It’s back-to-school season, but that doesn’t mean you need to break your budget, overspend, or go crazy with hot new items. Here are some back-to-school shopping hacks to get you started, combining strategies to save money and make the most of your shopping trips at the same time.
1. Take Inventory
Before you set foot in a single store, take inventory of what you already have at home. Check your closets, drawers, and storage bins for any school supplies or clothing that can still be used. Keep a running list of everything you find so you know exactly what you have and avoid buying duplicates. Take this list with you when you go to the store to ensure you do not purchase something that you already have at home. If needed, you could also put all the supplies in one place and have it ready to get out when you prepare to organize all the school supplies.
2. Shop Tax-Free
Many states offer sales-tax holidays during the summer, allowing you to shop for big-ticket items like laptops or school shoes without the extra cost of sales tax. These tax-free days can significantly reduce the final price of your purchases. To find out when your state offers tax-free shopping, check online for a list of sales-tax holidays by state. For Oklahoma, clothing purchases under $100 dollars are tax free from August 2 to August 4.
3. Shop With A List
Don’t rely solely on the list of required supplies from your child’s school or teacher. When shopping, start with a clear goal of what you plan to buy. Take with you the list of supplies you have at home, and the list you make of items you need. This approach helps you stay focused, reducing the likelihood of overspending on items you don’t really need. Plan beforehand which of your children, or you, need certain items and how many.
4. Divide and Conquer
School supply sales are abundant, but they often vary by store. While one store might offer a great deal on crayons, another might have a sale on pencils. Instead of running around town, team up with another parent. Split the supply list and pool your costs and savings. This way, you both benefit from the best deals without the hassle of multiple trips.
5. Let Your Kids Choose Some Items
Teach your kids a lesson in budgeting by allowing them to shop for one or more costlier items on their own. Set a reasonable budget together, but let your child do the actual choosing and paying. To encourage thriftiness, offer to let them keep the change if they spend less than the budgeted amount.
6. Save Some Stuff for Later
There’s no need to purchase an entire autumn wardrobe before Labor Day. Waiting for mid-season sales can save you a significant amount of money. Buy the essentials now and wait for better deals on clothing and other non-immediate items. Black Friday and Holidays sales are just around the corner if you do not need your purchases sooner.
7. Go Crazy for Coupons
Utilize coupon sites like RetailMeNot.com, CouponCabin.com, and Coupons.com for percentage-off or money-off coupons. These can help you save big on your back-to-school shopping. You can also watch for your favorite stores’ back-to-school sales which occur in July or August. Keep an eye out for catalogs and online sales too!
8. Shop the Dollar Store
Before hitting big-box stores, check your local dollar store for school supplies. Many essential items like notebooks, pens, and folders are available for just a dollar, making it an economical choice for basic supplies. By purchasing more inexpensive basic items here, you can reserve more of your budget for clothing or other necessities that cost more.
9. Get Backpacks Online
If your child wants a character backpack, check online at Walmart, Kohls, or Amazon for deals. For designer tastes, go to6PM.com and find brand-name bags at a fraction of their regular price. Oftentimes, you can find better deals online and not have to sacrifice the time to find one you or your child likes by going to multiple stores.
10. Shop on Sunday and Monday
Weekly sales on school supplies usually start at the beginning of the week. Shop on Sunday or Monday to get the best deals before the most sought-after items are sold out.
11. Utilize In-Store Price Matching and Compare Prices
Many stores, such as Staples, Kohl’s, and JCPenney, offer in-store price matching. Some even beat a competitor’s lower price. Always ask about price matching policies before you pay to ensure you’re getting the best deal. You can also use apps or websites like ShopSavvy, Price.com, or PriceGrabber to compare prices on big-ticket items. A quick barcode scan can show you the best deals available and where to go to get them.
12. Use Discounted Gift Cards
Check websites like Raise.com or GiftCardGranny.com for discounted gift cards to your favorite stores. This extra saving can stretch your budget even further and allow for more items or more costly items.
Follow your favorite stores on Facebook, Instagram, or X to get notices about sales events and exclusive coupon links. This can help you stay on top of their sales and see the ones they are featuring. It will also help you know of closures and other important information about them. Since social media posts and interaction are real time, it could give you the extra time you need to ensure you get a discount before a store sells out.
14. Time Your Shopping
Learn the markdown cycles of your favorite stores. For instance, Target discounts children’s clothing every Monday, and TJ Maxx posts new markdowns on Wednesdays. Timing your shopping trips can help you get the best deals.
By incorporating these strategies, you can make the most of your back-to-school shopping without breaking the bank. Budgeting and planning out purchases ultimately lead to greater savings and greater financial stability. Use these hacks to cash in on savings this season and beyond!
