It’s that time of year again! As summer winds down and last-minute vacations wrap-up; it’s time to start thinking about back-to-school shopping. With prices higher than ever, back-to-school shopping can be a huge stress on the wallet. Here are ten tips to help you save money on your back-to-school shopping.
#1 – Create a Budget
It’s easy to overspend if you haven’t decided how much to spend beforehand. Start your back-to-school shopping at home by setting a budget for supplies, clothing, and other back-to-school essentials. This will help you stay focused and avoid overspending on unnecessary items.
#2 – Take Inventory
Before hitting the stores, check what school supplies you already have at home. There’s a good chance you still have many reusable items like backpacks, lunch boxes, rulers, or scissors. You may be surprised at what you find in the back of your closet or buried in your catch-all drawer.
#3 – Make a Shopping List
Now that your budget is in place, and you’ve found those extra boxes of crayons and colored pencils you bought last year its time Create a comprehensive list of the items you need to purchase. Stick to the list to avoid impulsive buying.
#4 – Shop During Sales Tax Holidays
Many states offer sales tax holidays during the back-to-school season. Furthermore, many retailers will offer special promotions during this time to further entice shoppers to visit their store. Take advantage of these periods to save on sales tax and take advantage of retailer discounts. Oklahoma has a tax-free weekend this upcoming August 4-6, 2023.
#5 – Use Coupons and Promo Codes and Student Discounts
Look for coupons, promo codes, and online discounts before making any purchases. Some stores and online platforms offer student discounts. Check if your child’s school or college provides any discounts or student memberships.
#6 – Buy in Bulk
For commonly used items like notebooks, pencils, or printer paper, consider buying in bulk to get a lower unit price. Though it may be more expensive up front it will save you time and money throughout the year since you won’t have to restock as often.
#7 – Wait for Clearance Sales
Did you miss tax free weekend? If so, it may be beneficial to wait until the back-to-school rush is over. Stores often discount their remaining inventory to make room for new items.
#8 – Consider Second-Hand Options:
For those of you who know Joan in our office, you know she considers herself to be the “Queen of Thrifting”. Thrift stores, consignment shops, and online marketplaces often have gently used school items at a fraction of the original price. You may be surprised to find trendy and high-quality clothes and supplies for a steal.
#9 – DIY and Personalize
Get creative and involve your kids in personalizing school supplies. You can save money by decorating plain notebooks or binders instead of buying expensive branded ones
#10 – Buy Quality Products
While it may seem counterintuitive, investing in higher-quality items can save money in the long run since they tend to last longer.
Remember, back-to-school shopping doesn’t have to break the bank. By planning ahead, comparing prices, and being resourceful, you can save money while still getting everything your child needs for the upcoming school year.