Now that you have spent some time looking over the schedule and planning, it’s time to start shopping. Make sure you create a list before you go, that way you don’t end up buying more than you actually need or forget an important item or two. Print the school list if they already have it posted. Otherwise, create a list from what you know your student will need, like paper, number 2 pencils, pens, and a backpack. Once you have it, here are some ways to save. Also, shop early for items that the stores run out of, like specific calculators, so that your student won’t be at a disadvantage at the beginning of an important class.
Set a Budget
This one is pretty much an automatic, but it still needs to be said just in case. Take the time to set-up your budget before you go out. Make sure your kids know how much they can spend on things like backpacks and lunchboxes.
Keep an Eye out for Rebates
You should still keep it within budget, but you will get money back later that you can use when school gets started and the costs are surprisingly higher than you expected.
Create a List of Clothes
Whether your kids need shorts, shoes, or shirts, make a list so that you can watch for the best sales. There is still plenty of time so that you can sure you get the best deal. If you can wait until the first few weeks of school, there are usually better deals at that time than any of the weeks after the 4th of July.
Watch for Tax-Free Times
A lot of states have a few tax free days around the start of school. Check out your state’s website to see when (or if) your state offers tax free shopping for school supplies.
Pull out the Gift Cards
Most of us have gift cards that are just sitting around waiting for something to spend them on. Back to school is the perfect time to put them to good use.
Hide the Credit Cards
One of the best things you can do to prepare for back to school is to put the credit cards somewhere you won’t use them. If you don’t have the option of using credit cards, you won’t buy things you don’t need.
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