To add to America's recent financial woes (and less recent insanity), prom season is approaching. When did this high school event morph into a $500 or more budget item for many American families -- and why?

Even if the young man (and his family) carries the brunt of the surface expenses -- tickets, transportation, corsage, possibly dinner first -- it's often the young woman's family that spends the most time and money. Some of the time is exciting and fun. But shopping isn't fun when it strains budgets, when families are more anxious than festive, when people become obsessed with details. After all, this isn't a wedding, it's a high school prom.

Stories abound of mother-daughter teams going from store to store, bringing home half a dozen prom dresses for the final selection, returning the rest. Once the dress is finalized then come shoes, bag, lingerie, jewelry, often followed by tanning sessions, an appointment for hair and nails. The only thing usually skipped are the ladies in waiting -- although they're actually there too, the dateless, who bear the misery of either going to the prom with their girlfriends or missing the event entirely.

How to trim the budget without making your son or daughter feel less terrific than everyone wants them to on the big night? It depends on the student.

Fact: the easiest thing to find in top quality condition at thrift stores is dressy clothes. How many times does a woman wear a gown? Once, maybe twice. How many gowns are classics that stay in style season after season? Many.

I saw an adorable high school senior buy a teal blue, strapless prom gown at the hospital thrift store one spring. She also found a set of shoes, a bag and long gloves. Even at this over-priced thrift, the package ran less than $50. The hospital was the beneficiary and her dad was as well. What I enjoyed the most though was watching how much fun she -- and the women at the shop -- were having. She looked gorgeous and happy.

Not every young person is receptive to this kind of shopping but it's well worth an exploration. If you haven't shopped thrift before, the prom is an ideal time to start. It's also a great time to have your son or daughter have a voice in the choices about where money is spent. If buying the dress retail is top priority then maybe transportation is by parent rather than limousine or maybe hair and nails are done at home. It's all part of a process. Consider starting with a morning spent checking out a few thrift stores. You can always shop retail after that.

I never went to my senior prom. I didn't really need to. I had a decent job, a cool ride, all the prerequisite distractions of the day and a raven haired girl who was mad about me with my shoulder length, blow dried, sandy blond hair. I had no time for dancing with the crowd.

Prom time is coming however, and pre-divas all over the country are looking to purchase the perfect prom dresses to emblazon their dawning feminine images upon the minds of the young men in their lives. They'll be seeking those strapless dresses of taffeta and chiffon or spaghetti strapped creations of satin which wrap tight from bust to hips leaving little room for stashing even the smallest of cell phones.

So where does the next pop star's mother find the perfect prom dress for her princess without spending an entire weekly paycheck to get it? After doing a little research, I have come to the conclusion that one excellent source is Amazon.com. I was absolutely amazed at the selection I found over there and the prices are perhaps just as pleasing to the eye as the dresses are. I found strapless and backless and v-neck creations which all met my approval. I saw satin and chiffon and lacy cocktail style dresses with ruffled hems and cinched waists. I found dresses which would flatter a girl who has not yet encountered her bust line. I even located selections which would appear to slim a girl who rides a little heavy in the saddle.

So, if prom time is bringing an extra expense to your household in the coming months, you may wish to consider checking out Amazon.com. Even if you don't make your purchase there, you are bound to come across some pleasing ideas.

And, just in case the fella who is taking my niece to the prom happens to run across this blog post, I feel it is my obligation to make him aware; Dude, if you don't mind your manners and bring the girl home at the proper time and in the same condition you found her, life can become real interesting for a boy in such a small town as this.