Saving Money is Cool

It is that time of year again. Kids and parents all over the United States will be flooding the malls for "back-to-school" shopping. I am thirty years old, but I still remember preparing for a new school year. I recall wanting designer clothes and sneakers. However, my parents could not afford those things.  I must admit that i sometimes resented my parents for their lack of money. I guess I felt cheated. All of the popular kids wore name brands.  So I was ashamed of my Walmart clothes, and Payless sneakers. I look back on those times and realize how ridiculous and unappreciative I was.

The truth is, discount stores have come a long way. Target is now carrying lines designed by Zac Posen, and french designer Jean Paul Galtier. One of Target's most popular brands is Mossimo. I do not know if anyone remembers, but back in the nineties Mossimo was not considered a discount brand. Walmart has responded with lines like OP, Susie Rose, and the popular Miley Cyrus and Max Ariza collection. Also remember that Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen have made millions selling their line in Walmart.

My friend and I have no issues paying lower prices for our fashion. The only designer pieces in my closet were purchased on sale. However, while most of my friends shop similarly for themselves, many still feel pressured to provide high priced clothing for their children.

One of my girlfriends has a twelve year old with a sneaker collection that is worth thousands of dollars. She is a single mother that makes $34,000 a year. Recently she saved to buy him a pair of Gucci sneakers that he desperately wanted. The crazy thing is that children today expect a lot more than expensive sneakers.

I have seen girls as young as twelve carrying authentic designer bags, that retail for hundreds of dollars.  In 2009 a group of Los Angles teens terrorized celebrities living the Hollywood Hills by breaking into their homes. The teens stole millions of dollars in cash, jewelry, and designer clothes. It is said that they were motivated by their lack of money to buy clothes like those they stole from the stars.

In these economic times, even if we are able to afford it, are we sending the right message by providing our children with expensive clothing? I have seen kids at a bus stop in front of low income housing wearing outfits that are probably worth more than their parent's paycheck. What are they learning about priorities? I understand that there are several television shows, like MTV's "Sweet Sixteen," that glamorize self-centered, spoiled teens who blow tons of money on designer goods.  It seems like parenting has been reduced to providing children with as much "stuff" as possible. Music also has a huge influence on what kids want.  How many rappers have we heard bragging about how much money they spend?  In spite of all this, parents must raise children who understand the value of dollar.

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