Virtually every retailer in America is vying for your back-to-school shopping dollars. Did you know parents spend more on their children in the weeks leading up to the new school year than any other time outside of the holidays?
But you don't have to break the bank to get junior ready for kindergarten or college next month. With a few smart strategies, parents can save BIG on those back-to-school essentials.
Here are 5 ways to guarantee saving success this year, step by step:
1. Make a list. Determine before you even start shopping what items you will be purchasing. Be sure to check your school's list of needed supplies. Stores stock their shelves with lots of "extras" that you will not find on any official list.
Do a quick survey of your child's wardrobe to see what can be repurposed from last year. Have them try on items in question before you commit to replacing them. Be sure to include clothing essentials like socks and shoes, plus gadgets, backpacks, lunch boxes and water bottles on your list.
2. Budget. Once your shopping list is complete, determine what amount you are willing to spend. With a firm dollar amount in place, it will be much easier to resist those overpriced designer jeans your teenager is begging for.
3. Research. Check sales fliers or blogs for the best deals. Many stores offer ridiculously low prices on supplies during the summer to get you in the door. Glue for a penny? Crayons for 5 cents? Those bargains are out there, just know where to look.
Each week on KingdomFirstMom.com, I feature a Back to School Bargain round up where bloggers share links to the stores they cover. Visit those valuable resources and make a plan of attack. The work is already done for you!
Your Sunday paper each week will include sales fliers for major office supply retailers and more. Take advantage of price matching at Target or Walmart for one stop shopping. See what printable coupons are available for items such as pens or tissue.
4. Shop online. Save yourself time and money and beat the crowds by shopping from home for items that do not need to be tried on. Check cash back sites like Ebates and Shop At Home for additional discounts and rebates.
5. Wait. If you can, simply wait until clearance sales begin in September. Every year, I buy my daughter just a few new clothing items for the first week of school, and complete her school wardrobe once stores begin major markdowns. The crowds are lighter, and the bargains plentiful!
Speaking of back-to-school, I am planning a huge giveaway bonanza along with 11 other fellow bloggers the week of August 9th. Be sure to check out and "like" our page on Facebook to keep up with all the updates. You will not want to miss these prizes!
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