Whether you’re ready for it or not, we are quickly approaching the end of the summer season. As we get close to the start of August, were only weeks away from many schools across the country ringing the bell and ushering students back into their halls. That makes right now back-to-school season as we begin to see many ads start popping up on our TV and Internet.
Many families have a difficult time facing back-to-school expenditures. This time of year is second only to Christmas in terms of major family needs and buys. The National Retail Federal is estimated that parents will spend on average around $696 per child going back to school. If your child is enrolled in sports, that number can easily push past the $1,000 mark and even broach $2,000.
Just like the cost of college tuition, back-to-school costs are constantly inflating. School supplies and clothing continues to get more expensive. After a nice relaxing summer, the last thing parents want to do is be barrage with the number of ads telling them that summer is about over. They began sweating over the amount of money they know they have to fork out.
To make matters worse, a lot of teachers are beginning to ask students to take on larger needs. Their budgets are small and schools are running out of money, so they rely on parents to supply various items, making the cost of back-to-school shopping that much more expensive. Let’s take a look at five ways that you can save money on back-to-school shopping.
1) Look Around the House
You can save money by doing a simple supply sweep around your home. You might have a pack of folders or notebooks hidden in a desk drawer somewhere. Maybe you have a storage bin full of hidden treasures that will help you from spending money on things you already have. This is also a great time to go through your child’s clothing. See what close they have and what they’ve outgrown over the summer. As much as they want brand-new name brand stuff, there’s no point supplying them a brand-new wardrobe just because it’s the start of a new year.
2) Do a Supply Swap with Family and Friends
If you’ve taken the time to pull out all the extras that you have around the house, maybe get together with family and friends who also have kids going back to school. Even if they don’t have kids, they might have extra reams of paper or a box of pencils or stack of notebooks that they’re not using. You might have something extra that they need and it will be worth the swap to save you both money in the long run.
3) Thrift Stores and Garage Sales Will Save You
You never know what you’ll find that a thrift store or garage sale. These places can hold all kinds of treasures and back-to-school supplies. You might find new clothing, backpacks, or other supplies that you’ll need. Your child might not want gently used stuff, but that’s because they have no concept of a budget and they’ll have to live with what they get. No one has to know that what they’re wearing for the supplies they’re using was bought at a thrift store or garage sale.
4) Go to the Dollar Store
Dollar stores often have amazing deals on things you need. It is not just a place for party supplies and cheap stuff anymore. You can get notebooks, pencils, Kleenex, sanitizers, pens, and so much more at a dollar store for much cheaper than you’d find in a department store.
5) Tax Holidays Are a Thing
You may not know about this, but many states have what are called tax holidays. Tax holidays are allowed so that shoppers can buy things without having to pay an enormous sales tax on top of it. You should do your research and find out when your state holds the tax holiday. Many states have one of the first week of August or maybe the last week in July. These tax holidays help shoppers for the back-to-school season. This is when you should make your larger purchases, like if you need to buy a computer.
