Unfortunately, winter is almost here.  That mean’s shoveling snow, runny noses, cold feet, and shopping for new cold weather coats for the entire family.  I don’t know about you, but I do not enjoy this practice.  I always wait until the last minute to purchase a new jacket and end up freezing on the way to the store.  You’re probably thinking to yourself:  Why doesn’t she just wear last year’s winter coat?  This is because there is no last year’s coat.  Last year’s coat was purchased 5 years ago and is now riddled with holes and covered with my daughter’s chocolate finger prints.  With a husband and a daughter who wear through pieces of clothing, including winter jackets, like they are made of paper, I know how to shop for quality and quantity.  Before you head out to face the fall chill for yet another shopping trip, here are a few ideas to save a lot of money during the next chilly weeks and months.

Kohls.  Kohls in general is a great place to find your family’s entire new winter wardrobe, especially a winter jacket.  Their selection is wonderful and is almost as impressive as the prices.  Keep an eye out for the sale’s flyers.  Don’t be surprised if you save at least 40% on coats for you and the kids.  If you can’t find what you’re looking for in the store, check out Kohls.com.  If you can put off your purchase, wait until the Kohls’ Black Friday sale.  You may have to wear last year’s out dated look, but the money you’ll save on a fabulous new look will be well worth it.

Your sister or best friend’s closet.  Here is a great way to save a few bucks, and help the ladies in your life clean out their overstuffed closets.  Ask every woman you know to dig out all of the winter coats their children have out grown.  Throw a "welcome winter" themed party that doubles as a giant coat exchange.  Encourage them to also bring along gently loved pairs of boots, hats, and gloves.  I know that I would much rather find my daughter a hand me down coat from a good friend than spending hours of my precious time, and hundreds of dollars, at an overcrowded mall.  If any of you out there have any used coats that your children won’t fit this year, and do not have any other plans for them, please consider donating them to a family in need. 

You also might want to reconsider taking another look through your own closet.  Fashion trends are recycled every few years, and you might have a winter coat from 1987 that your teenager will love to wear.  This may seem like a scary prospect, but someday that floor length, black leather jacket with shoulder pads you wore in 1982 might be considered a very fashionable look!