Thrift Stores

• 1). Shop thrift stores. Second-hand stores can be a great source of clothing bargains. Salvation Army thrift stores usually have one day during the week when items with a certain color tag are at least 50 percent off, increasing your savings. Take an afternoon to sort through the racks thoroughly and you will probably find many name brands and great deals on clothing, shoes and even socks.
  
  
• 2). Accept hand-me-downs. Almost everyone knows either a family member or friend with children who can pass down outgrown clothing. If someone offers clothing to you, don't be shy--you are likely saving the giver the trouble of donating or selling the clothing. It's a win-win situation.
  
  
• 3). Shop on-line store sales and auctions. Sites such as eBay can be a good source of quality, name-brand clothing items. Shop in large lots to avoid paying too much for shipping. When buying new clothes on-line, be sure to check for any coupon codes or discounts available on the Internet.
  
  
• 4). Find local clothing swap events. Many areas have groups (church and home-schooling groups often host these events) which organize a clothing swap--you bring your outgrown items and take home what you need. Another win-win way to clothe your family.
  
  
• 5
  
  
  Shop seasonal clearance. At the end of a season, stores offer deep discounts on everything from clothes to coats, accessories and footwear. At times, the prices can be up to 90 percent off of the original retail price. Buy ahead for the next year and you will be ready when the season rolls around again, avoiding the cost of paying full price next year. This strategy is especially useful for career wear since those items are less trendy and will stand the test of time, remaining appropriate and stylish for a number of years.
  
  
• 6). Request clothing as gifts for birthdays and winter holidays. Often, relatives do not know what to buy for children, which can result in too many toys that end up broken or neglected. Keep a running list of the clothing and shoe sizes of everyone in your household, so that you are ready if someone asks for gift ideas.
  
  
• 7). Downsize your stock of clothing. Having only the minimal necessary amount of clothing saves money not only on the clothing costs, but also conserves money from the constant laundering required to keep everything clean. For children, several school and play outfits and two to three dressy outfits is sufficient.