Strategies to Minimize Expenses During Back-to-School Spending
Let's Get Savvy with Back-to-School Shopping:
Are you dreading the back-to-school shopping spree? Here's how to make this year's splurge less painful—and cheaper.
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Back-to-school season arrives with a sense of melancholy, bidding farewell to the lazy days of summer, but the return to routine brings its own reward. Although organizing the backpacks can be a delight, what isn't fun? The hefty price tag attached to those school supplies.
If you're on a tight budget, back-to-school shopping can quickly drain it if you're not prepared. Here are some smart ways to save money on your back-to-school shopping.
Thrifty Tips:
- *27 Scrumptious Back-to-School Lunch Ideas for Kids*
- *58 Scrumptious Snack Ideas for Kids*
14 Strategies for Thrifty Back-to-School Shopping
1. Establish a Budget
A budget is crucial for school shopping. Things can quickly spiral out of control if you let them. Take some time before you go shopping to decide what you'd like to spend and do your best to stick to it. It's vital to discuss budget limits with your kids to prevent impulse purchases.
Bonus Reads: *A Beginner's Guide to Budgeting in 5 Easy Steps*
2. Plan Ahead & Make a List
Knowing your child's supply list can make shopping a breeze. Make sure to grab their list beforehand, usually available at Walmart, Target, or office supply stores. Once you have the list, split it into items to buy now and items to purchase later, after the first day of school.
3. Buy Essentials in Advance & Wait on the Rest
Pick up essentials like notebooks, crayons, pencils, and pens early to ensure the best selection and the best prices. However, you may want to hold off on some non-essential items until after school has started. Many back-to-school items will see a price drop as stores are eager to offload inventory.
Pro Tip: Teachers may have specific or additional requirements. Wait until receiving an accurate list from them before purchasing.
4. Shop Loss-Leaders
Loss-leaders are the items stores desperately want you to pick up, hoping you'll spend more than they’re losing on the discount. Take advantage by documenting the front and back pages of sale ads for the best deals.
5. Compare Prices
Never shop for school supplies at just one place. Compare prices across different stores to secure the best bargains. Additionally, browse sales and utilize price comparison tools.
6. Peruse Clearance Sections
Clearance racks are treasure troves for savings, no matter the season. Leave with a smile after spotting a steal or two.
Recent Story: My son found a pair of jeans that he loved at a retailer but, full price, we dubiously left them behind. As we were exiting, we spotted the clearance section and found the identical jeans, tagged $5, for savings of $35. Winning!
7. Head to Dollar Stores
Yes, the Dollar Tree stays true to its name while offering many name-brand back-to-school supplies such as Bic, Sharpie, and more. Basic supplies like pencil pouches, binders, loose-leaf paper, scissors are also available. Bonus: Dollar Tree accepts manufacturers' coupons!
8. Stock Up
Don't forget to stock up for later in the year, as supplies like notebooks and folders will be used up rapidly. Picking up supplies at their best prices during the back-to-school period saves money all year round.
Cool Tip: Organize a homework station to store all the extra supplies in an affordable binder from the Dollar Store, then add inexpensive folders for each child to keep tabs on essential documents. Create a pencil pouch with spare pens, pencils, erasers, and a sharpener for ease during homework time.
9. Negotiate and Decorate
When it comes to pricier items, don’t cave in. Instead, compromise by allowing your child to decorate the almost-free items in a way that appeals to them.
[Insert emphasis here] It's inevitable that your child will plead for licensed items that come with a hefty price tag. Don't give in, and buy more affordable folders instead. Save money while allowing your child's creativity to flourish by offering packs of stickers, available at dollar stores, for faster decorating fun!
10. Reuse Last Year's Items
Before you begin shopping, check clothes, backpacks, lunch boxes, calculators, rulers, scissors, and colored pencils to see if they can be reused. Consider making a game out of it by engaging your child in a scavenger hunt to find the supplies.
11. Frequent Shopping
Back-to-school sales typically run from June through August, making it essential to check sales frequently. You can download the Flipp app to view sale ads in your area all in one place, ensuring you never miss a deal.
12. Buy in Bulk for Families
If you have multiple children, buying in bulk not only makes sense but also saves you money in the long run. Consider purchasing large packs of pens, pencils, paper, even socks, to share among siblings.
13. Follow Favorite Stores on Social Media
Signing up for newsletters from your favorite stores keeps you updated on the latest sales and exclusive offers. Plus, many stores offer incentives for signing up!
14. Score Cash Back
Rakuten, formerly Ebates, allows you to score cash back on your purchases. Shop through Rakuten, taking advantage of savings on items you'd be buying anyway.
More Savings Ideas: *15 Simple Ways to Save Money Every Month*
Embrace back-to-school shopping with a new mindset. By implementing these strategies, you'll not only save money but also reduce the stress of the back-to-school spending spree. Enjoy the satisfaction of providing your children with everything they need for a successful school year—without breaking the bank.
Don't forget to sign up for my free resource library with organizing tools like weekly and daily planner pages to keep your family's schedule in check and a place for your hard-earned cash to rest.
Follow me on *Pinterest* for even more budget-friendly tips. Happy shopping!
- A budget is crucial for personal-finance management during back-to-school shopping. Establish a budget beforehand and do your best to stick to it to avoid overspending.
- Planning and list-making can help save money while back-to-school shopping. Make a list of needed school supplies using your child's supply list, and consider purchasing essential items like notebooks and pencils in advance to take advantage of better prices.
