It's already almost that time of the year...back to school! Check out these helpful tips and tricks to learn how you can save some money this back to school season!
1. Make a list, and stick to it.
Consider which items are non-negotiable and make sure your money goes toward those items, not extra supplies that are not necessary. Teacher supply lists can be daunting enough as it is, so stick to that and don't waste time and money on unwanted items.
2. Check out supermarkets for basic supplies.
Save money, as well as gas and time, buy getting your grocery shopping and school supply shopping done at the same time. Check your weekly circulars for great deals on pens, pencils, and loose-leaf paper.
3. Sweep your home for supplies.
Whether you know it or not, it's possible that you might already have plenty of school supplies lying around your house. So start rounding up all of the office and school supplies that you already own. Check closets, desk drawers, etc. for supplies-- you never know what you might find! Once you have done your sweep, check off what you already have from your list before you go shopping and buy things you don't need.
4. Hit up the Dollar Store.
These stores are known for their bargains! You can buy basic supplies like notebooks, pens, pencils, erasers, highlighters, calculators. etc. You can start shopping at these stores earlier in the summer and get some of your shopping out of the way ahead of time, because they are always offering low prices.
5. Try online shopping.
Often, you can save money on school supplies and back-to-school clothes by shopping online. Sign up to receive emails from stores to find out when their daily/weekly sales are. Companies often offer better prices online than in their physical stores. Also, be sure to keep an eye out for inexpensive delivery options. Doing this will save you time, gas, and money.
6. Get creative!
Almost all schools require that books are covered with a protective layer. Instead of spending money on decorative book covers at the store, get creative with supplies that you probably already have. Some options include wallpaper, wrapping paper, newspaper, paper bags, etc. These kinds of covers provide a blank canvas for kids to display their artistic skills.
7. Let the kids chip in.
If your child has a piggy bank with birthday, Christmas or allowance money in it, let them contribute to school supply shopping. Maybe you already got them everything from their required list, but now they want a pencil case with their favorite movie character on it. Let them purchase that with their own money. It will teach them about money management and give them the feeling of accomplishment knowing that they bought that themselves with their own money (or at least chipped in a little bit for it!).
