Back to School on a Budget

Are your kids ready to go back to school? With local school start dates less than two weeks away, back to school shopping is at the top of many parents’ minds. Below are some helpful tips to get your kids back to class without breaking the bank.

• Take Inventory of What You Have

Before hitting the stores or adding items to your online shopping cart, take note of what you already have on hand. Maybe their P.E. shoes from last year still fit. Perhaps they have folders that went unused last year. Keep all of this in mind before developing a list of what you need.

• Make a List

The school supply list provided by your local school is an excellent resource. Once you have cross checked it against items you already have, now you can make a master list to help you shop while on a budget.

• Utilize Coupons

After completing your list of items needed, now it’s time to find coupons. Local newspapers often have ads with sales and coupons for school supply items in August. Also, big box stores run sales specifically targeting school supply shoppers. Don’t be afraid to look online for coupons to stack on top of existing promotions where applicable.

• Think Second Hand

Parents everywhere are preparing to send their children back to school. As they purchase new backpacks, clothes and shoes, they are often getting rid of items. This makes it an excellent time to browse Facebook Marketplace, the local thrift store and garage sales for items that may be on your list! Many items, like backpacks, if invested in initially will outlast many school years!

• Buy in Bulk

Review your shopping list to determine if there are items that will run out throughout the school year (think pens, notebooks, Kleenexes, etc.). By purchasing these items in bulk up front, not only will you be prepared for the entire year, but you will likely get a quantity discount.

• Shop Around

Whether you shop online or visit each store, compare prices on the items needed to ensure you are getting the best deal. Not only will this save you money, but it will also teach your children about budgeting in the process!

Let’s face it – back to school time is stressful for parents. Between schedule changes, added costs and overly excited children it can be a lot to take in. We hope these money saving tips can help take some of the stress out of back to school and make it more enjoyable for parents & kids alike.