Save more on your back-to-school shopping!
Save more on your back-to-school shopping!
It’s that time of year again – back-to-school season is upon us. Whether you have kids in elementary, middle, or high school, or even heading off to college, the back-to-school shopping list can get pretty long and expensive. Between school supplies, new clothes, and any additional fees or materials needed, it all adds up quickly.
According to the National Retail Federation, families with children in elementary through high school plan to spend an average of 1,200. That’s a lot of money to shell out, especially if you have multiple children.
But back-to-school shopping doesn’t have to break the bank. With a little planning and these savvy shopping tips, you can save a significant amount on all your back-to-school essentials.
Here are 10 ways to save more on your back-to-school shopping this year:
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1.Firstly,Make a list and stick to it
Before you even set foot in a store, make a comprehensive list of everything your child will need for the upcoming school year. This includes school supplies, new clothes and shoes, backpack, lunchbox, etc. Having a detailed list will prevent you from making impulse purchases or forgetting important items. Stick to your list when shopping to avoid overspending.
2.Secondly,Take inventory of what you already have
Do a thorough review of what supplies, clothes, and other items your child already has from last year that are still in good condition. You may be surprised by how much you can reuse. No need to buy brand new notebooks, folders, or even last year’s jeans if they still fit.
3.Thirdly,Shop sales and take advantage of tax-free weekends
Keep an eye out for back-to-school sales, both in-store and online. Many retailers offer big discounts on school supplies, clothes, and electronics leading up to the start of the school year. Also take advantage of any tax-free weekends in your state, where you can save the extra 6-10% on qualifying back-to-school purchases.
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4.Furthermore,Buy in bulk
For basic school supplies like pencils, pens, paper, and notebooks, buying in bulk can lead to significant savings. Check warehouse clubs like Costco or Sam’s Club, or look for multi-packs at office supply stores. You can share the larger quantities with friends or save them for next year.
5.Moreover,Shop secondhand
Don’t overlook thrift stores, consignment shops, and online secondhand marketplaces for gently used clothes, shoes, and other items. You can find name-brand items in excellent condition for a fraction of the retail price. This is especially useful for fast-growing kids who may only get a season or two of wear out of certain items.
6.In addition,Invite a clothing swap
Gather a group of parents with kids around the same age and host a clothing swap party. Everyone brings gently used clothes, shoes, and accessories their children have outgrown, and then “shops” the collection for “new” items their kids can use. It’s a great way to refresh your child’s wardrobe for free.
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7.Continually,Utilize cashback and rewards programs
Before you shop, look for ways to earn cash back or rewards points. Download a cash back app like Rakuten or Ibotta, which offer percentages back on purchases from thousands of retailers. Also check if your credit card has a rewards program that can earn you points for back-to-school spending.
8.On the other hand,Buy generic or store brand
When it comes to basic school supplies, you don’t need to splurge on name-brand items. Generic or store-brand pencils, pens, folders, and the like work just as well and cost much less. The savings can really add up, especially if your child needs multiple quantities of these types of supplies.
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9.As well as,Shop early (or late)
The best time to shop for back-to-school supplies is either very early in the summer when stores are trying to clear out old inventory, or very late in the season when they’re trying to get rid of remaining stock. Avoid shopping right at the start of the school year when prices are at their highest.
10.Finally,Look for free or DIY alternatives
Instead of buying everything new, see if you can find free or DIY alternatives for some items. Many schools and community organizations offer free school supply giveaways. You can also get creative and make your own items like reusable snack bags, no-sew fabric book covers, or personalized locker accessories.
By implementing these strategies, you can save a significant amount on your back-to-school shopping this year.
Let’s break down some of the potential savings:
If your family typically spends the average of $864 on back-to-school shopping, here’s how you could cut that down:
- Take inventory and reuse 714 saved
- Shop sales and tax-free weekends to save 20% = $172 saved
- Buy bulk supplies and generic brands = $75 saved
- Shop secondhand and clothing swaps for 100 saved
- Use cashback and rewards = $50 saved
That’s a total of 317. That’s a 63% reduction in costs!
For college students and families spending the average of $1,200, here’s how the savings could add up:
- Reuse 900 saved
- Shop sales and tax-free weekends for 20% off = $180 saved
- Buy generic brands and in bulk = $100 saved
- Shop secondhand for 150 saved
- Use cashback and rewards = $75 saved
That’s 395 – a 67% reduction.
Conclusion:
Of course, the exact amount you’ll save will depend on your specific spending habits and needs. But even implementing just a few of these tips can lead to significant savings. The key is to plan ahead, be strategic in your shopping, and take advantage of all the money-saving opportunities out there.
Back-to-school shopping doesn’t have to be a budget-busting experience. With a little effort and creativity, you can get everything your child needs for the new school year without breaking the bank. Start planning now, and you’ll be well on your way to a successful and affordable back-to-school season.
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