Back-to-school season is upon us, which means it’s time to hit your local department store and stock up on supplies. From backpacks and pencils to calculators and new clothing, the costs quickly add up. According to a report from the National Retail Federation, families with children in elementary to high school plan on spending an average of $849 on back-to-school purchases. To help you save money during this year’s shopping trip, we’ve compiled a list of helpful tips!
Take Inventory
After years of school shopping, there’s a good chance you’ve created a stockpile of supplies. Before hitting the department store, make sure to do a thorough check around the house to see if there’s anything on your list that you already own. You’d be surprised by how many items most people can knock off their list when they dedicate a few extra minutes to searching high and low.
Learn How to Say “No”
When shopping with your child, it can be tempting to splurge on those extra items that they’re sure to find and beg for. However, if you’ve got a tight budget, it’s vital to learn how to say no. The next time your child asks for something out of your price range, try compromising with a similar, but less expensive item. Additionally, consider opening a personal savings account and making small deposits each month. Perhaps you can save up and hold this large purchase for an upcoming birthday or holiday.
Don’t Discount Dollar Savings Stores
The Dollar Tree, Dollar General, and similar establishments can be fantastic places to find inexpensive items that your child needs. They’re well-stocked with journals, notebook paper, pencils, pens, backpacks, and much more, all for a fraction of the price you’d find at other stores. Begin your supplies hunt at a dollar savings store, then stop by the big-box retailer to locate anything you’re unable to find.
Shop Online for Deals
While some people prefer shopping in person, there are tons of great deals available at online stores. The great part of shopping online is that you can filter products by price, customer rating, color, size, and more so that you’re able to find what you’re looking for much faster. In addition, you can compare thousands of products to find the ones best suited to your unique needs.
Start Early
For many parents, just thinking about back-to-school shopping brings financial stress. While it can be tempting to save everything for the last minute, we recommend starting early and being diligent about finding the best deals. This will help you save money and feel less overwhelmed. Happy hunting!
