Health & Fitness
Easy Ways to Save on School Supplies
With back-to-school around the corner, parents can save on school supplies by budgeting and buying only what students need when they need it.
The first day of school always seems to come faster than expected. As you prepare to purchase the school supplies your child needs, consider the following ways to reduce the costs:
- Get a copy of your child’s school supply list. Many times the list is located on the school’s website or in hard copy in the “Back to School” section of local retail stores. Having a copy of the list can help you avoid making unnecessary purchases while making sure your child has the necessities.
- Create a budget. It’s easy to be enticed by pricey display items. For example, the laminated folders featuring images of beloved super heroes or baby animals are often more appealing than their less expensive solid-color counterparts. And it’s hard to resist the array of colors in the 128-count box of crayons even when a 24-count box of crayons is all that’s needed. Establishing the amount you plan to spend upfront can motivate you to make smart choices that don’t break the bank.
- Shop at home first. You may have some of the items your child needs on hand or leftover from previous years. Because every bit of savings adds up, check your at-home inventory before heading out to purchase goods.
- Watch your weekly ads. Most stores have loss leaders—specific items offered at prices below their actual costs. They’re designed to draw you into the store with the hopes that you’ll spend most—if not all—of your school supply dollars at their location. Check your weekly ads to identify the best deals on the items you need and then visit multiple locations to capitalize on them.
- Shop early—or late. Loss leaders and a wide selection await the early shopper. If your child starts school later than others or won’t need certain supplies in the first week, wait and pick up what you need closer to Labor Day. School supply leftovers are often reduced by as much as 50 to 75 percent.
What about the deals that are too good to pass up? If your budget allows, consider purchasing and donating school supplies to your school or to organizations that support families in need. Remember to keep your receipts and to include them among your charitable giving deductions when you file next year’s tax return.
