Back to School on the Cheap

Every year taking your kids out to the mall and local office supply stores for back to school items gets costlier. This year many families are on tight budgets due to high unemployment rates, lack of raises, and higher costs of living. We are all finding ways to become more frugal in our daily shopping.

When it comes to back to school shopping, being frugal can be quite difficult, but with some time and thought, it is possible. Most of us believe dollar stores offer a great deal, however, for families with more than one child, dollar stores can be a greater expense than buying in bulk. If you are looking for items that only one child may need, a dollar store may have a cheap solution. When it comes to buying notebooks, pens, and general supplies for your children, buying in bulk at places such as Staples, Office Max, Bj's, Sam's Club and Costco, may be the more frugal option. Break down the cost per item to see how it calculates.

Backpacks, shoulder bags, whatever your child wants to use to lug their books around, are some of the costlier items for back to school shopping. Walmart and Kmart both have cheap, trendy options, but their quality may not compare to other stores. Encourage your children to pick a neutral, less trendy bag that will suit them for more than one school year. This may mean paying more up front for a bag, but if it lasts several school years, it is worth the investment. My L.L. Bean backpack, in a fun purple shade, is still in use after 10 years. Another option for the funkier child is to check out local thrift and consignment stores for more upscale unique bags, such as a tote or briefcase option. You may find some more adult items in these stores, but many that your child, especially a teenager, may enjoy.

Clothing is no doubt the largest expense for back to school shopping. Trends come and go each year and most children want to fit in with the other trendsetters. I often wore hand me downs, and thrift store finds, but it was not always the trendiest of items. What can you do in this case? Instead of just hitting thrift stores, go to consignment stores. They often sell name brand labels that are lightly worn. Outlet stores, and online outlets, are another great option. If you plan enough ahead you can order outlet priced clothing in advance of the start of the school year so you have the latest trends at great prices.

If you plan enough ahead, you are often able to find greater deals than the back to school "sales". Do not underestimate the power of retailers to raise prices before offering a sale on an item. Look for deals year round to stock up on school supplies. Keep eyes peeled for going out of business sales at local stores, or special friends and family discounts that may not otherwise be available. Going back to school this year can be much less expensive, but with just as many finds.