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"What is it about this time of year that is so bittersweet? It&amp;#039;s the end of summer and the end of long, sun-drenched ocean-filled days, warm, breezy nights, wiffle ball and the wonderful smell of barbeques all around the neighborhood. But, it is also the beginning of sunny, crisp days that smell so good and football games and favorite sweaters. It is also that magnificent time of year: Back to School. Yes, we moms and dads are busy checking off our lists to make sure that our kids have enough clothes, socks, backpacks and supplies to prepare them for the big day and we are trying to keep it all within budget. Some of you will also be busy at the grocery stores stocking up on piles of lunchmeat, bread and all the fixings. That is exactly where I need your help. I had a great plan to buy my three kids school clothes and supplies on a tight budget. With careful planning and some real smart shopping, I not only stayed within my budget but I actually came in under it! It took some extra effort and hunting to find the best bargains, but we did it and the kids have everything that they could possibly need. But here&amp;#039;s what I didn&amp;#039;t plan on: lunch money increases. This wonderful news came in the mail the other day with the notice that lunch would be increasing by $.50 this year from $2 to $2.50. This may not sound like a lot to you,but with three kids, that is an extra $1.50 per day; $7.50 per week and $30 per month. That&amp;#039;s a lot! So my monthly lunch money budget just went from $120.00 per month to $150. And that&amp;#039;s just for one meal per day for each of them! So please, give me your advice. Is $150 per month not a lot to spend on lunch for the kids? Would I spend more if I bought their lunches at the grocery store or at a warehouse store? How do you keep school lunch costs down? Please share your ideas with me. "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
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