Back-to-school shopping can be stressful and expensive. But it doesn’t have to be. Discover how to turn this annual ritual into a stress-free, budget-friendly adventure, ensuring your kids are well prepared without breaking the bank.
#1: Do an inventory at home.
Before you buy anything, “shop” at home. See if there are leftovers from last year. You might already have a supply of #2 pencils or unused notebooks. Check closets and last year’s backpacks. Make it a fun treasure hunt where the kids get involved.
#2: Spread out the shopping.
Give yourself plenty of time to find the best prices on the items on your list. Start early so you won’t feel pressured to buy everything in one trip. Also, remember that you don’t have to get it all by the start of school. Email the teacher to ask which items are most important, and which can wait. For clothing, start with the necessities: one pair of everyday shoes, one pair of sneakers, and a couple of new outfits. Wait until the fall holidays to shop the clothing sales.
#3. Check giveaway groups.
There are communities of recyclers who give away things for free. You can find many of them online. Check with your our local Buy Nothing Project group on Facebook or the Buy Nothing app. Look for your area’s Freecycle Network. Join these groups and ask your neighbors for what you need. You might be surprised at what you find, and it could inspire you to do your own decluttering.
#4. Shop without the kids.
It will be less stressful to shop without the kids and easier to stick to your budget. Plus, if you’re not doing a dedicated shopping trip for school supplies, it’s easier to pick up things as you’re out. However, if you are going to bring your kids, get them involved. Set expectations about what they will be getting so they are not disappointed. Start with a short list of items and a budget. Pro Tip: If they can spend under that amount, give them the extra to spend on something they’d like.
#5. Go with a plan.
Estimate how much items will cost and set your budget. Keep that list with you so you can check it periodically as you’re out. Importantly, stick to the list. Remember you don’t have to get everything in one trip or at one location. Watch weekly ads from local stores. Download apps to get notices of sales. Be strategic about how and where you shop.
#6. Compare prices before you buy.
How do you know you’re getting the best price? Try online tools like Google Shopping, which will compare prices. Coupon browsers like Honey, Capital One Shopping and CouponCabin also can help. Some stores match competitors’ advertised deals but there are limitations. (For example, Walmart will match a price on one item per day and only if it’s on Walmart.com for a lower price.) Shop with a credit card that gives cash back for extra savings.
#7. Check dollar stores and thrift stores.
Dollar stores offer great deals on essential supplies, such as glue, highlighters, pencil pouches, notebooks, and more. However, as our teacher friends often mention, it’s worth purchasing the name brands, Crayola and Ticonderoga, for crayons and pencils which may not be found at the dollar store. Thrift stores are also a great source to gear up for back to school. Look for gently used items from clothing to backpacks. Just make sure to check back regularly for new finds.
#8. Use discounted gift cards.
This clever hack allows you to buy a gift card for less than its face value. Then you can spend it at full value. That’s an automatic discount if you use it for school supplies. Check out sites like GiftCardGranny, Raise, MyGiftCardsPlus, and CardCash. Just make sure to carefully read the requirements. Do you have an unused gift card that you won’t use? You can sell it for extra cash too.
#9. Buy in bulk.
If you have membership to a warehouse store, check out school supplies that you can buy in bulk. You can split them among your children or share them – and the cost – with friends and family.
#10. Watch for sales after you’re done.
Keep your receipts. If the price drops on your item within two weeks, you may be able to get some of your money back. Policies vary per store so check with yours when you make the purchase.
Finally, prepare for the school year by brushing up on back-to-school safety and carpooling tips. Teach your kids how to be safe around cars. For added peace of mind, make sure you and your precious cargo are fully protected with the right vehicle policy. Wishing you a happy and healthy back-to-school season!
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
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