10 Tips for Saving During Back-to-School Season

Whether you have one child, or two, or five, back-to-school shopping can be daunting, especially to your bank account.  From new clothes to the long list of must-have supplies the school requires requests that you purchase, it can easily add stress to a time of year that should be about fun new beginnings.  All year long I have to stretch every dollar that my family spends so when it’s time to shop for my two boys and their back-to-school needs, my philosophy is still the same.  Here are some of my tips to save while doing your children’s back-to-school shopping:

1. Never pay full price! Search your newspaper for sale flyers! This time of year there are several all hoping your will pick them for your shopping destination.
2. Re-use items from the previous year.  Things like 3-ring binders are expensive.  Hello!  Did them out and give them new life…..maybe even decorate if you’re crafty!
3. Search your junk drawer – let’s face it, just because the list says a package of pencils, that doesn’t mean you can’t scrape up several from the drawer and toss them in your child’s supply box.
4. Look for coupons and multiple item discounts!
5. Shop with a friend – there are many buy-one-get-one deals, so if you only need one of something you can share the cost with a friend and you both get supplies for your student.
6. Look for incentive programs – some retailers offer point systems to earn you free or discounted products in the future – you know, when you run in the middle of the school year and everything is expensive again.
7. Stock up!  You may have to spend more at the moment, but if you know you will need more of an item a few months down the road, buy it cheaper now so you don’t have worry later.
8. Re-use or hand down a lunchbox or backpack – if something isn’t broken, torn, or downright filthy, there is no reason either of those items can’t be used for at least one more school year.
9. Mail-in rebates are great, too!
10. Although, I like to focus on good deals and saving money, I don’t like to compromise on quality.  You really do get what you pay for, so don’t buy something is inexpensive because it is cheaply made because you will just have to buy more or replace it later.  Instead, look for good quaility items that are on sale.

Disclosure: I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Staples blogging program, making me eligible to get a $50 gift card.