You have $290 of free money to spend BUT...

[Elchorrito]

Super undies for nighttime? They aren't diapers they're undies...

[Icryinbaseball]

Does the money go back into the system?? If so then let it go. If you dont need anything then dont spend the money. If it can stay in the system and possibly benefit another child then I would leave it.

[abh5e8]

I would stock up on undies, socks and tennis shoes in the next few sizes.

[jen_batten]

(I was wrong and it's $250/kid, not $290)

I spent all this money today and the boys are pretty set for the next couple years. I waited for a decent sale and was able to get quite a lot. I spent it all at Kohls with 30% purchase + 20% off baby/toddler (well only part qualified for this one) and also earned kohls cash and yes2rewards I will spend later. In the end I bought:

10 pair of shoes/sandals/boots
2 pair snowpants
2 jackets
21 pants/shorts
40 pairs of socks
23 shirts (sweatshirt, tshirt, polo)
2 pair jammies (we rarely use actual pjs)

Undies I can easily make with scrap fabric and I couldn't find any decent deals on swim suits. I'm sure there will be pieces to fill in here and there but this will be the bulk of what they will need for the next 2 years and the shoes should last closer to 3 years.

Now I will have to plan out my $80 kohls cash and $20 Y2R! Fun!

[jen_batten]

Originally Posted by Icryinbaseball Does the money go back into the system?? If so then let it go. If you dont need anything then dont spend the money. If it can stay in the system and possibly benefit another child then I would leave it.

To be honest I have no idea. It wouldn't be like 'I didn't spend Frank's clothing allowance, so Susie can have it'. Each child is allotted a certain amount per year they are in care...not sure how it would work if you chose not to use it. Probably similar to qualifying for a tax refund and not taking it? I did chose to use it though because it will certainly benefit them over the next couple of years.

[zeotwoski]

Sounds like a good haul. I'm sure you're glad that's over with!

[MamaChirpy]

Originally Posted by jen_batten (I was wrong and it's $250/kid, not $290) I spent all this money today and the boys are pretty set for the next couple years. I waited for a decent sale and was able to get quite a lot. I spent it all at Kohls with 30% purchase + 20% off baby/toddler (well only part qualified for this one) and also earned kohls cash and yes2rewards I will spend later. In the end I bought: 10 pair of shoes/sandals/boots 2 pair snowpants 2 jackets 21 pants/shorts 40 pairs of socks 23 shirts (sweatshirt, tshirt, polo) 2 pair jammies (we rarely use actual pjs) Undies I can easily make with scrap fabric and I couldn't find any decent deals on swim suits. I'm sure there will be pieces to fill in here and there but this will be the bulk of what they will need for the next 2 years and the shoes should last closer to 3 years. Now I will have to plan out my $80 kohls cash and $20 Y2R! Fun!

Yay! Sounds like a good haul!!

[jen_batten]

Originally Posted by zeotwoski Sounds like a good haul. I'm sure you're glad that's over with!

I always fret about getting it 'right' with that money but I'll probably miss it now that they won't get it anymore lol.

I will not miss dealing with the state about it. The last time I spent clothing allowance (last year's) in August, the reimbursement just came in this week!

[zeotwoski]

Wow that is long! Then I'll be glad my state works differently--a smaller $ amount 3 or 4 times a year (plus at placement if needed) and they just plain mail you the check automatically. If the child wasn't well clothed I suppose they'd ask to see receipts or something, but they never even mentioned it.

[jen_batten]

Originally Posted by zeotwoski Wow that is long! Then I'll be glad my state works differently--a smaller $ amount 3 or 4 times a year (plus at placement if needed) and they just plain mail you the check automatically. If the child wasn't well clothed I suppose they'd ask to see receipts or something, but they never even mentioned it.

Oh that is nice! We get one lump for the year, you can spend it as needed until you run out, then you turn in the receipts and wait for reimbursement. A normal wait time is like 3 months. Last times was crazy. I usually don't buy everything at once but it was recommended this year because of where we are in the case.

If you can't afford to pay for the items up front/don't want to wait to be reimbursed, you can get a clothing voucher but then you can only go to our local Wal-Mart.

I have never had kids eat didn't need clothes right at placement.