Are you ready for the back-to-school season? As summer winds down, the excitement of a new school year starts to build up. However, with this excitement often comes the stress of shopping for school supplies. The good news is that there are several savvy strategies you can employ to save money without compromising on the quality of your supplies. In this article, we’ll explore fifteen practical tips to help you save on back-to-school shopping.
83% of parents say the cost of education is out of control, according to WalletHub
Back to School: Tips on how to save on supplies
Here are some tips on how to save on back-to-school supplies:
Evaluate What You Have
Before rushing out to buy new supplies, take stock of what you already have at home. Check your drawers, cabinets, and closets for any unused or leftover school items from the previous year. You might find that you already have plenty of pens, notebooks, and other essentials.
Create a Budget
Setting a budget is crucial to ensure that you don’t overspend during the back-to-school shopping frenzy. Determine how much you can afford to spend and allocate amounts for different categories, such as notebooks, stationery, backpacks, and clothing.
Make a List and Stick to It
Compile a comprehensive list of the items you need and stick to it when you’re shopping. This will help you avoid impulse purchases and stay focused on the essentials.
Shop the Sales
Keep an eye on back-to-school sales from various stores. Many retailers offer significant discounts on supplies during this time. Shopping during sales can lead to substantial savings on items like backpacks, folders, and art supplies.
Buy in Bulk
Consider buying supplies in bulk, especially items that you know you’ll use throughout the school year. This approach often results in lower costs per unit and helps you stock up for the future.
Comparison Shop Online
Take advantage of online shopping to compare prices across different retailers. Online platforms make it easy to find the best deals on specific items and save money on gas and transportation.
Utilize Coupons and Promo Codes
Search for coupons and promo codes before making any online or in-store purchases. These codes can provide extra discounts that add up to significant savings.
Consider Secondhand Options
Explore secondhand stores or online marketplaces for gently used school items. Items like backpacks, textbooks, and clothing can often be found at a fraction of the cost of new ones.
DIY Supplies
Get creative and make some of your supplies yourself. Personalized notebooks, pencil cases, and locker decorations can be fun DIY projects that save you money.
Wait for Tax-Free Weekends
Many states offer tax-free weekends during the back-to-school season. Take advantage of these weekends to buy items like clothing, shoes, and school supplies without paying sales tax.
Shop Throughout the Year
Instead of doing all your shopping right before school starts, spread it out over the course of the year. This approach gives you more time to find deals and reduces the financial burden during a single month.
Take Advantage of Student Discounts
If you’re a college student, make sure to use your student ID to access discounts on various supplies and services. Many retailers and companies offer special deals for students.
Set Limits with Your Kids
If you’re shopping with children, set clear limits on what they can choose. This will help avoid unnecessary purchases and teach them about responsible spending.
Prioritize Quality over Brand Names
While brand-name products might be tempting, prioritize quality over labels. Generic or store-brand items can often be just as good as their more expensive counterparts.
Reuse and Recycle
Encourage your children to reuse items from the previous school year, such as binders and calculators. Additionally, recycle items like paper and plastic to contribute to a sustainable lifestyle.
Here’s a quick back-to-school shopping tips
The start of a new school year is right around the corner and according to personal finance experts at WalletHub, 83% of parents say the cost of education is out of control.
Here’s some ways you can save before it’s time to hit the books:
- Download your favorite store’s app to earn rewards or find out about exclusive discounts.
- Ask yourself if you can wait? Many of the items on your list will go on sale after* school starts.
- Remember that you don’t have to buy everything new. Ask friends and family for any gently used items or check second hand stores. To save on tech look for refurbished products at a lower price.
- Use credit cards that offer rewards. For example, The “Blue Cash Preferred Card” from American Express offers 6% cashback on up to $6,000 spent each year at supermarkets and you can typically buy school supplies at those stores.
Here are some additional tips:
- Start shopping early. The earlier you start shopping, the more likely you are to find good deals.
- Don’t buy everything at once. Spread out your purchases over several weeks or months to save money.
- Wait for sales. Many stores have sales on school supplies throughout the summer.
- Consider reusable supplies. Reusable supplies, such as water bottles and lunchboxes, can save you money in the long run.
- Get creative. There are many ways to save money on school supplies without sacrificing quality. Get creative and think outside the box.
Conclusion
Back-to-school shopping doesn’t have to be a financial burden. By following these fifteen tips, you can save money while still ensuring that you and your kids have everything you need for a successful school year. Remember, a little planning and creativity can go a long way in making this annual ritual stress-free and budget-friendly.
