5 Ways To Save Money This School Year!

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A new school year can bring a lot of stress, not just for your child, but for us parents. The relaxed summer break is no longer here, now it’s time for the hustle and bustle of the school year. On top of that we are supposed to buy all these school supplies, and stuff for each kiddo! AND within a few months it’s the holiday season. It can be very tough on the wallet.

I’m here to give you some real advice/tips on how to save money this new school year.

5 Ways To Save Money This School Year

 

1. A whole new wardrobe isn’t necessary.

Your child doesn’t need a whole new wardrobe just because it’s a new school year! Take a look into their dresser and closet, write down things that they really need. Do they really need new underwear and socks?

They will most likely not be wearing pants, long sleeve shirts, jackets, cold weather clothing for another month(or longer). Wait to purchase that stuff when everything goes on sale.

Teach your child that no one really pays attention if you’ve worn that top or jeans before, as long as it’s clean, stain free, free of holes and still fits.

 

2. Check out your local thrift shop and consignment store!

Nobody knows that you only paid $5, do you wear the tags?! Seriously though, check out the thrift shop for your child’s “new” school clothes, it sure beats paying full price and will save a ton of money! Just really take a look for any holes, stains, zippers work, buttons missing.

Just some second hand shopping tips;

You’ll usually find a lot more girl clothing at thrift shops, because boys are a little more hard on their clothes. But don’t give up, I’ve still found many great boys clothes over the years.

Thrift shops in wealthier communities have a ton of name brand clothes that have barely been worn.

Consignment shops are usually pickier of what they have on their shelves.

Suggested Read: 17 Things To Do Before School Starts

3. Take a look at last years school supplies.

While you’re looking through their dresser/closet, go take a look at the school supplies from last year. You most likely saved them, and have some left over.

Will the scissors still work? What about the school box?

Those things are pretty sturdy! Heck, you won’t even need to write their name on them ;)

Buy heavy duty supplies, ones that are built to last. Jansport backpacks, Five Star supplies, are all great.

 

4. Back to school sales

For school supplies, hit up the sales at your local grocery store, you can save a lot of money shopping the back to school sale days. I never miss the 50 cent crayons! Use coupons too. Don’t forget to bring the school supply list, and try to stick to the supplies needed. If a calculator isn’t on the list, don’t purchase it!

Do keep in mind if you think your child will go through more of a certain item, and it’s on the list – say pencils, or notebook paper. Be sure to buy a few extras during the back to school sales, it’ll save you a ton of money later in the year. Then if you didn’t use it, use it the next year. Also, ask the teacher if there are any supplies they’ll need donations of.

5. Let’s talk FOOD!

Let’s start with the basic, packing your child a lunch will save you money and you’ll know what your child is eating. Purchase a good quality lunch box that will last your child a while, a bento box is great too, and saves you on packaging.

Buying in bulk, and then dividing it up individually will always be the cheaper route. Non-perishable snacks are typically during the back to school sale time as well. So, now is the time to stock up on those. Don’t forget any coupons!

If you don’t have to worry about buying a lunch box, because your child eats the school lunch. Don’t forget to purchase them a good quality reusable water bottle for their day. Most schools allow the students to have a water bottle with them at their desk.

During the school year, weeknights can be very busy. Before the week starts; meal plan, grocery shop, and food prep. We usually do this on Sundays in our house.

Make a snack drawer with healthy options, for after school.

 

 

HELPFUL BACK TO SCHOOL POSTS & RECIPES:

• Educational Subscription Boxes for Kids & Teens
• Things to do Before Going Back to School
• Preparing for Kindergarten
• Basic White Bread
• Zucchini, apple, carrot muffins
• Healthy Granola Bars
• 100 Family Friendly Veggie Recipes

 

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