Back to School

It’s time to head back to school. Before you dig too deep into your wallet, read up on money saving strategies for school supplies and kids’ clothes.

Check out the weekly ads. Grocery markets, discount stores, and office supply shops all want some of your back to school dollars, and nobody says you have to do all of your shopping at just one store. Watch for school year must-haves to hit super low prices by scanning the weekly ads. Crayons, pencils, folders, and notebook paper can often be bought for just a few cents. Don’t take the kids unless you must. They might just “need” expensive items with fancy licensed designs. Instead, make a fun afternoon out of decorating plain folders and binders with crafty items from around the house.

To save even more, you may want to organize a buying group. Sometimes the best deals are available on bulk packages with too many units for just one family to use. When you get the annual list of required school supplies, team up with other moms in the same school to accomplish the buying. Divvy up the items, so that each participant focuses on finding an awesome sale price for just one or two items. 

Don’t forget thrift stores and consignment stores as a way to stock up on clothing at discounted prices. Gently used and sometimes new garments are donated to thrift shops, and you will feel like a hero when you score favorite brands for next to nothing. Check the contents of children’s closets before a trip to a consignment store. You can make a list of just what you need to buy, and you can sell outgrown clothing in good condition to the store for cash or store credit.

Forget about keeping up with the Joneses, and decide what’s right for your family in the new school year. Set a budget, make a plan, and stick to it. The extra cash in your pocket will come in handy because before you know it, it will be time for holiday shopping!