It’s that time of year again! School will be starting back soon and that means back-to-school...
It’s that time of year again! School will be starting back soon and that means back-to-school shopping is just around the corner!
School supplies can be expensive, and it seems like kids need more every year. But don’t worry, there are ways you can still get everything you need and not break the bank.
1. Start early.
The earlier you start shopping for school supplies, the better. Maybe buy backpacks and lunch boxes in June, some notebooks, folders, and pencils in July, and then buy the rest in August. Splitting up your purchases will help get everything you need and avoid spending all of it at once. So your spending feels much more manageable.
2. Take advantage of the sales.
Come mid-July, likely every store you go into has ‘Back-to-School Sales!’ banners and signs all around. Take advantage of these sales! If you run into Walmart to grab printer ink and see they’re doing BOGO headphones, go ahead and buy some! Or when you run into Publix to grab groceries and see $5 lunch boxes, get that wallet out.
Looking around and making your school supplies shopping a part of your everyday life can help you find good deals and still avoid that giant purchase right before the school year starts.
3. Look online.
While nothing beats the fun of hand-picking your new notebooks and pencil pouches, online outlets often have additional options and discount codes that come with them. Check out online retailers like Amazon, or even Target and Walmart’s websites, to see what exclusive online-only deals they have going on.
4. Shop around.
It may be tempting to buy everything at the first place you go, but try looking around to see your options! Before you go shopping, check out their websites. Are water bottles the same price at Walmart then they are at Target? Does Staples have cheaper notebooks and pencils? Does Macy’s have a better selection of clothes? Maybe Old Navy is having a sale on kids shirts?
Do your due diligence and look around. You’d be surprised how much of a difference the same product can be at two different stores!
5. Reuse and try reseller stores.
If you have kids that are one or two sizes (or grades) apart, try reusing some of your older one’s gently used clothes and school supplies.
You should also try reseller stores. Stores like Bargain Hunt, TJ Maxx, Ross Dress for Less, and any other local resellers/discount stores often have bulk choices of new clothes, school supplies, accessories, and more! Don’t count them out. They often have the designer labels but without the price tag!
Back-to-school shopping can seem overwhelming. And it is! Especially when you have multiple kids with multiple needs and a limited budget. But these simple tips should help you get a deal or two and not break your bank trying to give your kids the best. Leaving you the time and energy to help get your kids excited for the new school year!
Good luck and happy saving!
Mollie Macklin is a content contributor for The Plinq. Mollie believes knowledge is power and enjoys creating valuable content for young adults navigating big financial decisions to help them create the lifestyle that makes them happy. Mollie also enjoys funny movies, traveling with her boyfriend, playing her Nintendo Switch, and hanging out with her cats in her free time.
