Save on back to school shopping!

I know you might be thinking it’s too soon to talk about going to school. However a best kept secret is that it is much better to start early. Many parents start in late August and find themselves missing out on summer deals.  Books that are in high demand have also been known to sell out long before August ends.

It pays to start early

Parents who start early save a lot. A number of fairs have been arranged in the summer. These fairs commonly have used or new school books for sale.  A number of the vendors at these fairs are willing to negotiate the price.

Do a Closet and Supply Sweep

You might already have plenty of school supplies lying around your house. Check your closets and desk drawers for left over pens and other school supplies.

Ask Around

Parents might have bought books for their children that they no longer need. They might just be willing to part with them for free or exchange. So after you have exhausted your list of family and friends why not call your friendly P.T.A. president so you can make contact with other parents?

Avoid Expensive Brand Names

As your kids grow older, they will insist on having the “latest and greatest.”

Although your kids crave these items, these “character-focused” products will quickly destroy your back to school budget. In addition, these items often aren’t made to last; many trendy clothing items are very cheaply made.

So, set limits with your kids, and speak with them about money-based values. Let your children know that companies should be paying them for advertising their products by wearing name-brand clothing.

Show your children the difference between a cheaply made trendy item of clothing, and a well-made item without a logo, and explain the difference in quality.

Many people don’t want to think about back to school, especially in the midst of high summer. However, back to school shopping can creep up on you and your family quickly, so it pays to be prepared.

The best way to save money is to start planning ahead of time.

Do you have any back to school shopping tricks you use to save money?
Let me hear from you!

Gleaner online writer

Tags: school