Money-Saving Tips To Help You Survive The Back-To-School Madness
No, you’re not imagining it. Summer is almost over. It’s time to start thinking about stuff like school supplies and backpacks and shoe sizes and new underwear. But wait! It might not be so bad this year! We’re here with some tips and tricks for surviving the madness known as back-to-school season. These are the ones that stood out the most.
- Before you shop in stores, shop at home.
There are always tons of school supplies laying around the house. Of course every child wants shiny, new supplies, but why waste money when last year’s scissors are still in perfectly good condition. Pencils (unsharpened and sharpened) are another item that you probably have a lot of throughout your house. Go through your desk, your child’s room and their backpack and you’re sure to find a goldmine of usable supplies.
- Time key purchases and double up on savings when you can.
Target has an app called cartwheel that offers discounts of hundreds of items. If you have their debit or credit cards you also save 5%. There are also many items in their weekly ad that you can find on Cartwheel. The weekly + cartwheel + their debit or credit card = big savings Take advantage of your state’s tax-free holiday if you have one. It’s a good time to purchase larger-priced items like computers, school clothes and more. Combine store sales with coupons to save on backpacks, school supplies and more.
- If the shoe fits (taste and budget) —- buy two different sizes.
If you find a pair of shoes that your child really likes and it’s on sale, why not grab two pair? One for now and one the next size up for later. Kids can go through shoes like crazy; especially boys. Most children need new shoes by the time Christmas comes along, so if you already have a pair, that’s more money you can use towards the holidays.
- Don’t procrastinate with that list of school supplies.
As soon as you get that supply list in the mail or online GO SHOPPING! Almost all stores start display their back-to-school supplies in July. If you shop as soon as you get the supply lists you avoid the rush of last minute shopping and have first pick! For more savings look through the weekly ads. Store like Staples will beat all competitors advertised prices by 10%. Walmart and Target price match advertised items.
- Buy supplies year-round.
Most kids need “restock” their supplies throughout the year. Be sure to snag any items you see on clearance or sale throughout the year. A good time for this is the end of September and October. Most stores are starting to clear out their back-to-school supplies to make room for their holiday merchandise. Anything you purchase can be kept in a tote, drawer or cabinet and used throughout the year. And this also makes shopping for next year’s supplies easier by saving some time and money.
- Buy One, Get One
BOGO items should always be a GO!!! Take advantage of these sales and buy back-ups of anything your child will need, especially clothing. At some point during the school year your child is more than likely going to use it. This way you already have what they need and you paid the sale price!
- Don’t stress over brands
A lot of schools/teachers will ask for brand-specific items. Most do this so everybody has the exact same thing. If you’re able to find the brand that’s great. If not, don’t worry about it. Just grab the store brand and send it in. No school or teacher is going to refuse supplies because of the brand.
- Don’t skimp when buying a backpack.
While $20 backpacks are cute and cheap, more often than not, they’ll break and have to be replaced. How many of you have had to buy backpacks more than once during a school year. More expensive backpacks are usually better quality and can last the whole year. Sometimes, they can even last more than one school year.
