Some families in our area have already gone back to school and many others begin this week. No matter when you begin, heading to the classroom can cost a pretty penny. Of course we’re all feeling a little stretched right now, so additional expenses may feel impossible. While going back to school won’t be free, there are ways to begin the year well without going overboard. Check out these 7 Sure-Fire Ways to Save on Back to School.
7 Items You Shouldn’t Have to Purchase Each Year
While it feels nice to have new everything at the start of the year, the truth is you shouldn’t have to buy it all again and again. Odds are good you have several items in your closet or your kids’ backpack from last year. Here are 10 things to keep your eyes peeled for:
- Backpacks – Unless it’s totally trashed, use it again or at least begin the school year with it and then snag one on clearance in September/October.
- Rulers – a durable item most of us have in a desk somewhere, the measurements don’t change.
- Scissors – for younger children, last year’s pair should do just fine.
- Binders – check to see if any from last year can be used again; it really depends on the student.
- Calculators – unless you have a high school student who needs a high end calculator, one you have already should work.
- Lunch boxes – like the backpack, start the year in last year’s and replace it when needed or with a clearance one.
- Locker decor – odds are good you can make items you already have work for this, too. Look around for last year’s shelves and mirrors. We’ve even used magnetic tape on wrapping paper, photos, and stickers to add some pizazz while using what we already have.
Clothing Tips
Your child may need some necessities replaced, especially if they’ve grown over the summer. However, you don’t need to replace their entire wardrobe. Abide by some of these do’s and don’t’s when you’re shopping.
Do
- Buy an outfit for the first day if you can afford it. It’s fun to begin the year in a spiffy new fit. If you can, purchase one. If you can’t, go through the closet and pull together an ensemble that feels fresh.
- Check with your school about uniform exchange programs. If your school requires uniforms, they may have a place to donate items that no longer fit and pick up pieces either for free or at a discount that others have passed along, too.
- Take an inventory of what you have. Clean through the closet and drawers to see what you really need before you do any shopping at all. Take note of all sizes – shirt, pant, shoe, etc. So when you do hit the aisles, you’ll be armed with the correct information.
- Begin with the clearance area. Everyone is fighting for those dollars right now and there’s clearance galore! Check the clearance racks first.
Don’t
- Purchase a lot of fall items. It’s still hot out. There will be a time for jeans and sweaters. Leave it for later in the year.
- Buy items that don’t follow dress code. Know your dress code. Don’t sink a bunch of cash into clothing that won’t ever see the classroom.
- Shop without a coupon. Everyone wants your business right now! Use your phone to do a quick search at every store, maximize rewards programs, and don’t let incentives like Kohl’s or Old Navy Cash expire on you. Put those dates on your calendar!
Allow Kids to Manage the Budget
For older children, back to school is an amazing time to learn about the realities and limitations of money. Once you’ve determined how much you’re going to spend this year, allow them to manage the money. I’d suggest dividing your spending into the categories of clothing and supplies. Be sure they have thorough lists of needs and allow them to do some of the decision making. They may opt for one pricey pair of jeans over 3 pairs of non-name brand. You have to be ok with that (or set some parameters). But this is a great way for them to begin to learn how to manage the cash.
Cash in Any Rewards You Have
Swagbucks, Disney Movie Insiders, Shopkick, Fetch (the code XP4EV gets you at least 2000 points right now) – these are a few of my favorite rewards apps. If you use any of these or others, now is the time. They’ll help to supplement your perhaps limited budget. And it’s also not a bad idea to go on a treasure hunt in your house, car, and wallet to look for unused gift cards or even spare change. Scratch up any extra cash you may have hiding to help defray the expenses.
Skip the Dollar Store
Back to school is actually one time of the year that you can get better deals in the big box retailer than the dollar store. Oftentimes, when it comes to office and school supplies, the dollar store items are smaller in volume and higher in price.
Buy Double on Deals
Along the same line of thinking, be sure you have replacement items for later in the year. Notebooks are eventually used. Folders get ripped. Pencils are lost. So when you are picking up those Loss Leader Bargains, go ahead and grab two or three. These items will be marked back up to triple or even quadruple the price later in the year. You won’t regret having extras on hand.
Make Lists Everyone Can See
If you have older kids, it’s a great idea to use an app like Cozi or even Notes on your iPhone or a Google Doc to compile a list. That way, the entire family can see needs and be able to pick up items as they are encountered out in the store. If you can make your back to school shopping a bit by bit affair rather than a fail swoop, you’ll be able to spread the expense and time spent out rather than making one enormous haul.
Hang in there, shoppers! We can do this together. Begin the year well.
My book is now available: Slaying the Debt Dragon: How One Family Conquered Their Money Monster and Found an Inspired Happily Ever After. You can also check out The Debt Free Devotional
This post contains an affiliate link. That means when you get a great deal, learn about a way to save, or maybe even something for free, I may end up making a small commission. All prices are subject to change.
