Back to School: Tax-Free Weekend

Tax-Free Weekend for Supplies and Clothing: Aug. 3-5, 2012
Applies to: Clothing and footwear under $100

       School supplies under $20

It may only be the middle of July, but it is already time to start thinking back to school.  Most students have no idea that this one simple phrase instills as much fear and dread in their parents as it does in them.  Why? New clothes, new shoes, and school supplies, are only the tip of the ice burg.  There are also extracurricular activity fees, school pictures, not to mention school lunches, and any other incidentals that pop up unexpectedly.  With the rising cost of raising children today, many Virginia parents are more than a little grateful when tax-free weekend rolls around each year. 

Going back to school doesn’t just mean lots of money out of pocket though, it can also mean more hectic schedules.  Parents who work outside the home may find it difficult to get back into the routine of getting children up and to the bus stop or school on time before heading off to work.  Other parents have the same difficulties in the afternoons.  Since each level of school lets out at a different time, some parents have to be in one place at 2:30pm, another at 3pm, and yet another at 3:30pm.  Those same parents could have to take kids to soccer practice at 4pm, ballet lessons at 5pm, and piano at 6pm.  Just thinking of it is enough to make this writer thank goodness for only having one child to transport! 

While it is time to start thinking about getting that shopping list in order, there are still a few more weeks of summer left to enjoy with your kids, and many available activities for all budgets!