Local parents are getting savvy to save on essentials.
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With the end of holidays fast approaching, it can be an expensive time, with parents across the region bracing themselves for a spending splurge on uniforms and shoes, stationery, laptops and other items.
While a large number of parents often provide some school supplies and equipment as Christmas presents, one third will conduct their back to school shops over the coming fortnight.
Buying uniforms for all seasons with spares can add up, but if you're savvy there are savings to be had.
There is an option available for parents looking to save some coin.
A Facebook page called Goulburn and Surrounds School/Sport Uniforms for Sale and Swap, created back in 2013, lets parents around the region swap or sell heir unused school uniforms.
With more than 1100 members, the page is quite active in the lead up to term one.
Creative Kids Voucher
The NSW government help families with schooling costs with their Creative Kids Voucher initiative which sees students eligible for funds of up to $100.
The voucher may be used with a registered activity provider for registration, participation and tuition costs for creative arts, speech, drama, dance, digital design, coding, and music lessons and activities.
To be eligible, the student must be a NSW resident, be between four and a half to 18-years-old, be enrolled in school and a current Medicare card holder.
For more information, go to https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-creative-kids-voucher#eligibility.
Statistics
To know what kind of costs parents may face, BIG W has launched their annual 'Back to School' report which provides families with an insight into back to school shopping behaviours and spending habits.
Key findings from the report include:
- A total spend per child of $970, an increase of 12 per cent from last year
- An average of $592 will be spent on school supplies such as uniforms, stationery, bags and lunchboxes, up from $538
- 73 per cent of parents said value for money was the most important factor when shopping
- Quality of products was a major concern for 53% of parents
This year's report also highlighted the increasing costs of technology and sports within schools with parents expecting to spend on average:
- $284 per child on tech items, an increase of 17 per cent
- $94 per child on sports gear, an increase of 12 per cent
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