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Back-to-School Tips When You're on a Budget
Special to The Truth
Between new clothes and
new school supplies, back-to-school season can put a strain
on household budgets.
In 2015, families planned
to spend $630 on back-to-school items, according to the
National Retail Federation, and this year’s numbers are also
expected to be pricey. With a little planning, your family
can get the most out of your school shopping budget -- by
taking advantage of sales, comparison shopping, buying in
bulk and simply by making sure you don’t buy things you
already own.
Here are some smart ways
families can reduce costs as students head back to class
this fall.
End-of-Season Sales
Take advantage of
end-of-season sales to stock up. This concept may not help
you this fall, but it’s a great habit to adopt now for
long-term savings. You can stock up on summer clothes now
and great fall items once the weather gets chillier. Stores
will be offering deep discounts and clearance prices on
items that eventually will come in handy for next
back-to-school season. Remember to take into account that
kids grow quickly!
Add it Up
Bigger ticket school
supply items can cost you a pretty penny if you don’t
comparison shop.
For example, required
tools like a high-quality graphing calculator can come with
a price tag of $75 or more! Get more for your money with an
affordable model, such as Casio’s fx-9750GII, which retails
for under $50. It offers useful features like a high
resolution screen and compatibility with a personal
computer. It is also permitted to be used in such major
tests as the ACT and the SAT. More information about
calculators can be found at CasioEducation.com.
Take Stock and Buy in Bulk
Don’t buy things you
already own, and take advantage of bulk discounts for the
stuff you need! Before making your shopping list take stock
of what school supplies you already have in your closets --
and your child’s backpack -- from the last school year. From
scissors to folders to unused or partially used notebooks,
you may already have many things your kids need for the year
ahead.
For those necessities that
kids will need all year long -- such as tape, paper, pens,
pencils, markers and more -- take advantage of bulk sales at
discount stores and online retailers. Buying more now can
save you cash in the months ahead.
Go Green
Brown bags, plastic
baggies and plastic silverware are small expenses that add
up quickly. Instead, opt for reusable lunch container
alternatives and a one-time expense. It’s not only good for
the planet, but kids will get on board if you let them pick
items that speak to their sense of style. You’ll also save
yourself trips to the store!
Don’t let back-to-school
make a hefty dent in your wallet. At the store, take
advantage of great deals and also consider different ways of
eliminating perennial expenses.
Courtesy StatePoint
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