Each August barbers, salons, malls and retail stores fill up as families begin their back to school shopping. From pencils and ruler, to haircuts and new shoes, back to school shopping can add up. Here are some tips to help you get the essentials, without spending more than you need to and can afford:
Reuse some of last year's supplies including backpacks and lunchboxes that are in mint condition.
Compare online prices with physical store prices. Online coupons and free shipping may get you a better deal online than in a real store.
Stick to a list. Buy only what’s necessary and stick with the basic model. Don’t be swayed by “great deals,” the hype of back to school, or the begging of your kids.
Plan your budget now. Don’t wait until three days before school starts to think about this. Go ahead and figure out how much you’ll need and start putting a little extra money away to cover it.
Start early. Buy a little at a time as you find sales, coupons, and great buys. It may be easier to buy everything in one trip, but that is rarely the most cost effective method.
You don’t have to buy a whole new wardrobe before school starts. Get one new outfit to “make a good impression” on the first day and let them wear other clothes the rest of the time. Buy new clothes as needed, not just because “it’s back to school.”
Look for freebies and keep them throughout the year in a “back to school” stash. How many times have you picket up free pens, pencils, memo pads, etc. from conventions, expos, or hotels? Keep them and put them to use when school rolls around.
Resources:
http://www.savingadvice.com/blog/2009/07/13/104827_back-to-school-shopping-on-a-budget.html
Reuse some of last year's supplies including backpacks and lunchboxes that are in mint condition.
Compare online prices with physical store prices. Online coupons and free shipping may get you a better deal online than in a real store.
Stick to a list. Buy only what’s necessary and stick with the basic model. Don’t be swayed by “great deals,” the hype of back to school, or the begging of your kids.
Plan your budget now. Don’t wait until three days before school starts to think about this. Go ahead and figure out how much you’ll need and start putting a little extra money away to cover it.
Start early. Buy a little at a time as you find sales, coupons, and great buys. It may be easier to buy everything in one trip, but that is rarely the most cost effective method.
You don’t have to buy a whole new wardrobe before school starts. Get one new outfit to “make a good impression” on the first day and let them wear other clothes the rest of the time. Buy new clothes as needed, not just because “it’s back to school.”
Look for freebies and keep them throughout the year in a “back to school” stash. How many times have you picket up free pens, pencils, memo pads, etc. from conventions, expos, or hotels? Keep them and put them to use when school rolls around.
Resources:
http://www.savingadvice.com/blog/2009/07/13/104827_back-to-school-shopping-on-a-budget.html
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