Heading back to school comes with many responsibilities and expenses. From purchasing new school supplies to updating wardrobes, the costs can quickly add up. However, with some creative thinking and planning, it’s possible to save money and still provide your child with everything they need for a successful school year. In this blog post, we will explore 10 creative ways to save on back-to-school shopping, helping you stretch your budget without sacrificing quality.
1. Take Inventory
Take stock of the items you already have at home before rushing to buy new supplies. Check through backpacks, drawers, and storage spaces to identify reusable items such as stationery, calculators, or lunch boxes. Your child’s scissors or pencils for instance didn’t just stop working on the last day of school last year, so you likely don’t need to replace everything. By making a list of what you already have, you can avoid purchasing unnecessary duplicates.
2. Set a Budget & Stick To It
After taking inventory, setting a budget should be step two. Creating a budget is crucial when it comes to back-to-school shopping. Determine how much you are willing to spend overall and allocate specific amounts for different categories, such as clothing, school supplies, and electronics. By setting a budget, you will have a clear understanding of your limits and be less likely to overspend impulsively. Track your expenses as you shop and adjust accordingly to avoid going over budget.
3. Involve Your Child(ren)
Include your child or children in the back-to-school shopping process and communicate your budgetary concerns with them. By providing them with a clear understanding of the family’s financial situation, they will be more likely to appreciate the value of money and make conscious decisions while shopping. This is especially true if you read my post The Best $6 We Spend All Week, and started implementing money discussions with your little ones.
A lot of back to school shopping is in the mindset you set. If your kids think or know each year they are getting all brand new items, that is a mindset I’d be working on changing if you’re looking to save on money and/or not be wasteful. It’s time we normalize reusing items and challenge the status quo of buying brand new everything to start each school year.
4. Shop Sales & Discounts
One of the most practical methods to save on back-to-school shopping is to keep a keen eye out for sales and discounts. Many stores offer special promotions during this time of year, offering significant markdowns on various school supplies and clothing items. Familiarize yourself with store flyers, sign up for newsletters, and follow social media pages of retailers to stay updated on discounts. Additionally, make use of price comparison websites to ensure you’re getting the best deal possible.
5. Price-Matching
Very similar to my post titled The Ultimate Guide to Saving Money on Your Groceries, many of these tips are the same. This is one of them. Make the most of price-matching policies to ensure you get the lowest price possible. Several stores have price-matching guarantees, meaning that if you find an identical product at a lower price elsewhere, they will lower their price to match it. Before making a purchase, research prices at different stores and present the lower price to the cashier at the store you prefer. This way, you can enjoy the convenience of shopping at your preferred store while still getting the best deal available.
6. Get Thrifty!
Don’t overlook the potential savings in purchasing second hand items for back-to-school shopping. Thrift stores, consignment shops, garage sales, and online marketplaces are incredible resources for finding clothing, backpacks, and other school essentials at a fraction of the original price. Take the time to inspect the items carefully to ensure their quality and cleanliness. Your child is growing like crazy, the clothes you acquire are only used for a few seasons until they don’t fit anymore, which makes thrifting a no brainer. Additionally, consider asking friends or family members if they have any items that they no longer need but are still in good condition.
7. Quality
Oftentimes when we cheap out on items, whether it be clothing, supplies or backpacks for instance, we pay more because we have to replace more frequently. If you do your research, read reviews and opt for higher quality products, you likely will get more longevity out of your items. With our son for instance, we purchased a new LL Bean backpack for him when he started school. Going into year 3, it’s still going strong. Pair this one up with number 10 on this list: “Buy in the Off-Season”, and you can score some nice quality products for a fraction of the price.
8. Opt for Generic
When it comes to school supplies, generic or store brand items often provide the same quality as their more expensive counterparts. From notebooks and pens to markers and folders, opting for these alternatives can save you a significant amount of money. Compare prices and test out different brands to see which ones work well for your child’s needs.
9. Plan Ahead for the Future
Take advantage of post-back-to-school sales to plan ahead for the following school year. Stock up on items that are deeply discounted, regardless of whether your child needs them immediately. By purchasing supplies during these sales, you can save money in the long run and have a ready supply of essentials.
10. Buy In the Off-Season
Consider buying back-to-school clothes at the end of the season or during clearance sales. Take advantage of the discounted prices for summer clothing, which can still be appropriate for the early fall season. These clothes can be stored until the next school year, saving you a considerable amount of money.
Conclusion
Back-to-school shopping doesn’t have to drain your bank account. By implementing these creative money-saving tips, you can successfully navigate the back-to-school season while staying within your budget. Remember to shop strategically, take advantage of discounts and rewards, and explore alternative options such as DIY and secondhand shopping. With careful planning and a little creativity, you can ensure your child is well-prepared for the school year without breaking the bank.
If you or anyone you know are looking to take control of your money, get in shape financially, and change your trajectory; don’t hesitate to contact me and book a free call to discuss how I can turn your situation around or make your current situation much better. Looking forward to hearing from you!