Now that the Fourth of July has passed, the next big item on the calendar is back to school shopping. This year is likely to be financially tighter than previous years for many people. Not only are families facing tighter budgets, state shortfalls are placing more of the supply burden on parents rather than school systems. So what can you do to cut some costs and still send junior to school with what he needs?
Reuse: Last year’s backpack or lunchbox is probably still good. There may be notebooks with only a few sheets ripped out. Folders may be bent, but still usable. Sports equipment can probably endure one more season. The computer can probably last one more year. Yes, a lot of kids want new things every year but if money’s tight, reuse these items for another year. Save the money to replace items that have been outgrown or are truly past their usefulness.
Buy used: Look into shopping at Goodwill, eBay, yard sales, consignment stores, etc. You can get great deals on clothing, electronics, books, and sports equipment if you’re willing to buy used.
Shop your state’s tax free holiday, if applicable. Not all states have these but if yours does, it can be a great way to save a little money. Just be aware that you might do better shopping a sale instead since many retailers don’t put items on sale during the tax free weekend. They hope that forgoing the tax is enough of a “sale” to get you to buy.
Compare online prices with physical store prices. Online coupons and free shipping may get you a better deal online than in a real store.
Sell last year’s stuff to raise funds for this year: Sell your unneeded supplies and outgrown clothes at a yard sale, on eBay, or at a consignment store to raise funds to cover this year’s purchases.
Stick to the list: Buy only what’s necessary and stick with the basic model. Don’t be swayed by “great deals,” the hype of back to school, or the begging of your kids. Get what they need, opt for a model with fewer frills, and get out.
Hit the loss leaders: Many office supply and discounters offer things like glue, paper, scissors, pencils, etc. for ridiculous prices (sometimes as low as a penny) to get you in the store in the hope that you’ll buy the rest of your supplies there, too. Don’t fall for it. Buy the cheap stuff and get out.
Plan your budget now: Don’t wait until three days before school starts to think about this. Go ahead and figure out how much you’ll need and start putting a little extra money away to cover it.
Try non-traditional sources for supplies: We all know about the office stores and the mass merchandisers. But places like Michael’s or AC Moore sell craft items and paper goods. And there is usually a 40% off one item coupon in each Sunday’s paper. Hit the dollar stores; they usually have pencils, paper, notebooks, glue, etc. Try outlets for clothes or stores that sell refurbished electronics. Pawn shops can even be a good source for computers or calculators. Think outside the big box stores.
Look into bulk purchases: If you’re a member of Sam’s, Costco, or the like, you might score better deals on some items by purchasing them in large quantities. Rather than buying individual pens for each kid, buy a big box and pass them out. Same with notebooks, paper, and glue.
Start early: Buy a little at a time as you find sales, coupons, and great buys. It may be easier to buy everything in one trip, but that is rarely the most cost effective method.
Wait: You don’t have to buy a whole new wardrobe before school starts. Get one new outfit to “make a good impression” on the first day and let them wear other clothes the rest of the time. Buy new clothes as needed, not just because “it’s back to school.”
Look for freebies and keep them throughout the year in a “back to school” stash. How many times have you picket up free pens, pencils, memo pads, etc. from conventions, expos, or hotels? Keep them and put them to use when school rolls around.
Buy simple and dress it up yourself: Plain binders, book covers, notebooks, folders, etc. are usually cheaper than their “Hannah Montana” or “Transformers” cousins. If your kid hates the plain model, dress it up yourself (or let the kids do it) with stickers, artwork, magazine clippings, etc.
If you have to buy for the classroom, buy in bulk or stock up at a big sale: Some schools ask the parents to provide supplies like paper or pens for the whole class. For these big purchases, be sure to buy only at stock up prices and get enough to cover most, if not all, of the year.
Give back: This isn’t a money saver, but it’s a kind thing to do. While you’re employing all of these savings tips and tricks, buy a little extra and donate it to an organization that provides supplies for truly needy kids. Most communities have an “Operation Back to School” or other charitable program that collects supplies for those who truly cannot afford them. Give a little of your extra to a worthy group. It’s just a nice thing to do and will probably come back to you in some way.
Shop wholesale: Stores like Sams Club, BJ’s Warehouse and Costco all offer substantial discounts. Consider shopping around and getting a warehouse membership. Substantial discounts on baked goods, eggs, other groceries, furniture and gasoline are all available at these stores.
Back to school time is never going to be cheap, but there are some ways to reduce the pain to a tolerable level.
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Jennifer Derrick is a freelance writer, novelist and children’s book author. When she’s not writing Jennifer enjoys running marathons, playing tennis, boardgames and reading pretty much everything she can get her hands on. You can learn more about Jennifer at: https://jenniferderrick.com/.
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