It almost saddens me to write this post. I’m not sure if any of you have noticed, but Target has started to run their Back-to-School ads, and it’s only a matter of time before other retailers join them. While I’d like to think that mid-July merely marks the middle of summer, many moms and dads have started searching for savings already to get ahead of the game. Before you venture out to stock up on necessities, check out a few of these tips to save yourself a little extra money (and frustration, too!).
What’s on the agenda? Check to see what supplies you already have that will work again for the new school year – items like calculators, scissors, pens and pencils, or even notebooks can often be carried over if they still serve their purpose well. Will your kids need anything additional for new upcoming classes? Save some cash by only buying what you really need.
Search out sales. Some stores offer specials or discounts on certain items, such as $1 notebooks or buy-one-get-one-free deals. Keep your eyes peeled for these and shop around a bit before making any purchases – you still have plenty of time! Check ads in your local newspaper to get an idea of what different stores are offering before you head out.
Avoid the flashier items, as tempting as they may be. Remember that you really only need the basics; folders, notebooks, and anything else with popular characters or any extra pizazz usually cost double what you would pay for standard folders and notebooks.
There are deals for all ages and items. Sometimes when we hear about “Back-to-School Deals,” we think of your standard office supply staples, but don’t forget that these sales can also carry over into housewares – college kids are heading back, too! This is a great time to pick up small appliances, storage/organization solutions, and bedding, just to name a few things. Be careful, though – just because it’s on sale doesn’t mean that you need it (*cough* like the panini maker I insisted I had to have *cough*).
What’s on your Back-to-School list this year? Do you have any tips or tricks for saving on your expenses?
