It’s exciting to get the kids ready to go back to school, but it’s also stressful to figure out how we’re going to buy everything without spending a lot of money. Pin these Back to School Savings Tips to find it quickly later!
1. Love Lists
Work with your kids to make a NEED LIST and a WANT LIST for back to school supplies and clothing. Do your kids NEED a new backpack or WANT a new backpack? Making a list will help the entire family focus on what is needed, and lessen the temptation to make impulse purchases on the store. After you make your lists, discuss what your budget is and how many of items on the “Want List” will fit into that budget. Your kids might think you’re crazy, but they’ll appreciate it later when they realize you’re teaching them good money management skills.
2. Clip Coupons
Clip coupons with your scissors from the Sunday newspaper, but also digitally using store loyalty cards and apps. I share printable and online coupons on my blog, but you’ll also find great coupons at your favorite store’s Facebook page. Loyalty cards I use on a regular basis are for Kroger, CVS, Kohl’s, Office Depot, and Lands’ End. My favorite apps that reward you for shopping include Ibotta (cash back rebates), Shopkick (earn points for scanning products) and Cartwheel (Target’s digital coupons).
3. Tackle Thrift
I’m always surprised by what I find at my Goodwill store – name brand ‘like new’ clothing, clothing with original tags on them, new school workbooks, learn to read books. It’s like a treasure hunt every time I go to a thrift store, but it’s also a good place to check for some of the items on your NEED LIST. Don’t feel constrained to shopping at your local thrift stores because you can also shop second-hand goods online at thredUP (for kids and women’s clothing) and eBay (for just about everything).
4. Make Money
A little extra money always comes in handy, especially when you’re buying supplies and clothing to get your kids ready to go back to school. While you’re buying new clothing think about what you should do with your old clothing including selling it at a local consignment shop, online consignment shop (like thredUP), having a garage sale or selling it locally by listing it on Craig’s List. What you can’t sell, you can donate and get a receipt to use for your taxes. If you need help tracking the value of your donations, take a look at the iDonatedIt app ($2.99).
Now I want to hear YOUR tips for saving on everything for back to school. Where are you shopping and how are you saving money? Please leave a comment below.
