Many of us are working on that dreaded back-to-school supplies list that seems to grow longer and longer each year. I was in for a huge surprise when I found out that in middle school they’ve begun charging lab and course fees. When did that come about?
This image is used by permission from Hobbies on a Budget
Needless to say, each year I attempt to get a jump start on the back-to-school supplies shopping by stocking up on pencils, paper, and notebooks when they go on sale and clearance. I do the majority of my supply shopping at the drug stores, believe it or not, by shopping their sales and using their reward programs to spend less out of pocket overall.
A few other tips that work for me:
- Check out your stockpiles, children’s rooms, and their book bags from the previous school year to see what items you have in stock. Many times I’d go shopping only to realize I had some of the items in my house (markers, index cards, etc).
- Price match at stores that allow it. This way you eliminate having to make multiple stops if another store has a must-have item at a lower price
- If your state offers tax free shopping, use that weekend to purchase items that are on sale and needed. The key words are SALE and NEEDED. Many times shoppers get excited about the tax holiday and other incentives stores use to
lureenticeget you to shop with them, that they overspend. Don’t fall for it! Just purchase what you need on your list and make sure it’s at a reasonable price. No need spending $1 on crayons because you don’t have to pay taxes on them, when they are typically less than a quarter during back-to-school sales. - Support back-to-school bashes in your community! You and the kiddos get a fun day out and many times free back-to-school supplies are offered.
How do you save during the back-to-school season?
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