My post about NY was, admittedly, a digression. Although I'll return now to the uncomplicated world of saving money, I'd like to keep treating people fairly and kindly as much at the forefront of my suggestions.
Being cheap isn't about being broke. Far from it. It's about being conservative with resources. It's about placing a value on time spent with loved ones, not time spent dry-cleaning the latest T. Burch. It's about imparting a sense of responsibility to your children. It's, let's be honest, simply old-fashioned good manners. Dinners out are great and stimulating to the local economy, but so is going to the farmer's market with your two-year-old, pick up some locally-grown, in-season food and having wonderful friends over to share it.
So with that said, a word on back-to-school savings. Most back-to-school circulars are not about saving money, they're about spending it. A few people I know have been saving their dough (and time!) in the following ways...
Hitting consignment shops for uniforms (CHA has a delightful one)
Co-oping on supplies (buy BIG at BJs and share)
Carpooling (a no-brainer, unless, of couse, you have bus service or can walk)
Co-oping on lunch (find four other organic-minded mamas and take turns makeing lunch for all five kids - certainly better than cafeteria fare)
Choosing a school near home - I am a big believer in the democratic nature of public schools. But, if you choose to go the independent school route, stay within 15 minutes of your home. Not only with the gas be less taxing on the planet and your wallet, your child's friends will be more likely to be in the neighborhood.
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