Back To School Time

Well it’s back to school time and time to start shopping for school supplies. I know personally it feels like money just flies out the window. Not only do you have to buy school supplies, but school clothes and outrageous school fees. It seems every year the list gets bigger and the fees get higher, luckily I only have to buy for one (since my oldest daughter is working and buy her own). But nevertheless, when I saw his school list I almost had a coronary.

I know if you’re like me, you want to find ways to save money during this time of year. So I decided to share some tips that I have impletted and picked up along the way. Just do me a favor don’t wait until the last minute like I normally did, because by the time you buy what you need your broke and frustrated.

Okay here goes:

Tip 1. This is a no brainer, grab all the weekly sales ads you can find and shop around. I know you will be running around town, but you will save money in the end.

Tip 2. If your child has a backpack, lunchbox or anything from school the past year that is in good shape, then reuse it. Your child may think that is just “not so cool” but they don’t have to foot the bill. J

Tip  3. I personally shop at consignment and goodwill stores for some of my kids clothes. You can buy very cute clothes, some that are brand new. I can go to Wal-Mart and pay more than I would at a consignment store. It’s all about saving money, right?

Tip4. I have a youngest daughter that can wear my oldest daughters clothes and she gets her hand me downs. Great way to save money on school clothes, providing that they are still in good shape.

Tip5. Shop during the tax-free weekend and use coupons. The only downside to this is some items are not tax –free, so you need to do your research to find out what items are.  Pointless to shop during that weekend if you still have to pay the taxes.

Tip6.  Buy only the things that are on the school list and that you absolutely need. If you have children like mine, they will want other items just because there friends are getting it.  It’s time to put that word “no” into effect J

Tip7. The biggest of all (well I think so anyways) is buy a little at time. Every time you get paid, buy some supplies. Don’t wait until the last minute to buy the whole list, you will definitely be broke!

Well here are my tips and good luck on your back to school shopping! Until next time…