By: Lynesha McElveen
It’s that time of year again. Time for binders and book bags, notebooks and Ipads, and trendy clothes and shoes galore. For many kids, getting new items is the best part of going back to school, but for many parents, it can be a stressful time. You can decrease your likelihood of a “Back To School Spending Panic Attack” by using a couple of these tips.
- Check the circulars, Sunday Papers, and look online for coupons. A few weeks before school starts back many retailers will begin having deals on specific items each week. One week may be $0.05 glue sticks, the next may be composition books for $0.10. Be on the lookout for sales after the 4th of July.
- Buy clothing items that are on sale. You can find many items on sale near the end of the season. If you live in one of the traditionally hotter climates, like I do, you use many of these items well into the fall. Also, check with the store for markdown days or upcoming discounts or coupons on new fall merchandise.
- Get school supplies in bulk. There are some things you know you can never have too much of like pencils, paper, ink pens, and folders. For these items, you can purchase them from warehouse stores like Sam’s, BJ’s, or Costco, where you can get a lot more, for less.
- Try-costs sharing. Get together with your friends that have kids and each person can be responsible for buying a certain item in bulk. You can then split the items up and distribute them evenly amongst the group.
- Don’t forget non-traditional shopping. Many items that kids want and need may be found in places like thrift stores, flea markets, or yard sales. These places offer tremendous savings and many times you can even negotiate or name your price. So if your kid finds a cool jacket at the flea market, don’t be afraid to haggle to get the price you want.
- Take advantage of the tax-free weekend. Many states offer a weekend where you pay no taxes on school related purchases up to a certain dollar amount. This can be a great time to buy your more expensive school items, including laptops and other electronics. Many times this takes place in August, which is also the best time to buy computers.
- Have a swap party. Invite several moms and friends of your children to bring over clothing, books, and supplies they no longer want, can use, or can fit. You will be surprised by the things people aren’t using and you may walk away with a printer or a new pair of shoes for free.
- For kids dying to have a cell phone, be sure to put them on a flat rate plan. Many carriers now offer plans as low as $35 a month for unlimited talk and text. This way, you won’t have to worry about paying high bills for over usage. Be sure to check places like E-Bay or BradsDeals to find great prices of cell phones and accessories.
- Get only the items that are on the list. I know it can be tempting to buy all the cute, brightly colored things on display, but usually schools will have a list of the items that are needed. Stick to that list so you are not buying things your kids don’t need and maybe don’t even want.
- Buy all year long. Instead of waiting until school starts, when you see items on sale, buy them in advance and stock pile them for later. Some retailers will have sales earlier in the year to make space for other items or items may be discontinued. If you notice items on sale your children use, buy them as you see them.
