I’m a mum-of-four & forked out over £2k on school uniform – here’s seven tips to avoid spending a fortune like me
A MONEY-SAVING expert has shared her top tips to avoid spending a fortune on school uniform after a mum-of-four revealed she forked out a whopping £2k on uniform for her children.
Prompted by a cost of living crisis, Sarah Connelly, finance expert at Cashfloat () spoke to Louise Austin, who bought the school uniform for this coming September for her boys, who are aged between 15 to 11.
Louise explains: "Trying to put it into words is like trying to hold an ocean in a teacup.
"The weight of spending £500 for each of my boys' school uniforms and supplies has dropped an anchor on my finances, threatening to sink everything."
She goes onto say how it's not just about the money, but rather about the possibilities that money could've unlocked for her boys over the next year.
"As their mother, I ache at the thought of what experiences, what growth, and what dreams might slip through our fingers because we're trapped under this avalanche of expenses," the mum-of-four explains.
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"Every day, as September inches closer, I feel the tightening grip of the burden.
"I want my boys to thrive, to explore, and to learn without limits. But the suffocating weight of these uniform costs is turning their potential into a privilege, and that's a heartbreaking reality to face.
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"No parent should have to exaggerate the financial tightrope they walk just to ensure their children can walk into school without the shame of not having the right uniform."
Here, money-saving whizz Sarah Connelly has shared seven valuable tips and tricks to help reduce the financial strain of rising school uniform costs...
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1. Plan ahead
The finance expert urges parent not to wait until the last minute to shop for uniforms.
"Start early and create a budget for uniform expenses," she says.
"By planning ahead, parents can take advantage of sales, discounts, and avoid paying extra for rush delivery."
2. Check for second-hand options
Sarah advises exploring thrift stores, online marketplaces, and uniform exchange programs within the school community.
"Many gently-used uniforms can be found at a fraction of the original cost," she notes.
3. Host uniform swaps
Sharing another money-saving suggestion, Sarah recommends organising a uniform swap event at the school or within the local community.
"This allows parents to exchange uniforms their children have outgrown, making it a win-win for everyone," she says.
4. Keep an eye on sales and deals
The finance whizz also reminds parents to regularly check for sales, discounts, and promotional offers from uniform suppliers.
";Sign up for newsletters to stay informed about exclusive deals," she adds.
5. Uniform rental programs
Sarah urges: "Inquire about uniform rental programs offered by the school or local businesses.
"Such programs can be more cost-effective, especially for specialised items like blazers or jackets."
6. Advocate for affordable options
According to the finance expert, it's also worth engaging with the school administration or parent-teacher association to discuss the issue of rising uniform costs.
"Collaboratively exploring ways to make uniforms more affordable can benefit the entire school community," she points out.
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7. Quality over quantity
Last but not least, Sarah says to invest in high-quality, durable uniforms that'll last longer if you're able to pay for it in one go.
"Although the upfront cost might be higher, you'll save money in the long run by reducing the need for frequent replacements," she explains.