Ready, Set, Go!

Wow, I can’t believe summer is ending already! As everyone’s summer comes to a close another wonderful school year opens. As the upcoming school year begins there are probably a few things on parents minds such as school shopping. Although school shopping is something some kids look forward to it can definitely be a dread for you and your pocketbook. In this article I will be discussing those things as well as how to save and prepare your child for the school year.

As we all know school shopping is no easy task. The prices seem to go up every year and the supplies on the list seem to be more impossible to find. Studies also show that parents are being asked to contribute more school supplies to the classroom/for their child every year. A few suggestions to save money on school shopping this year is to do a supply check, compare prices, and save on coupons. Supply checking is basically checking around your home for school supplies that you may already have. Most people overlook this step and head straight to the store to buy new supplies not knowing that they already have those same supplies lying around the house. Look around for your kids school supplies in your’s or a friends house to save money on supplies.
My next suggestion is to compare prices between different stores. People are very quick to go straight to Walmart, buy the supplies listed and then leave the store no matter the price. This year I challenge parents to compare price tags between stores instead of spending it all on one place because one supply might be cheaper at another store rather than the one you may be shopping from. Also, don’t be afraid to go to the dollar store and look for school supplies. The same pens and pencils your buying for $3.26 at Walmart you can get for a dollar at the dollar store or even Target.

If those first two alternatives don’t work out then look for coupons. There are so many coupons stores send out this time of year. I see coupons in the mail, newspaper, magazine, emails and etc. Coupons are usually unused and wasted because they are overlooked and thrown in the trash. Don’t throw those coupons away! Coupons are a great way to save money on school supplies. The $150 you may currently spend on school supplies can easily turn into $50 by using coupons. Make sure you look everywhere as well. There are websites online that are specifically used to print out coupons for school supplies and school clothes.

Remember to use these shopping tips as you go hunting for school supplies this year. Good luck and I hope you and your child have an amazing school year!