School supplies are not particularly cheap these days and it seems that every new school year the costs go up. Some of this is simple inflation and some of it is because the lists keep getting bigger. Whatever the reason, we have to find ways to save cash while shopping for school supplies. Here are five easy to implement tips to help you save money on school supplies!
Hit Clearance Sales All Year
Clearance sales are going on at various times throughout the year so it pays to keep a close eye on them. Some of the most popular back-to-school clearance sales are right at the end of the school year, as well as a month or two into the school year. When these clearance sales hit, stock up on all the items that you know you’re going to need. Buying things at a discount is a surefire way to save some cash.
Buy the Basics in Bulk
The basics are those things which students are going to need at every grade level. Examples of these include pencils, pens, looseleaf notebook paper, flash drives, notebooks and three ring binders. Buying these items in bulk will save you plenty of cash and also ensure that your children have the things they need at all times. Check with the larger discount outlets for the lowest prices and also keep an eye out for individual sales.
Take Advantage of Tax Free Events
Although tax-free weekends are no longer a given, they are still quite common throughout the country as of right now. If you are fortunate enough to get a tax-free weekend for back-to-school shopping, take full advantage of it and stock up. Saving the money on taxes becomes a very big deal when you are purchasing a new computer, laptop or other large ticket item for school. Even if you are only buying school supplies in general, it is well worth the investment of time.
Invest in Quality Items to Reuse
There are certain items that are repurchased every year and shouldn’t be. These items include backpacks, carry bags, sporting bags and the like. Instead of repurchasing these every single year and wasting money, invest a few extra dollars to get a very good quality item. If you do so, you can then pass this down to another child in your family or to a needy child. Tossing these out when they are in perfectly good shape seems like such a waste.
Utilize the Power of Online Shopping
The power of the Internet is often overlooked when it comes to school supplies. Although this is not always the case, there are a great many parents who simply do not think of it. By shopping online you can maximize your savings and virtually guarantee that you will get the lowest price on back-to-school items. The best part is you can do it from your kitchen table in your pajamas.
Got any other tips on how to save money when doing all that back-to-school shopping? We’d love to hear them!!
Uplifting Families says
School supplies are usually cheaper during back to school season. I always stock up and grab extra things so that my kids can shop from my closet during the school year. Plus it saves me a trip to the store.
I agree clearance items are a great way to stock up after the back to school season has ended.
Also, some retailers will pricematch too.
If your kids need clothes, try to spread out those costs and get only things they need when school starts. You can even add clothing to your child’s birthday and Christmas wish list.