Back to School Saving Tips

Summer is all about having fun, relaxing, and taking time to do what you love most. But in all of its excitment, summer can fly by. Before you know it, stores are setting up back-to-school aisles, supply lists are being emailed, and the heat of a new school year is not so distant anymore. One of the key steps in winding down a summer and preparing for a new year is supply shopping. To keep the process as stress-free and seamless as possible, here are some tips to help you save when back-to-school shopping.

• Check your closet. Take an inventory of what you already have on hand from the prior year. You’ll be surprised to find what can be reused—or what was never used. Items like barely-touched pencil pouches, unused notebooks, and extra pencils can all hide in plain sight. 

• Clip it. Check out online and Sunday paper coupons. Remember that many big-name retailers will match competitors’ coupons, too. Watch out for specialty sales, flash deals, and any coupons tucked into promotional emails. Every dollar counts!

• Bulk up. Share expenses with other friends and family by buying in bulk. Value packs of items like pencils, highlighters, and erasers are too much for one student, but can provide an enticing discount when shared among friends. 

• Go gently used. Save on electronics by shopping for refurbished models. These devices can offer high-quality performance at a much lower price than a new model. Saving on computers, headphones, and tablets can be incredibly beneficial—especially for college students. Don't underestimate the value of hand-me-downs, either—check with extended family or friends to see if there are any items they would be willing to pass down. 

• Stay social. Follow retailers on their social media pages for the latest notifications of sales and specials. Some companies send their followers special links to coupons and deals. Additionally, watch for discount codes from brand ambassadors—these beneficial discounts can go unnoticed. 

• Find bargains. Check out the clearance racks and shop dollar stores for commodity items where quality isn’t critical. Garage sales are also a great source for gently used backpacks and clothing.

• Wait and save. Although you might need to buy early and there’s a risk stores will run out of stock, prices on some supplies drop substantially after the August buying rush. End-of-season sales can be a great way to still get necessary supplies at lower prices. 

• Buy quality. Sometimes spending a bit more on quality items can save money in the long run, as they last longer. Consider this tip when purchasing items like backpacks, lunch boxes, and water bottles that don't need to be replaced yearly.

Back-to-school shopping doesn't have to break the bank. With careful planning and a little bit of deal detective work, you can make the back-to-school season a little less stresfful. Happy shopping and happy savings!