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14 Back To School Money Saving Tips!

At this time of year parents of school aged children cannot help but think about back-to-school shopping.

For many students, buying school supplies, clothes, and other school stuff is exciting.  However, for some parents, it can be the biggest expense that they will face when it comes to their kids.

Purchasing school supplies, clothes, shoes, lunch boxes, backpacks, and electronics can be expensive when you add up all the costs.  But, did you know that you can buy everything they need without breaking the bank?

Here are 14 Money-Saving Shopping Tips When Buying Back-to-School Supplies!

Raid For Supplies

The first step, before you buy anything, is to start at home.  Most of the items on the list of school items are office supplies and we often have many of them at home.

Do a scavenger hunt with your kids and look for any old leftover supplies that you have around the house.  Once you have everything you can find at home, make a list and know exactly what you need to buy.

Plan A Supply Swap

Coordinate with your friends, relatives, and neighbors and do a supply swap before you shop.

You might have a few reams of loose-leaf paper you bought on sale and your friend has several boxes of pencils which can be traded for your paper.

Talk to your friends, family, and neighbors who have school-aged children and see if they are interested in any items that you have.

Buy in Bulk

As couponers, we know how important it is to stock up when the item’s price is at its lowest.  If you wait until it is the time to buy the school supplies, you might end up buying them at their highest prices.

Don’t wait until the weekend before the school starts to do your shopping!  Shop all year round and get the best deals.  Buy in bulk and stock up to cut down on your expenses at the beginning of the school year.  The sooner you start shopping, the more money you can save.

Shop End of Summer Sales, Garage Sales, And Thrift Stores

Keep an eye on the End of Summer Sales.  Garage sales can also be a treasure trove of deals for school supplies.  You can easily find backpacks, never been used shoes and clothes, and even school supplies for a discounted price.

Check The Dollar Store

You can get incredible bargains on back-to-school items at the dollar store.   You can find basic supplies like pens, notebooks, and paper, as well as classroom supplies like sanitizer, and Kleenex at bargain prices.

Start shopping during the summer months.  You never know what items the stores will order or how long these items will be in stock.

Use Coupons

We all know the importance of coupons, not only in our lives, but, also in our budget.  Always wait for the rock-bottom prices on school supplies and grab your coupons before shopping.

Save The Rewards Points

This is good not only during the Back-to-School season but the holidays as well.  Shop at places where you can get rewards and save them up!

You can save your Extra Care Bucks from CVS or take photos of your receipt and deposit them in your ibotta account.   Using rewards apps will not only let you save money on your shopping, you can also exchange your points to gift cards or cash.

Also, Check Out: 11 Money Saving Back To School Shopping Tips!

Compare Prices

Shopping for school items is similar to buying your groceries.  To save the most, you need to shop around.

Walmart.com is committed to providing low prices every day, on everything.* So if you find a lower price from an online retailer on an identical, in-stock product, tell us and we’ll match it.* Additionally, if you recently bought something from Walmart.com and it is now listed at a lower price, let us know.

Target also does price matching.  You are not only saving yourself time, headaches, and gas — it will help you stick to your budget.

Shop During Your State’s Sales Tax Holiday

Many states have their own sales tax holidays where you can buy items without paying sales tax.  During these days, you can purchase clothes, computers, tablets, and school supplies tax-FREE!

Find the date of your state’s sales tax holiday and check to see if online shopping is included, because that makes it even easier – no fighting the crowds.  Many states have a sales tax holiday during the first week of August while there are others who celebrate it in July.

Hold Off On New Clothing

All the kids want the newest trends for the first days of school.  Although a lot of stores and retailers put their clothing on sale during back-to-school season, it is not the best time to buy a new wardrobe for your child.

In fact, prices go down in September, after the back to school rush is over.

You might want to buy a couple of new items before school starts, but, wait and spend the rest of the back to school clothes budget in September and October when the prices will be much lower.

Invest in Quality

When comparing school supplies, quality supplies are more expensive, but, you also have to consider if they last longer and hold up better, for example Rose Art Markers are not great quality when compared to Crayola.  Elmer’s and Crayola are time-tested brands that last longer than generic ones.

If you are watching sales, you can get quality school supplies at the same price or below the generic ones.  Even if you add a dollar or two, it is worth investing in quality supplies, especially if they last longer and don’t have to restock them as often.

Say No

Going school supplies shopping with your child is a fun bonding experience.  However, it can also add a few hundred dollars to your bill if you cave to their requests for designer jeans or over the top backpacks.

You can save more money if you tell your kids before you leave home that you’re sticking to the items on your list and you won’t get any extras.  Sitting down with your kids and sales ads ahead of time can be helpful, too.  You can work out all the kinks and eliminate the begging if you head out with a plan in mind and everyone is on the same page.

Or, you could just go school shopping on your own.  Buy your kids what they might need on their first day of school and while they’re in school, you can look for the other items yourself, and usually at a discounted price if you’re shopping after school starts and the surplus at the stores are on sale.  This is not only relaxing, but, you are saving a lot of money too.

Keep An Eye On Online Stores

There are great deals that you can’t get in stores!  Check other websites such as Schoola, where you can purchase clothes which are gently worn, a lot cheaper, and the proceeds are used to help schools!

Schoola gives 40% back to the school of your choice.  Plus, they offer FREE shipping and a $15 when you sign up.  You also earn $15 for every person you refer.

Look For The Best Deals

The easiest way for you to find the best deals available is to sign-up for our email subscription.  You may also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Back To School Pinterest Board!

As you begin purchasing your children’s school supplies, I hope that these smart tips were able to save you a few hundred dollars.

Do you have other tips to add on this list?

Check out our other back to school posts that can be helpful, too:

How To Save Money On Back To School Shopping

11 Back To School Shopping Tips To Save Your Money And Your Sanity

18 Back To School Organization Hacks!