French consumers forced to cut back on essentials, Carrefour CEO warns
PARIS (Reuters) -The CEO of French retailer Carrefour on Tuesday urged the government to delay a law putting a cap
2023-08-29 21:21
12 smart ways to save money on everyday back-to-school costs
Back-to-school shopping can create a hole in parents’ budgets at the best of times, but with a cost-of-living squeeze in full swing, money is particularly tight this year. At a time when every cutback counts, here are some ways to save some money on the costs that will earn you top marks for effort. 1. Check what you have This can be particularly useful if you have more than one child and need to pass items down. When sorting clothing, create piles of those that are in good condition, those that need repairs, and items that are beyond salvaging. Alice Haine, a personal finance analyst at investment platform Bestinvest, says: “Carry out a full audit to see what uniform, stationery items, lunchboxes and water bottles you already have. “You may find unused items still in pristine condition at the back of a cupboard, or used items that are good to go for a second or third academic year – after all, you only want to buy new if you have to.” 2. Create a ‘sell’ pile Haine suggests: “If your child has outgrown some of their uniform, sell them on Facebook Marketplace or WhatsApp groups, and use the cash to buy new items.” Vinted is worth a try, too. 3. List everything you need Once you’ve sorted through everything, make a list of the items you need to acquire. If you have a clear idea, you’re less likely to waste money doubling up, plus, you can buy what’s needed as and when you spot special offers. Depending on your circumstances, it may also be worth checking your government website for grants which could help with school uniform costs. 4. Be clear on school rules You could end up wasting your money if you buy items which don’t match school policies. Haine says: “If you are heading to a new school, check the uniform policy before you buy. Some schools may demand a certain style or colour.” 5. Team up with parents for ‘bulk buys’ “Some multipack prices may seem like great deals, but you might not need four items, so team up with a fellow parent to share the cost,” says Haine. 6. Remember that the cheapest price isn’t always the best value “When it comes to shoes, it can pay to go for a slightly better brand,” suggests Haine. “Cheap shoes can have a short shelf-life when you consider how much they get battered at school. Keep the receipt, because if shoes do fall apart over a short period of time, some stores may replace them with a new pair.” 7. Make sure there’s ‘growing room’ “Always go a size up if your child is still growing, especially on the pricier items, such as blazers, to ensure you get the most out of the investment,” says Haine. “Some brands even sell trousers with a grow-proof hem that can be let down and pressed with an iron, to ensure clothes last longer.” 8. Go refurbished Abigail Yearley, a spokesperson for website TopCashback.co.uk, says: “There are plenty of trustworthy and reliable sites that sell second-hand or refurbished tech, which works as good as new. Just make sure it comes with good warranty before buying.” You may also be able to buy refurbished devices directly from the manufacturer, she says. 9. Look out for second-hand items Check the school’s website for information on buying second-hand uniforms. “Many schools offer a pre-loved uniform service, so checking if that’s available to you should be the first point of action,” suggests Yearley. “If that’s not an option, check on the parents’ group chat if anyone is looking to give away or swap items they no longer need. It’s also worth scouting out Facebook Marketplace and popping into your local charity shops.” 10. Compare prices online Browsing online is a fast way to research and compare prices. Websites such as TopCashback can also help people to get some cashback on purchases from brands such as Clarks, Wilko and Dell, for example. 11. Look out for supermarket staples Tesco, for example, is running a discount deal on selected stationery and lunchtime essentials for its Clubcard members, until September 7, subject to availability. Yearley says: “All the big supermarkets tend to run back-to-school events during the summer months, so make sure you keep an eye out for them. “It’s especially worth checking out discount supermarkets like Aldi, as their back-to-school events are known for bargain prices. “Even if you’ve missed the special event, it’s worth checking their middle aisle, as often you’ll find things like stationery and lunchboxes, which are still cheaper than buying elsewhere.” 12. Get something back for donating M&S has expanded its ‘shwopping’ scheme, with dedicated school uniform shwopping boxes in over 200 stores, to encourage families to donate pre-loved school uniform, to be resold in Oxfam and through a pilot shop with eBay. As a thank you for shwopping school uniform, M&S Sparks customers can receive 20% off selected kids clothing from the retailer. Similarly, if last year’s school shoes are now a battered pair of Kickers, you can recycle them through their Reskinned initiative, which will also get you £15 towards a pair for the new school year. And Schuh offer a £5 voucher for every pair of unwanted shoes you donate, as part of their Sell Your Soles scheme. All these savings really do add up. Read More How to help your child make friends at secondary school Parents should already start getting their kids ready to go back to school, according to research Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live
2023-08-29 19:59
Chevron: Workers at major Australia gas facilities to strike
Industrial action at two plants raises concerns that energy prices could rise in Europe.
2023-08-29 15:50
Japan's July jobless rate rises to 2.7%
TOKYO Japan's jobless rate rose to 2.7% in July from the previous month, government data showed on Tuesday.
2023-08-29 07:56
Walt Disney Pictures VFX workers file for unionization
Disney's visual effects crew filed for an election to unionize with the National Labor Relations Board with the backing of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), the union announced Monday, just weeks after Marvel's VFX moved to unionize.
2023-08-29 02:59
LA media company settles first SEC enforcement case over NFTs
By Jonathan Stempel NEW YORK A Los Angeles media company that billed itself as potentially "the next Disney"
2023-08-29 01:16
SEC probes Change Company over mortgage-backed securities sold to Wall Street - Bloomberg News
The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is probing The Change Company, a California lender that pledges to
2023-08-29 00:16
Starbucks' Pumpkin Spice Latte is back, and it's celebrating its 20th anniversary
The Pumpkin Spice Latte is coming back, again.
2023-08-28 22:54
Chinese stocks get brief uplift from first share dealing tax cut since 2008
China has made a series of moves to restore investor confidence in the world's second largest economy, including cutting a tax on stock trading for the first time since 2008.
2023-08-28 17:49
The spiraling cost of war means growing economic pain for Russia
"The government will provide whatever the army asks for," Russia's President Vladimir Putin told a gathering of military top brass in December. Eighteen months into his war in Ukraine, he seems to be keeping that promise. But he's doing it increasingly at the expense of economic stability at home.
2023-08-28 17:16
Renault looking at spring 2024 IPO for Ampere, CEO says
PARIS French car maker Renault is looking to list its Ampere electric vehicle business on the stock market
2023-08-28 16:15
China says its ban on Japanese seafood is about safety. Is it really?
In the busy streets of Hong Kong's Central district the lunchtime queues snake around the swanky Japanese restaurants where high-end sushi can sell at $150 a pop just for a tasting menu.
2023-08-28 09:56