6 Ways to Save on Back-to-School Shopping

Notebooks, pencils, backpacks, clothes… the start of a new school year requires lots of new supplies which may result in more expenses for parents. Eager to learn a few easy ways to cut costs during this year’s back-to-school shopping season? Just check out these helpful tips below!

Follow your (or your child’s) favorite stores on social media.
It’s not uncommon for retailers to reward their social media followers with special coupons or early announcements of upcoming sales. So – if you’re a social media user – jot down a list of stores you often visit for back-to-school items, become a follower of their social media accounts, and regularly check their posts.

Sign up for stores’ rewards programs
If you aren’t a social media user, another way to save big is signing up for rewards programs with your favorite stores. Most retailers offer a “welcome” coupon or promotion via email and will continue to send rewards based on shopping and spending habits. If you’re worried about these emails bogging down your inbox, set up a separate email account only for promotional emails.

Shop at a discount or dollar store.
Though you may not have as many options at a discount or dollar store as you would at other retail establishments, you may be able to find some of the needed items on your student’s supply list at a much lesser cost than a big-box retailer.

Put off clothing purchases.
Despite all the back-to-school clothing sales that take place in the late summer months, many stores offer their best clothing prices in September or October. If your student has enough clothing to get by for the first month or so of school, consider purchasing the bulk of his or her clothes later in the season.

Stock up for next year now.
Just as clothing often goes on sale once the back-to-school madness is over, so, too, do school supplies. Be proactive in saving yourself money next year by taking advantage of this year’s post-season sales. Your future self will thank you for it later!

Swap clothes and supplies with other parents.
This is a great way to get needed items for free! If there isn’t a clothing and/or supply swap already taking place in your area, consider setting one up yourself. Invite your neighbors or friends to meet up with their gently used items and set up a few basic ground rules for the swap. For instance, you may want to advise participants that they can select one item for each item donated, or have each person send a list or photos ahead of time of the available items.

be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be! We hope these tips will help you and your student(s) have an easy and successful start to the new school year.

Sources:

https://www.moneycrashers.com/back-to-school-supplies-list-tips/
https://www.consumerreports.org/school-supplies/how-to-save-money-on-back-to-school-supplies/
https://www.familycircle.com/family-fun/money/back-to-school-shopping-savings/