Tips for Managing the Family Clothing Budget

I’ve never been the type of person that sets a clothing budget, but over the years (especially since having kids) I’ve realized how important it is. It seems like every time I turn around someone has outgrown something, or needs a new pair of shoes – what am I feeding those kids! Seriously though, without a budget expenses will creep up on you, and usually Mom’s needs will get pushed to the back burner.

How Much Should You Spend?

My number one tip in this area is; don’t spend more than you can afford! As much as I love fashion and self-expression it’s never worth going into debt for. Also, don’t fall into the “trendy trap” for your kids. They grow like weeds and that $90 dress is really going to hurt when she only wears it once. Now that my son is almost 9 I will invest in slightly higher quality clothes for him, but when they were toddlers my kids wore a lot of budget clothes. 

I did some research and most financial planners suggest that you spend 2-8% of your family income on clothing – because they are a necessity.  If you work in an industry that requires certain clothing, or a more dressed up look you may need to invest a bit more. 

Keep Track of What You Need VS Want

I have a little diary to track things that I would like to buy and things that are really needed. For example; I would really like to buy a new pair of nude pumps because they would look nice, but I really need a pair of flat boots because I don’t have any and live in a region where it’s often icy out. Sometimes I’ll even put a check mark next time to the item each time I’m getting dressed and think “I wish I had ______”.  We also make a similar list for the kids, and now that they are old enough they can add to it also (although that doesn’t guarantee that they’ll get it!)

The list keeps us in check so we don’t buy impulsively, and also helps us shop effectively and take better advantage of sales and discounts. 

Plan for Seasonal Clothes

Even though I’ve been a parent for 9 years, I’m always surprised at just how much back-to-school clothes, winter jackets, and raincoats can actually add up to! This year the hubby and I have decided to create a seasonal clothing account. We did the math for how much we spend on; back-to-school clothes, winter clothes, summer clothes, sports/dance clothes, and special occasion clothes, then we divided by 12 to figure out how much we should be putting aside each month. I’m hoping this will avoid the “what you outgrew your cleats again?” panic.

Shop in the Off Season

This one can be tricky but I’ve been pretty successful with it. As long as your kids are still at the age where they’ll buy what you wear for them – shop in the off season. I just bought some summer shorts for my daughter from Sears that were $1.99 and an additional 40% off! Just buy a little big and save for next year. The same rule applies to adult clothes. The Mr. and I both need to upgrade our snow boots but are waiting for the big blow-out sales at the end of the year. 

Don’t Neglect Yourself

We are guilty of this as moms; you go to the store intending to by yourself something and then those kids sweatshirts that are on sale catch your eye. Stop being a martyr! You need some clothes that make you feel good about yourself so that you can be the best mom possible. Consider separating your clothing budget from the kids and Mr, and then commit to spending it on yourself (and no borrowing from your pot to cover overage for the kids!) Plan a shopping trip all by yourself, leave the kids at home, and avoid the kids section.