Back-to-school shopping is complete before the most common well-known discount days of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. But with parents spending around $848 per child and upwards of $1,200 for college students, finding ways to save this school year can help relieve some of the costly burden.
Although strategic use of credit cards can help spread out the expense and maintain checking and savings account reserves, one should never shy away from money saving tips that can help loving parents negotiate back-to-school spending.
Top 8 Money Saving Tips For Back-To-School Shopping
1: Ask What Supplies Are Truly Needed
It’s essential to check in with children and educators about what school supplies are necessary. Teaching methods have changed and so have the tools needed for a successful education. For example, there was a time when calculators were the only technology students were required to bring to school. These days, multiple types of technology are needed. By checking in with students and teachers, parents can purchase devices that are essential. It is also important to research whether or not your school district provides certain technology to its students saving you the additional expense.
2: Make a Budget
Working families on tight budgets sometimes need to stretch every dollar. Start by making a realistic budget and frame what your family can put towards back-to-school purchases. If it looks tight, consider the use of a new low-interest credit card. Using a credit card that has no annual fee is also a great way to save some extra cash.
3: Take Stock of Supplies or Clothes You Already Have
Money savings tips cannot be successful if everyday people make unnecessary purchases. Take some time and rummage through school supplies drawers and closets to see what potential supplies you have on hand. It’s surprising how many items get tucked away and forgotten from one year to the next. Jot down what you already possess and avoid spending hard-earned money on duplicates.
4: Spread Out Your Purchases
Spreading out the high cost of back-to-school clothing and materials over a few months can take the stress out of shopping. A low-interest rate credit card with a fixed Annual Percentage Rate (APR) can offer a reliable solution that allows you to spread out your purchases and provide a set payment that will make planning your monthly expenses easier.
5: Compare Prices Before You Buy & Price Match
With many products listed on retailers’ websites, comparative shopping has never been easier. Many big box outlets are lowering prices and one-upping each other to attract parents. They want your back-to-school business and are willing to go the extra mile.
One of the top money saving tips involves resisting the impulse to buy everything from one store. Retailers sometimes attract buyers by setting extraordinarily low prices on certain items in hopes you buy others while shopping. Don’t hesitate to cherry-pick from the best deals each retailer offers.
6: Check For Student/Teacher Discounts
Retailers don’t always keep educators in the loop about teacher discounts. Stores sometimes send marketing information to schools, colleges, and universities. But it’s also a good idea to check area stores that simply offer discounts at the register.
Student discounts don’t seem to get the same advertising push parents and teachers receive. But there are plenty of back-to-school discounts for college-bound adults. When shopping at brick-and-mortar stores, bringing your student ID could unexpectedly save money. It may be a good idea to have a running list on your phone of places that offer discounts so you can use it again in the future.
7: Wait It Out
One of the money saving tips that requires some patience involves waiting until after Labor Day to purchase a portion of your back-to-school needs. Retailers need to sell school related inventory to make way for fall and winter products.
This means back-to-school items may be headed for clearance racks come September. By purchasing only what your child needs to start the school year, you can circle back and get other products at bargain-basement prices.
8:Take Advantage of the Tax-Free Weekend
Tax holidays have the potential to offer unexpected savings for parents who spend back-to-school dollars every year. If you live in Texas, here is what you can expect this back-to-school season.
The annual Texas tax free weekend for back to school shopping is typically the first weekend in August. That’s when you can buy most clothing, footwear, school supplies and backpacks (sold for less than $100) tax free from a Texas store or from an online or catalog seller doing business in Texas.
America's Credit Union understands the potential hardship that can come with back to school shopping. Our low rate VISA® credit cards 1 help make back to school shopping affordable and stress-free.
1 ACU Credit Card Agreement and Disclosure Statement for your VISA® card
