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There’s no doubt that everyone has been enjoying the lazy summer days free from all the responsibilities of the school year, however, all good things must come to an end! Every parent knows fall is right around the corner and it won’t be long until the back-to-school shopping will need to start. Back-to-school shopping is exciting but can be quite expensive especially if you have a couple of school aged kids. What may seem like a few small purchases will quickly add up and suddenly that list of items you need starts to grow. If you find yourself on a tight budget and are already dreading back-to-school shopping here are four hacks you can use to stretch your back to school dollars further and get it done without blowing your budget out of the water.
Create a List of Items You Need to Purchase
A great place to start is with making a list of all the things the kids need that you need to buy. Just like with a grocery list having a list makes sure you get all the necessary items without falling prey to impulse purchases that are completely unnecessary. Be sure to take a look at last year’s supplies and items before making your list, as there will be some things you may not even need to replace. For example, last year’s backpack and lunch bag may just need a little cleaning and then will be as good as new again. Some parents choose to hold off on the school supplies until after the first week of school when the kids get a better understanding of what they need and when store sales might occur.
Keep an Eye Out for Deals
Because every penny matters, it’s important to start watching for deals, discounts, promotions and coupons whenever possible. Sites such as Upgraded Reviews are dedicated to saving you money by finding the current deals and listing them in one convenient location. With a quick visit to the site you’ll quickly discover what’s on sale and where you can save money. It’s a good idea to refer back to that list you created so that you don’t end up buying items you don’t need simply because they were a “great deal.”
Buying in Bulk Can Save Money
Now if you happen to have a bulk store nearby like a Sam’s Club or Costco be sure you do a little comparison shopping in these stores. Often buying in bulk can end up saving you money in the long run and also means you’ll probably have enough to keep them stocked all school year long. It’s not just the school supplies that can work out cheaper at these bulk stores as even their lunch items and snacks can be cheaper when you purchase in bulk. Obviously you need to be careful with expiration dates and make sure you’re going to go through the items before that date. It tends to make the most sense for households with multiple school aged kids to shop for grocery items in bulk.
Become a Thrift Store Shopper
As for all the clothing they will need a thrift stores can prove to be an excellent place to shop. Even if you don’t get everything you need there there’s a good chance that what you find will be an incredible price. It’s not unusual to find items that have never been worn before and even have their original price tag on them still. Being thrifty is “in” right now and can save you a pretty penny!
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