaces such as pavement, sand and water can reflect UV rays upward.
Look for lightly used, lightweight clothing, hats, umbrellas, and other seasonal accessories at the #thrift and #secondhand stores supplied by generous #donations to ClothingDonations.org.
Warm weather makes for #summertime fun. But be aware of how much direct sunlight you can safely handle, and take the appropriate steps to protect your skin and eyes from excessive UV exposure whenever you go out. It’s important to your health!