7 Ways to Save Money on Back-to-School Shopping

Summer vacations are coming to an end and the school year is almost here. Now that we’ve all got that summer glow, it’s time to start the back-to-school preparations. We know that simply the thought of it can be overwhelming—especially the financial side—and we understand why. It’s expensive!

In fact, an article from nbcnews.com states that parents are spending on average about $1,000 on back-to-school supplies, “nearly the same as the average U.S. monthly mortgage payment.”

Yikes! Parents, we feel for you.

So, we’ve compiled 7 tips to help you keep some of your cash inside your wallet.

1. Take inventory and recycle. Go through the backpacks that have been sitting stagnant in your kids’ closets all summer. Check closets, bedrooms, and office spaces for what supplies you already have on hand so that you don’t end up making unnecessary purchases. Don’t be afraid to reuse folders, binders, and notebooks. Just tear out the old, used notebook pages and put a sticker over the old subject name written on the outside cover.

2. Team up with other moms. Buy in bulk at Costco; divide and conquer.

3. Check the Dollar Store. They have a variety of school supplies, and their pencils write just as well. The Dollar Store is the perfect place to stock up on poster board as well. Every year there seems to be a project that pops up at the least opportune time, and it inevitably requires a poster board. Having some on hand will save Mom from running to Walmart after dinner.

4. Take advantage of the tax-free weekend. If you want to find out whether or not the state you live in participates and, if so, what dates, check out this article.

The average family spends $1,000 on back-to-school expenses. We’ve compiled 7 tips to help you keep some of your cash inside your wallet!

5. Coupons. Always check the store’s website, Facebook page, or app (like the Target app) for coupons before buying. In fact, I find that it’s better to check these out before even going inside—it’s a time-saver!

6. Network. High school kids seem to have bigger expenses, like scientific or graphing calculators. There’s nothing wrong with hunting for a deal—even on social media. Consider posting a quick note to your friends on Facebook stating what you’re looking to purchase. There are certainly people out there who would like the opportunity to sell these big-ticket items (that they once bought) for a little extra cash that they wouldn’t have otherwise. It’s a win-win for everyone.

7. Check Craigslist and local Facebook group pages. My community has a neighborhood yard sale group, a mommy sell or swap group, and many other groups of that nature. Both Craigslist and the Facebook groups update all day, every day, so be sure to keep your eye on them. You may want to post a “Wanted” listing for what exactly you’re looking for, in case someone owns it but doesn’t have it listed. Hint: “ISO” means “in search of” in case you want to appear in-the-know. You also may want to consider selling some things of your own that you no longer need or items that your children have grown out of. Adding a little extra cushion to your wallet as you shop! (Be sure to read this article about how to sell clothes on Poshmark!)

We hope these tips help! Have a wonderful, new school year and happy shopping, friends!

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Looking for more on motherhood? Don’t miss this episode of our podcast: Stop the Mommy Wars: Every Mom Is Doing Something Right – 045