Schools all across the country are opening their doors later this month, and in some places sometime in the next week or two. It seems like the kids just got home, and now we as parents are chomping at the bit for them to go back so we can get back to our routines.
Stores have had mega sales and will continue to do so. After polling a slew of the smartest moms (and dads, as well as a few teachers too) I know, here are the top 10 tips I received on how to stretch your dollar this fall and through to next June.
10. Buy the bigger erasers individually. Then cut them up yourself at home into smaller pieces, such as thirds or fourths. These smaller pieces are great for pencil cases, they last longer than the smaller ones, and are less expensive than buying the packages of small erasers or even individual smaller ones.
9. Avoid using the prepackaged school supplies that some districts offer. These are convenient come the fall, but cost significantly more than if you purchase yourself.
8. Stock up, even for next year, now. A lot of stores will have crazy deals on folders, notebooks, pens, etc. These are items your kids will need from year to year with little change, not to mention throughout the year. If you have the room, take advantage of the deal and save yourself time, and money, down the road by being ahead of the game.
7. Join reward programs, especially the ones at Office Depot and Staples. This is especially true if you have more than one child because the savings add up.
6. If your children are not picky about pens, and the school doesn’t have rules, grab the pens from your hotel room on summer vacation. These pens often last for years (must be a marketing technique) and are good to have around the house or when your child inevitably asks you to sign something on the car ride to school and swears s/he doesn’t have a pen in the book bag.
5. Many states offer tax-free deals, some lasting a day, others a whole week. Plan your shopping around this time and you will save lots. Click HERE to find out if your state offers such a program.
4. Keep it simple. Students will lose fancy markers, planners, binders, etc. These fancy items cost money. Save the money for something they can keep at home and you don’t have to worry about having money down the drain before the credit card statement arrives.
3. Buy the minimal amount your child/ren need now, and wait until after the first week. While there are tons of great sales now, there will also be a fair amount once the kids return to schools as stores want to get rid of their inventory and by this time your child will see what others have, and this is really all they want.
2. Make your own book covers. Use the brown bags from your grocery store and recycle them. Cut them and lay flat like wrapping paper and cover with the brown side out. The paper is super sturdy and will last. Your kids will be able to draw and design on the outside to their hearts content, allowing them to show their creative side.
And the #1 top way to save money on school supplies….
Dollar Store. I think literally everyone I talked to mentioned this place as a treasure trove of supplies. While not the top of the line, certainly good enough to help your children throughout the year. Some Dollar Stores are great, and others are not so much. Search your area and see where the best ones are, and stick to them. The inventory changes, but you can score big savings when the other stores have stopped caring about Back to School.
By Mary B
