Back to school time can be very expensive and stressful! Use these back to school tips to save money on school supplies.
Back To School Tips:
Recycle Supplies from Last Year:
- Not all school supplies need to be brand new. Have your child(ren) go through their old supplies and see what will work for the upcoming school year. Is their pencil box still in good shape? Do they really need a new backpack? What about that slightly used box of crayons? Not only will you save money, you’ll be teaching your child an invaluable lesson about being a good steward of what they have.
Price Match:
- Use all the hot back to school sales and price match at places like Walmart and Target. This saves you time because you are not driving all around town to get the deals. Instead, the deals virtually come to you! Read more here about Price Matching and find a list of store that Price Match.
Use Coupons:
- Some back to school items like tissues or hand sanitizer often have coupons that can be used in conjunction with a sale to get the best deal. Don’t forget, store coupons can be stacked with manufacturers coupons! Check store websites and sign-up for e-mail clubs to get in-store coupons, online codes and online coupons.
Use Store Incentive Programs:
- Some stores offer rebates. You’ll pay for your purchases at the register, but you’ll get money back by mail when you submit your rebate for certain items. Most stores also offer store coupons. Another incentive program retailers like CVS and Target offer is store credit. You’ll pay for your purchase in full at the register, but these stores often offer money off your next visit in the form of Extra Care Bucks at CVS and gift cards at Target. To maximize your savings, combine as many incentives as possible on one purchase. For example, you might be able to use a store coupon in conjunction with a manufacturer’s coupon, a rebate and/or store credit to cut your final cost significantly.
Calculate the Final Price:
- For example, crayons might be on sale at one store for $0.25 but on sale at a second store for buy one at $1.99, get two free. At first glance the second store may appear to have the better deal, but you would end up paying $1.99 for three boxes of crayons instead of $0.75 at the first store.
Shop the Dollar Store:
- 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.
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 go down the drain.
Shop on Tax Free Days:
- 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. This will definitely help you save the most money on high end products like laptops, scientific calculators, iPads, etc…
