Saving Tips for Back-to-School (Part 2) by Lakeisha Rolle

In Part One, we spoke about creating a realistic budget, focusing on the basics, taking advantage of tax holidays and shopping around for used materials. If you haven’t read it as yet, I’d like to encourage you to check it out and implement some of the points mentioned there. Continuing with Part Two, here are some additional tips you can take advantage of to help you save money during this and every back-to-school season. Also, let us know if any of these tips stood out to you and if you were able to try anything new from the list below. 

1. Reuse supplies from the previous school year. 

The first thing you may want to do is take inventory of the school supplies you purchased last school year and make a note of items that either remain unused or were barely used. Don’t throw these supplies aside in a cabinet or closet never to be seen again. Place all school supplies in a common area so that you can reuse supplies from the previous year – so what if your child’s writing material or folder sheets aren’t new? If the pencil or pen writes, it’s good to go! Let’s not waste money purchasing new items just because it’s a new school year. 

2. Stick to the school’s list. 

The school supplies list normally provides a great overview of what your child will need for the upcoming year. Be careful not to stray away from what’s required because you think something may be useful just because the price looks right! If you want to make a purchase that you think your child may benefit from, but the item isn’t on the supplies list, then you would want to hold on to your receipt and receive a store credit if you decide to return the item (as long as it’s in perfect condition of course). Also, to get a head start, you can reach out to parents and students who may have recently completed the grade level your child is entering to get a better idea about what’s required versus what items were actually used during the year. In many cases, there may be materials and supplies that are listed as mandatory but have not been used. 

3. Shop around and compare prices. 

You may be asking yourself, “is thing even still a thing?” It is, and it can save you quite a bit of dollars too. After you’ve received your child’s book and supplies listing, consider targeting about 3 stores to contact and inquire about prices for various books and materials to get an idea of the average price. Yes, you will always have those stores where items are priced on the higher end, but at least you would have other options to consider first. Another great way to save is by checking out the store shopping guides to compare prices of items without having to call or physically drive around.

4. Start early.

As we mentioned in Part One, there are quite a bit of items that are pretty much “essential” straight across the board. If you happen to be shopping during the “off season”, don’t think twice about grabbing a few school supplies. It doesn’t have to be back-to-school season to shop for school supplies and you don’t have to wait until “the big rush” each year to save a little extra change. Purchase a bin and designate it for school supplies only. Each time you come across an item that is considered a basic school necessity, toss it in the bin and check it off the list once back-to-school rolls around again. You’re welcome!

I hope that these back-to-school saving tips have been helpful! If there are any topics you would like us to write about when it comes to school, children, saving for college or finances in general, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Drewber Solutions is here to help you take control of your life, finances, business and career and to help you reach financial freedom and personal success.