Tips for Saving on Back-to-School Clothes and Supplies
Getting ready for the new school year doesn’t have to break the bank.
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Whether your kids are headed off to kindergarten or college, back-to-school shopping is getting more expensive for parents. From school supplies to new clothes and shoes, the average parent spends around $700 per kid before the first day of the new school year. If you are looking for a few ways to put a little more budge in the back-to-school budget, try a few of these tips.
Check Your Home First
There’s no need to buy another pair of scissors for school when you already have four pairs laying around your house. Check off items on the school supply list with things at home before you start shopping.
When it comes to school clothes, clear out your child’s closet before you shop. Take inventory of what still fits and the clothes your child is actually wearing to school. When it’s time to shop for clothes, only purchase items that replace what your child has outgrown and focus on clothing you know child will wear. This will save you money and ensure you don’t find clothes with the tags still attached at the end of the school year.
Know When to Shop
Retailers will begin deep discounts on clothes in late September and October. Thrifty shoppers know this is the time to snatch up back-to-school clothes. Avoid over spending by grabbing just a few items for your child to start the school year with but purchase the bulk of their clothes during September and October.
For supplies, you can save a lot of money by comparing sale prices and shopping at different stores. This calls for a little more research on your part but can mean big savings, too. You can also check to see if your state has a tax-free week to shop for supplies and clothes. Just be sure you know which items fall into the tax-free category.
Read the Fine Print
Know the store’s return policy so you can return items if you find a better deal somewhere else. Also ask about price matching. You can find this info on the store’s website or by speaking to a manager. This is a great way to save money and avoid multiple shopping trips.
Make the Most of Online Shopping
Before checkout, do a quick Google search or use apps that find promo codes for discounts or free shipping.
Avoid shipping fees all together by using the "store pickup" feature. This way you get what you need without the extra cost.
Set a Budget and Make a List Before You Shop
Don’t leave without a set budget in order to avoid overspending while still getting what your kids need.
With a little patience, you'll be able to stock up for back to school — without breaking the bank!
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