According to the National Retail Federation, the average family with a child in grades K-12 will spend about $630 on back-to-school shopping this year. The number might seem astronomical at first, but when you factor in necessities like clothing, backpacks and lunchboxes – in addition to those extensive school supply lists – it’s probably not too far off the mark.
Whether you dread the back-to-school shopping season or relish the opportunity to replenish your students’ supplies of scissors and glue sticks, it’s no secret that we all want to save money wherever we can. The following tips can help us make that happen.
Be a Bargain Hunter
Back-to-school bargains are everywhere, but you need to know where (and how) to look for them. Top bargain-hunting tips include:
Skip the sales tax by shopping Missouri’s Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday – also known as Tax-Free Weekend – from August 7-9.
Did you know there are ways to get school supplies at no cost? You’ll find seven great suggestions in this post on How to Get Free School Supplies.
Let popular money saving blogs and deal sites do the work for you. STL Mommy, for example, offers weekly Back-to-School Price Comparison Charts and Penny Pinchin’ Mom offers a comprehensive list of 2015 Back-to-School Deals and Resources.
Shop smarter by using an app like Red Laser, which scans barcodes and compares prices so you can score the best possible deals.
Take Inventory
In an effort to cut costs, a full 39% of parents say that they will reuse school supplies from last year. Go through last year’s leftover supplies carefully, and you’ll be surprised how many items are still in good condition. Teachers won’t appreciate broken crayons or dried up glue sticks, of course, but supplies like scissors, rulers and pencil boxes can all easily be repurposed. Don’t forget that siblings can swap items too; when you pool your resources, you’ll find that you need to buy less than you think.
Procrastinate (Seriously)
When it comes to back-to-school saving, the early bird doesn’t always get the worm. Retailers tend to slash school supply prices at the last-minute in an effort to move them off the shelves. And if you can put off at least some shopping until Labor Day, you’re likely to find those same supplies on clearance. While this strategy may not work on items kids need for the first day of school, keep in mind that they can use an old backpack or lunchbox for a few weeks before you purchase the new one they love on sale.
Waiting until Labor Day is also a great strategy for saving on clothing. Since most St. Louis students head back to school in mid-August while it’s still ridiculously hot, many can wear the same shorts and t-shirts they’ve been wearing all spring and summer for at least the first few weeks of school. Take advantage of Labor Day Sales and you’re likely to spend less on the jeans and jackets they’ll need for fall.
Shop Online
Back-to-school shoppers aren’t immune to impulse buying, especially when the kids are shopping (and whining and begging) too. Skip the shopping malls and tempting displays in favor of online shopping, where it’s easier to stick to your list and avoid purchases you don’t really need. Look for free shipping codes at www.freeshipping.org, and keep in mind that many merchants will ship online orders to one of their brick-and-mortar locations for free.
Stress Less
Back-to-school shopping shouldn’t be a source of serious stress. Remember that kids don’t need trendy, expensive clothes or the same fancy lunchbox their friend has to succeed in the classroom. Focus on what you can afford, and don’t feel badly about setting limits on any extras your children request.
If you find yourself worrying about your budget and feeling as though you’re not doing enough to get your kids ready for class, just read Going Back to School: The 1970s vs. Today. It’s a great reminder that back-to-school spending has gotten a bit out of control – and that all the hoopla associated with the back-to-school season is not nearly as big a deal as today’s parents make it out to be.
Alyssa Chirco is a freelance writer, mother and margarita lover, not necessarily in that order. In addition to writing for STL Parent, she is Contributing Editor at Parenting Squad, and covers parenting, health and lifestyle topics for publications across the country. She recently moved from the suburbs of St. Louis to a small town in rural Jefferson County, where she is learning to survive with no Target or Starbucks in sight. Follow her on Twitter @AlyssaChirco
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