With summer winding down and the school year fast approaching, many families are gearing up for back-to-school shopping. It’s always exciting and sometimes overwhelming, especially with the potential for major spending. According to the National Retail Federation, American families with kids from elementary to high school are expected to spend around $875 on back-to-school items this year. That’s no small change!
To lighten the load on parents’ wallets, experts have shared several savvy shopping tips, as well as noteworthy deals on tech gadgets and school supplies. Planning and strategy can make all the difference. So, let’s explore some practical tips for making the most out of your back-to-school shopping spree.
1. Plan Ahead and Spread Out Your Shopping
Before hitting the stores, it's wise to create a game plan. Start by setting a budget for your back-to-school shopping. Once you have your financial limits laid out, take inventory of the supplies you already have at home. This way, you won't end up buying unnecessary items like extra pens or notebooks.
“Set your budget before you go to stores, then figure out how much you can spend on various items,” suggests Consumer Reports. It's also beneficial to stagger your shopping trips, picking up sales items week by week instead of making one enormous purchase. This approach helps spread the financial impact across the month and could help you snag better deals throughout the shopping season. By watching for sales and special promotions, you can save significantly on school supplies.
2. Take Advantage of Tax Holidays
Another smart way to save is by shopping during your state's tax-free weekends. Many states have designated tax holidays during the back-to-school shopping season when shoppers can buy items without paying sales tax. NerdWallet informs shoppers to take note: "Depending on where you live, this could amount to up to 7% savings on your purchases. Just keep tabs on your state’s specific rules and limitations, as they can vary significantly."
3. Look Into Student Discounts
Don’t overlook student discounts when shopping for back-to-school items. Certain retailers, from technology companies to apparel brands, offer special prices for students. These discounts usually target college students but can extend down to high schoolers depending on the retailer.
Retailers like Apple and Microsoft are known for providing substantial savings during this season, and many brands have promotions just for students year-round. So, be sure to have your student ID handy when you shop!
4. Coordinate with Other Families for Bulk Buying
Why not team up with other families to save on bulk purchases? This tip is especially useful for families with multiple children or those who live near friends with kids. Buying supplies like tissues, plastic bags, or hand sanitizer from wholesale stores like Costco can be cheaper, and it will certainly help reduce costs.
Even smaller family units can benefit from this strategy by joining forces with classmates’ parents. Splitting the cost for class supplies can lead to significant savings.
5. Consider Used or Refurbished Items
Finally, buying used or refurbished supplies is another great way to keep costs down. Whether you're searching for electronics, clothing, or textbooks, you can often find items at significantly less than new prices. Retailers such as Best Buy and Amazon have dedicated sections for refurbished goods, and platforms like Mercari and Depop are ideal for thrifting clothes.
According to CNBC Select, "Buying used means you can find quality items at prices much lower than retail — and often they’re almost as good as new."
Combining these strategies can help parents make the most out of their back-to-school shopping. Given this year's higher-than-usual anticipated expenses, implementing money-saving techniques can prove beneficial for families trying to navigate their budgets.
Tech Deals for Back-to-School
Besides supplies, countless tech deals can save parents money when outfitting their children for school. For example, if you’re on the lookout for a reliable laptop, you can find refurbished devices at significantly discounted prices. A refurbished MacBook Pro from 2017 is currently available for around $429, which is 52% off the retail price. Although it might not be the latest model, it still offers solid performance for school projects and online assignments.
For students who require more powerful machines, retailers are also advertising competitive prices on the latest models. Recently, the M3 MacBook Air configurations have been particularly popular. For parents who need to invest, many deals offer significant savings on these tech items. A 16GB configuration MacBook Pro is even available for $1,249, which can make it accessible for many families.
Shop Smart for School Success
The back-to-school season doesn't have to break the bank. With careful planning and smart shopping strategies, parents can equip their kids for success without overspending. Whether it’s taking advantage of tax holidays, leveraging discounts, coordinating bulk purchases, or considering refurbished items, there are plenty of ways to save. This back-to-school season can be less about the financial strain and more about being prepared for the exciting school year. Happy shopping!
