A new school year can bring a lot of stress not just for your child but for us parents, who are supposed to buy all these school supplies and new school stuff! I’m here to tell you a couple tricks for saving some money this 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 your child’s 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 and long sleeve shirts for another month(or longer), can you 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 store 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 a tip; thrift shops in wealthier communities have a ton of name brand clothes that have barely been worn! And consignment shops are usually pickier of what they have on their shelves.
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. 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 ;)
4. Back to school sales
For school supplies, hit up the sales at your local grocery store, use coupons, check the dollar store, bring the school supply list and try to stick to the list. If a calculator isn’t on the list, don’t purchase it!
Also, talk to someone that just graduated from that grade last year and see if there are any supplies they had to purchase more of. It will save you money buying now and also keep in mind the teacher may ask the parents to bring in more supplies later in the year(tissues, pencils, ect).
5. Let’s talk FOOD!
Packing a lunch will save you money and you’ll know what your child is eating.
Buying in bulk and then dividing it up individually yourself will always be the cheaper route, but now is also the time to stock up on non-perishable snacks when they are typically on sale and you can find coupons.
During the school year, weeknights can be very busy. Before the week starts; grocery shop, food prep, and write down a dinner menu.
Make a snack drawer with healthy options for after school.
HELPFUL BACK TO SCHOOL POSTS & RECIPES:
- Tips for Healthy Eating on a Budget
- 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
Jo-Anne says
Some great tips here, for me they are pretty much common sense but not for everyone
Tabitha says
True, hopefully it helps someone :)