Back-to-school can be a stressful time, especially for parents. You need school supplies and clothes, and you don’t know how you’re going to pay for everything. Making some strategies to save on back-to-school shopping will help you stay within your budget with less stress.
Here are some tips that will help you save on your back-to-school shopping:
Evaluate Your Current Inventory before Shopping Take stock of your kids’ school supplies and clothing before you head to the stores. Are there items that they can use from the last year? What clothes still fit and are in good shape? If your kid already has a backpack and sneakers that will keep him set through the next school year, there’s no need to buy new ones.
Watch the Sales There are dozens of back-to-school sales during the months before the new school year on everything from pencils to graphing calculators to designer sneakers. Keep an eye out for sales at stores and plan your shopping trips accordingly to get the best deals possible. Focus on getting the best price for the expensive items in your list.
Shop Online Shopping online will help you get great deals and bargains on your back-to-school supplies. Compare the price on different websites before making a purchase. Look for online coupon codes and free shipping offers. Check out deals that offer cash back on purchases. You can even shop at consignment stores to save on many items.
Organize a Swap with Other Parents Pick a time and date to get together with family and friends in the area who have kids of similar ages. Most people organize swaps around clothing, but you can include other school supplies if there is a need for it. Encourage participants to bring clean, gently used clothing that can be worn for another school year. Generally, the rule is to take as many items as you bring, but don’t feel as though you have to stick to this guideline.
Shop on Tax-Free Days Many state or local governments offer tax-free shopping days for back-to-school shoppers. Check out when your state is offering tax-free shopping and what items are free. Keep a list of eligible items handy while shopping on tax-free days. You may save big on school books, clothing, computers, or other school supplies.
Also, it is important to involve your kids in the process so that they can have control over their back-to-school purchases. Back-to-school is the best time to teach your kids about saving and budgeting.
