Back to School: Savvy Shopping
Monday, August 09, 2010
Sure, that dad in the classic Staples back to school TV ad is skipping down the shopping aisle while his kids trudge, but that may be because he hasn't hit check-out yet. Back to school shopping can burden any family's budget. But with big sales hitting the streets this week, now's just the time to organize and execute a shopping strategy that can save you some serious money. Here are 12 tips for getting the most for your back to school dollars:
1. Check before you shop
Make your list of supplies, but before you start shopping, check all your work and homework spaces for unused items that can be used this year. Then, check under sofa, chairs, and beds, between cushions, and in spare drawers for lone pencils, pens, and erasers. You'll be amazed at what a collection you can create.
2. Work the chains
Most major chains are kicking off big back to school sales this week, and weekly store circulars are a great way to comparison shop. Recycled them already? Just go to shoplocal and leaf through weekly circulars for stores including CVS,
Walgreens, Kmart, OfficeMax, Staples, and Target. You'll have all the information you need.GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST
3. Grab and go
Once you've got your sale items picked out, go grab them, but don't fall for the full-priced items on adjacent shelves. Stick to your plan.
4. Go online
Just as during holidays, online shopping can save you time and aggravation, not to mention gasoline at high prices. Major online retailers like staples.com have whole special areas devoted to back to school, and with careful price comparisons, you can really save.
5. Think outside the box
Office supply stores may be reminding you with lots of advertising that they're your go-to for back to school (and specific sales on certain items may be worth the trip), but you can often pick up excellent savings at thrift and dollar stores
. You may want to check your local grocery store as well... they often underprice specialty retailers.
6. Think out of state
We hate to say it, but our neighbor, the state of Massachusetts, has a sales tax holiday scheduled for August 14-15 (RI has none planned for this year). If you live close to the border, a jaunt to out-of-state stores might save you some money (but do remember that clothing is NEVER taxed in RI).
7. Buy in bulk
It may feel like a larger wallet hit right now, but your year-long budget will thank you if you invest in paper, pencils, crayons, glue... in bulk. Keep an eye out for reasonable deals, buy now, and tuck them away. Another great tip: consider coordinating with another few families who want to split the cost of bulk investments.
8. Don't stress the clothing
You may need to have your school supplies on day one, but remember that those early days of school can be covered by this summer's clothing. Wait out the hype over back-to-school clothes shopping (unless you're finding a sale) and wait until next month to ease the financial burden.
9. Check garage and tag sales
This won't be great for school supplies, but you can scoop up low-wear used clothes for fall. For a great resource on local sales that includes maps, check here.
10. If you can wait, wait
If your school doesn't require your child showing up on Day 1 with all his or her supplies in hand, the week after schools being often result in lots of reductions. Scoop up your deals then.
11. Leave the kids at home
It can be hard to stick to your budget, or choose the least expensive (but perhaps not as glamorous) item when the kids are in tow. Leave the kids home and enjoy the quiet and focus of finding your best bargains.
12. After school begins: stay stocked
Once school is underway this fall, start a school supply box, and stock it with supplies you pick up on sale or that are left over from previous years. This can be your go-to when that inevitable note comes home asking for more supplies. Then you won't be rushing out when prices may not be low.
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