With summer winding down, it’s back-to-school time again and preparing for the upcoming school year can get expensive. Getting your kids ready for school without breaking the bank has always been a challenge. The Council for the Advancement of Public Schools (CAPS) offers tips to keep spending under control.
Check Last Year’s Stash
Chances are you probably still have some glue sticks, notebooks and pencils lying around from last year, especially if you have more than one child. Before you buy new supplies, be sure to check the house for leftovers.
Focus
Make a list -- and stick to it. When everything is written down, it will be easier to avoid buying unnecessary items. It may also help to get your children involved in preparing the list. That way, they won’t be as easily swayed by items that may be tempting but weren’t already included.
Buy in Bulk
Buy supplies in bulk from warehouse clubs. You can purchase basics like pencils, paper, and notebooks that will need to be replenished each year and store them. You can also consider getting a group of parents together to take advantage of discounted bulk rates and split up the goods.
Procrastinate
If you can hold off purchasing items until after classes are back in session, you will be able to take advantage of back-to-school clearance sales. Many stores discount surplus merchandise because they need to clear their shelves in preparation for the upcoming holiday sales push.
Learn to Share
Have a neighborhood clothing swap to keep a clothing budget under wraps. Have other moms bring clean, slightly-used items to exchange with pieces that no longer fit your kids. This is a great way to update your child’s wardrobe for free.
Brown Bag It
Keep lunch spending down by not buying one-use juice boxes or water bottles. Save money by purchasing a reusable water container to refill. Avoiding aluminum foil and plastic bags for lunch and snacks not only aids your pocketbook, but is good for the environment too. Reusable containers are a better option.
