School
bells are ringing once again, and that means that it is time to shop for school
supplies and school clothes. School shopping can take a big bite out of your
budget if you are not careful. The
following are some tricks for smart shoppers who want to save money while
shopping for back to school items.
Trick
#1: Create a budget
Smart
shopping includes smart planning. The first thing you need to do is create a
school budget. First, look at your
income and expenses. Then, decide how much you can afford to spend and on what.
Ask yourself, will you spend most of the school budget on clothes or on
supplies? Use the school supply list that your child’s school handed out to
help you make important purchase decisions. Once the budget is created be sure
to stick to it.
Trick
#2: Take stock of your stock
Before
you race off to the stores to grab those school supplies, be sure to check to
see what you already have. Round up
those pencils, pens, unused boxes of crayons, and glue. These can be used for the upcoming year. Also, check your child’s closet to see what
he or she can and can’t still wear.
Clothes that are still wearable and that still looks nice, can be worn
this school term. Always, always check your closets and left over supplies
before going shopping. All smart shoppers know just what they actually need
before hitting the stores.
Trick
#3: Compare Prices
Price
comparison is a vital part of frugal living and smart shopping. By seeing what each store has on sale, you
are able to snag the best deal. If you
don’t want to drive around from one store to another then select a store that
offers price matching. This will allow
you to make all of your purchases at one store.
Trick
#4: Stock up
Stock
up. Stock up while school supplies are at an all time low. Many retailers are offering outrageously low
prices on items like pencils, pens, notebook paper, glue, and crayons. Now is the time to stock up on items that
your child will need throughout the coming school year. A pack of pencils and a
tablet won’t last all year. Buy enough
to take you through the school term. It won’t even hurt to buy some for next
year. And, remember, school supplies can
be donated to your local church, at your child’s school, or given to your
child’s teacher as a gift.
Trick
#5: Consignment shops or discount stores
Don’t
knock it until you try it. Some people
may be wary of consignment and second hand shops. Don’t be.
You can often find good quality clothes at these shops.
Trick
#6: Start Early
Remember
the old saying, “The early bird always catches the worm”? This is true with
school shopping. Don’t wait until August.
Begin setting aside a certain amount each month to go toward
supplies. This will help to prevent
having a big strain placed on your budget all at once.
If
you are unprepared, the cost of back to school shopping can pack a mean punch.
Don’t wait until the last minute. Smart shopping means planning ahead. Create a budget and stick to it. Use the tricks listed above and have a more
rewarding shopping experience.
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