Book Clubs and Budget Tips

just watned to let you know, although this site is set up to be used just as you intended, it moves pretty fast and sometimes local specific questions like this get buried. you might be better off asking again and titling it -- Does any one live in ..... area. and see if you can connect with anyone that way.

I like freecycle for giving and recieving used items. google it ifyou haven't heard of it.

good lcuk from Ohio

I second freecycle. When you see someone giving away clothes your childs size or a size or two larger jump!
And start shopping at Goodwill or the Salvation Army.
The Goodwill by me has really great sales that also help.
Good Luck!

I suggest checking out Good Will and consignment stores. These stores are a hit or miss. Consignment stores change inventory frequently so stop in every few weeks.

You may want to consider using a consignment shop for the cloths your son has outgrown.

Jumping on the Freecycle bandwagon and Good Will. The Good Will stores are great because so many people are using them and there really are some great deals and quality items.

Another suggestion is if you aren't already on Facebook, you should set up an account. LOTS and LOTS of local groups form with Buy & Sell, Trading, Freecycle, and Garage Sale items. Once you get an account search for the name of your town or other nearby towns and the words I referenced above to see if there are others that come up. People post photos and prices and general rules are the first person to ask about an item, gets first chance, etc. You can arrange payment/trade/pickup via personal messages, phone calls or emails.People sell anything from toiletries to cars. There's even a few people I've seen who must be extreme couponers who sell boat-loads of bar soap and the like.

Good luck to you.

Can you check into your library and see if they have a book club you can join? My library has some but you can also check out your own book club kits (comes with 10 books) and start you own. Just get a few friends together and tell them to invite people. I started mine last year and only had 4 people and now we have 6 people.

Try Freecycle, the goodwill/thrift store to find some clothes. Also maybe garage sales. Although I've found that used clothes when they get to be older (I have an 8 year old boy) tend to be very worn and/or stained. Shop clearance racks at Target, Walmart, Kohl's.

Most public library systems host book clubs that are open to all (they may have several for different age groups), so check your local library. If they don't have one, ask if they will allow one to be started, and pick a time and day and have them post it on their website.

For school clothes, check your local thrift stores- Good Will, Salvation Army. If he needs "nice" stuff, check out higher end used clothing places. Here in Ohio we have a chain of those, called Once Upon A Child. It will save you a bundle on clothes. You might also post something on your community's Freecycle page (you can list 1 item you want/need per week, and list as many thngs as you want to get rid of on there, I believe. The website is www.freecycle.org I believe).

Hi, we seem to have a lot in common. I am an Oak Parker. I am 47 years old and staying with my mom for the Summer. I am staying with my mom in Chicago for the Summer. I have an 18 year old son who just graduated from OPRF High in Oak Park and a 15 year old daughter that would love to sit for you when you need it. I told her about your situation.

Naperville used to have a clothing exchange when my kids were younger. I would by excellent clothes from then and others would by mine. I will check the resources and forward them on if it is still available.

I will keep my eyes open to forward to you others who may be able to help.
Keep the faith,