3 Ways to Save on Your Back-to-School Budget

A ringing tardy bell is not the only anxious sound of back-to-school time. Parents dread the "Ka-ching! Ka-ching!" of retail cash registers emptying their wallets. But do you really have to dig deeply into the budget to set your kids up for the new school year?

Turn that "Ka-ching" anxiety into your own relaxed laughter all the way to the bank with these sure-fire ways to send the kids back-to-school within your budget:

Think Green

It's not budget-wise, or green, to buy school supplies that will go unused. It is surely not saving any green dollars for parents pockets, if some of the same items are on the back-to-school list that were on last year's classroom supply list. Don't buy anything before getting the teacher's posted supply list. You may find it on the school's website or posted in local office supply stores. Check it over for items that can be reused from the previous school year for older children. If remaining in good condition from last year's use, does your student really need to buy a new lunch box, protractor, ruler, pair of scissors, or backpack?

Include the child in owning responsibility to help fulfill the list, by sending him on a scavenger hunt for a few items you know to be in the house - and are in safe access, according to age of child. Gathering some of the items already at home for use at school can be a fun family activity in anticipation of the new school year, as well as a great tool to begin learning the useful value of items already owned. There is no need to add to the landfill just because it is a new school year, and reusing reasonable items is budget-wise too.

School Clothes Free Exchange Party

Inventory the child's clothes. Does he really need ten more t-shirts? Does the school uniform from last year still have room for growing? If there's not been a growth spurt, and things are in good shape, is there a need to buy more clothes right now? It's a rare back-to-school season when a kid isn't either starting a growth spurt or ending one. Avoid budget woes and put a new twist on the old practice of hand-me-downs. Tell your friends to gather up their kids' clothes that don't fit anymore and have a clothing exchange. Make sure everyone realizes this is for back-to-school clothes, so please don't bring any with stains, tears, or worn-thin areas.

Note that used shoes should never be handed-down or exchanged. Modern shoes often look fine on the outside while being totally worn-out on the inside, making them uncomfortable. Children and adults should always have their foot sized for shoes at each purchase, which is impossible to do at a clothing exchange or hand-me-down party, unless the event is held in a shoe store. More importantly, used shoes can be very unhealthy because foot fungi, bacteria and infections can be passed. Sore or sick feet are no way to go back-to-school.

Thrifty and New

Thrift stores are usually known for used items, but can also have new items. Some corporations donate never-used office supplies, often with old outdated corporate logos and such, to non-profit thrift stores to sell. These items can fulfill classroom supply lists without emptying the wallet. While you're there, your child may even find a used pair of the $80 jeans he begged you for that only has a price tag of $20 at the thrift. Purchases made at charitable thrift stores also helps put money back into the community. Imagine the great life lesson your child will have just learned, if you use the moment well!

Take advantage of advertised back-to-school sales in July and August at stores you frequent. Extra discounts may be added to your total school savings with free membership cards at grocery stores, drug stores, office supply stores, and deep discount department stores. Disposable supplies like paper, notebooks, pencils, pens, crayons, markers, highlights and more are at usually their best prices during this season. Watch for displays in the stores and in the back-to-school sale flyers for extra savings rebates and coupons.

Office supply stores may have bulk sales that might be worth the investment in for large families, if the items will be taken to school and used in a timely manner. Smaller families may not find bulk buying to be worth the few cents savings per item, because they may have to store large numbers of items for a long period of time.

Budget-Wise Back-to-School Summary

Think "Green." Reusing items from the previous school year that are in good condition not only helps keep the garbage piles from growing all the faster, but also keeps the green dollars in your pocket.

Involve the child in each step of the back-to-school supply check list. This teaches life lessons of responsibility and pride in the decisions he makes in preparing for his own new school year.

Carefully read retail ads for back-to-school sales on stock-up items like underwear, socks, and school-dress-code clothing. Also watch for coupons and rebate offers in the ads and at the stores. Don't delay going to the sale to the last day. Not every store offers rain checks, and even if they do many back-to-school items are on a "we get what we get from the warehouse" basis.

If this economy has taken jobs away from your family, or there is another stumbling block to your fulfillment of the basic school needs for your child, call the school counselor or Principal's office for help. Many schools and communities offer free supplies and discounted new clothing and shoes for students of families in a difficult situation. However, they don't know you need help if you don't tell them.

Last but not least, do not buy or trade used shoes for growing children. Please refer to the last paragraph of sub-section, School Clothes Free Exchange Party, in this article about the importance of new shoes for foot health.

Disclaimer

This article is written according to the experiences of the author and are intended for informational purposes only. The author does not promise or guarantee these techniques and ideas will result in budget-friendly outcomes.

Source

Writer, Lynn Pritchett, 25+ Years Parent and Educator