If you are trying to figure out how to save money on your back to school shopping, it might be overwhelming. I’ve got five GREAT tips to help you save money on your supplies AND clothes for your kids!!!
1 – Shop at home first. Take a look at the clothes you have – including hand me downs from older kids. Make a list of the things you need so you purchase only those items. You can use my free back to school shopping list.
You can also look at your supplies. Perhaps you have a pencil box from last year that you can clean up and use again. The same goes for scissors and other items.
2 – Shop the sales. You’ll find deals on items at various times. For instance, if you know you need glue sticks and they are on sale this week, go ahead and pick them up if you will be at the store anyhow. By combining each week’s sales, you can take advantage of all of the deals.
3 – Consignment stores. If you need clothes, these are a GREAT way to not only find deals, but also make money. You can sell the items your kids can’t wear anymore. Turn around and shop with that money and get those items you need for your kids.
4 – Use those coupons! Target has great store coupons and there are also other coupons coming out all of the time, which you can use towards those supplies for your kids.
Also use those coupons on clothes. Look for free shipping offers and discounts on clothes and uniforms. You can use apps, such as Coupon Sherpa to find those coveted coupons!
5 – Know your budget! The average family will spend more than $650 this year on supplies and clothes. That doesn’t mean you have to. Look at your budget and determine how much you have to spend and make sure you stick to that. The best recommendation I have to stick to your budget is to shop with cash – because you can never overspend!
Tracie is a stay at home mom to three young children; ages 8, 9 and 12. In November 2007, she and her husband decided to eliminate their debt and made many changes in their lifestyle to do just that.
