Summary
School is quickly approaching. It’s time to hit the books! Get up to speed with us as we share savvy ways to shop and save for the academic season!
Shopping for back-to-school supplies, new software, and appropriate clothes adds up and can put pressure on your pockets. However, there are several ways to beat high costs and save more money. Stride confidently into the new school year with more cash in your wallet!
Reuse and Recycle:
Before you dive in and make unnecessary purchases, we encourage you to be a conscious consumer and check last year’s supplies and clothing to see what can be reused. Recycling items can significantly reduce your expenses.
Create a budget:
A budget is always the best way to shop. Your budget should include your preferred spending limit and your maximum spending limit. The difference between these two is what you can put in your savings account after you complete your shopping.
Create a Shopping List:
The next best thing for a budget is a list of items you absolutely need and items that you simply want. Rank your shopping list by priority, making sure that items that are unnecessary are at the bottom of the list or completely excluded. Stay focused!
Clearance and Coupons:
As summer ends, back-to-school sales and discounts begin. Look for sales tags or visit the clearance section to find budget-friendly alternatives. Ask about student discounts!
Student Discounts:
Depending on the store, student discounts are a great way take full advantage of your student status. Be sure to ask about student discounts in every store you frequent and bring your student ID with you! Whether the discount is 10% or 50%, these discounts can add up to major savings.
Compare Prices Online:
For those who prefer to shop online and save time, use price comparison websites and apps to find the lowest prices. Shopping online can often lead to better deals for select items.
Buy in Bulk:
Parents with multiple children should consider bulk purchasing. For example, buying pens in bulk reduces the average cost per pen and ensures all children have the supplies they need. Search for stores that specialize in bulk supplies or ask staff at supply stores where you can find items sold in bulk.
Shop Used or Rent:
Supplies like textbooks don’t always have to be brand new. Save by checking with your network and school friends, or consider renting as it’s typically cheaper and frees you from owning several books after classes end.
Buy Quality:
Certain items like calculators benefit from being quality purchases over cheap purchases. These items are used frequently and over a long period of time. Quality purchases can save money over time by reducing the need for replacements.
School Supply Drives:
School supply drives can significantly ease your budget when money is tight. Many organizations will host community events year round or back-to-school events at the end of the summer to help close gaps in access to school supplies.
With these savvy shopping tips, you can effectively manage your back-to-school budget and keep more cash in your wallet.
By planning ahead, taking advantage of discounts, and making conscious purchasing decisions, you’ll be well-prepared for the academic season without breaking the bank. Embrace these strategies to stride confidently into the new school year!
