The economist talked about ways to prepare a child for school without unnecessary expenses

Proper planning of school preparation expenses helps families avoid unnecessary expenses and at the same time develop financial literacy skills in their child. Alexander Solomatin, Candidate of Economic Sciences, Director of the Department of Education of the Umnoshkola, told Izvestia about this on August 6.

According to the expert, one of the main mistakes of parents is to buy everything at once under the influence of emotions. Before going to the store, it's worth checking out things that are already at home and making a list of really necessary purchases.

"Every year, practically new pencil cases, rulers, scissors, folders and other accessories remain in the cabinets, which are simply forgotten. Make a list of really necessary purchases and divide them into three categories: must-buy, you can use last year's and you can purchase later. This approach helps to reduce impulsive spending," Solomatin advised.

The economist noted that school preparation should be approached like budget planning. Parents should determine in advance the amount of expenses for uniforms, shoes, office supplies and additional purchases, as well as set a reserve of 10-15% for unforeseen expenses.

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Solomatin recommended not buying all the goods in one day, but dividing the purchases into several stages. This approach helps to avoid impulsive spending and teaches the child to control desires.

According to the expert, it is important to involve the child in the choice of school clothes: compare prices, evaluate quality and explain why the same goods may differ in value. For example, the price of the same backpack or stationery set in different stores may vary by 20-30%.

"Such conversations form the habit of comparing options, evaluating quality, and understanding the value of money. This is one of the elements of the ability to learn — to analyze information, draw conclusions and make independent decisions," said Solomatin.

The economist also warned that a high price does not always mean better quality. When choosing school products, it is more important to take into account convenience and practicality, so that things help the child to learn, and not distract him.

"Invite your child to make a shopping list together, compare prices, determine priorities and calculate the total budget. Let him see that money is a limited resource, and good decisions require analysis and planning," the expert concluded.

Shamil Akhmadullin, a teacher-psychologist and co-founder of the Umnoshola, said on June 22 that intellectual games, riddles and small quests will help children maintain their thinking, attention and logic skills during the summer holidays. According to the expert, the decline in learning skills in the summer is a natural process. The brain tends to save resources and gradually "postpones" information that has not been used for a long time.