Tax Free Weekends in WI

With no incentive to purchase in advance, some families in Wisconsin purchase only the essentials to start the year. Either way, it’s good to approach shopping for supplies with a strategy to prevent overspending.

Here are 10 tips that may save you money:

1. Always budget for back to school expenses. (Reference last year’s amount to structure this year’s budget.)
2. Sometimes drug and grocery stores have the best deals, so watch for common items throughout the summer during regular shopping trips.
3. For the rest of the supplies; don’t buy until you know what you need. (Schools will provide a list.)
4. Watch your Sunday paper and local advertisements for coupons and incentives.
5. Go online before you head out. Find out what the average prices are for each item so you know if you’re getting a good deal or not.
6. Try to get all of your supplies at one or two stores. (Gas and time cost money too!)
7. Buy in bulk if you can. (Team up with another parent if needed.)
8. Recycle and reuse where possible.
9. Wait until school starts. If you’re already running short on time, buy only the very basic needs and wait a bit longer for the rest. (Stores that start to clearance after school starts to make room for holiday items.)
10. Low income people should seek assistance. There are resources for finding free or reduced supplies. (Such as The United Way, County Volunteer Services, Churches, Optimist Clubs, Schools, Hope Houses and more.) Start by a simple search online for “free school supplies + your city.”

About Debt Advisors

Since 2006, Debt Advisors helped thousands of Wisconsin families get out of debt. The benefits of bankruptcy do not exclude low-income families. Chapter 7 may help clear your debt for a relatively low cost if you are eligible. To see if you qualify for filing bankruptcy, contact us for a free consultation at www.MyDebtAdvisors.com or call us at 888-660-5413 for immediate assistance.