Published On: Sat, Aug 23rd, 2014

Back To School Savings

By Kathryn Wohlpart

The amount of money spent on school shopping is estimated to go up 12 percent from last year to $74.9 billion, according to The National Retail Foundation. Backpacks, clothes, notebooks, computers — all necessities to students heading back to school — can really add up. All of that not including dorm room necessities if your student is also heading college.

“Back-to-school spending is second only to the holidays, and the outlay is higher and higher each year,” said Mike Sullivan, director of education for Take Charge America,“Retailers push hard in the summer months, and school budget cuts have shifted the cost of supplies to families.”

“Savvy parents” can find ways to skimp on spending without skimping on supplies, according to Sullivan who offered eight tips for cutting down on costs:

1. Look around the house and find old school supplies, extra scissors, pencils, and other items that are already around the house instead of buying more.

2. Avoid impulse purchases, buy what the teachers have said will be needed for the school year and make extra purchases when a need arises.

3. Seek out the best prices by checking Dollar stores and office supply stores that often offer discounts on school essentials.

4. Coupons can cut down the cost and are often offered online, even on Facebook. Many brands offer exclusive coupons to their Facebook followers.

5. Purchase only the minimum necessities and wait until school is already in session to hit the post-back to school sales — many stores overstock on school supplies and markdown items after the first week of school.

6. Second-hand retail shops, Amazon and other online outlets, and clothing swaps can save on clothing shopping. New-to-you clothing can satisfy a student’s need for new clothes on a budget.

7. Tax-free weekends and retailer’s student discounts are often offered around the beginning of August. Many stores, like Apple, offer student discounts or specials that can help give shoppers more for their money.

8. Including the student in the shopping process can help cut back once they have been in classes and can see what they really need for the school year.

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