Back to School Advice from The Debt Diva

Even though many of us are still enjoying summer vacations, parents and kids are already thinking about starting school, and your local retail stores are getting ready for the back-to-school shopping season. But the economy has been tough this summer and back-to-school shopping will likely be a more expensive undertaking than in years past.

The following are some tips to help you save money on those back-to-school necessities.

1. Recycle Last Year’s Supplies. Inventory your current stock of school supplies from last year, and make a list of those items you still need to purchase.  This will give you time to monitor the various store circulars and sale flyers for the best school supply deals in town.  Just remember to try and purchase as much as possible in a single trip so you don’t waste gas going to multiple locations.
2. Make sure to follow the supply list provided by teachers.  Most teachers provide students with a list of supplies they will need for their courses – specifically the appropriate types of notebooks and folders.  Use this list as a shopping guide so you don’t purchase unnecessary items and have to make a second trip to the store.
3. Avoid purchasing your supplies from office supply retailers.  While office supply retailers offer flashy, high end school supplies, you can find the same quality items for much less at discount retailers like The Dollar Store, Big Lots and Walmart.
4. Take advantage of online sales.  Don’t forget about Bargainist, eBay and Craigslist when it comes to school supply shopping – especially for more expensive items like backpacks and electronic items like calculators.  You can find great, unexpected deals from online vendors that will help you save money and time from cruising your local stores.
5. Buy in bulk for multiple students. You can save big bucks shopping in bulk if you have one or more students to prepare for the new school year! Try a wholesale club like Costco. Individual packaged supplies can cost two to three times more at a regular store than when you purchase them in bulk.  If your child doesn’t have siblings, split the cost of bulk items with friends who are also headed back to school.  Don’t forget basic supplies like pens, pencils, folders, binders and notebooks will last the entire school year!
6. Make your purchases early! Take advantage of clearance sales and coupons as soon as you see them advertised! Some stores stop back-to-school sales within a week or two of kids starting school. By buying just enough for those weeks early on, you can stock up on supplies for the rest of the year at half off (or even more) those already-discounted back-to-school prices.        
7. Skip the logos.  Many schools now sell supplies, materials and clothing with the school logo.  These items are usually pretty pricy.  If your child wants to show their school spirit, pick out products in school colors from a discount retailer to save on cash. 
8. Pack a lunch. The average cost of a student’s lunch can range from $2.90-$3.25. That’s not including the snacks that students are tempted to purchase – smoothies, nachos and pizza (that can raise the cost to $5).  With some smart planning, you can pack your child’s lunch for less money, and it will be more nutritious than the items offered at the school cafeteria.
9. Back to School Clothes.  Students in most climates are still able to wear their summer wardrobe as they head back to school, so avoid purchasing the full-price, fall clothing items that start appearing on racks in July. You may want to invest in a sweater or light jacket that can be layered with summer capris and pants as the weather cools.  If you must purchase a few back to school clothing items, start your shopping trip at an off-price retailer like Steinmart or TJ Maxx, where you can find in style, on-trend clothing already discounted 20-60% off retail price.  Later in the season you can take advantage of sales on those heavier fall clothing items you see at the mall!

This article was brough to you by Clarky Davis, The Debt Diva for CareOne and her website is www.thedebtdiva.com