Saving Money For Back to School!

Yep, it's that time of year again. It's time for back to school. It seems the summers go faster and faster each year, don't they? Back to School shopping for supplies can be stressful, tiring and expensive! Here are ten tips to help make back to school shopping a less daunting task.

1. Make a list. Write down exactly what you need and don't forget the list from the teacher. The list will keep you from forgetting anything and will help keep you from over-buying.

2. Collect all of the ads from the paper for the week you are planning to shop. You can map out a plan of attack this way and figure out the best way to get the best for your money.

3. Check online for any printable coupons or online deals. Sometimes even just a free shipping code will save you a trip to the store and not cost you any extra for shopping from home. One less trip to the store is ALWAYS nice.

4. Spend time comparing your ads and coupons. You may find even better deals when combining sales with coupons.

4. Check club stores like Costco or Sam's Club for certain items you may need in large quantity. If you have the room to store items in bulk, you can save a lot of money this way.

5. Use your savings club cards! Drug stores and grocery stores also have sales at back to school and sometimes you can earn rewards points or bucks AND savings on your items. Double savings!

6. Talk to your kids! We know they will want to express themselves through some of their supplies. Character and licensed items can be expensive, so be sure to discuss this with your kids. Talking about it ahead of time and agreeing on a plan can make shopping go much more smoothly. Options like "iCarly lunchbox or backpack, not both" will give your child their much-wanted input and save you money and stress in the store.

7.  Read your favorite Deal-finder or Money Saver blogs! I have gained a wealth of knowledge about saving money from my favorite bloggers. And they're always willing to share tips and advice.

8. Remember to start early. Sales change weekly, so if you start shopping early enough, you can maximize your savings.

9. Check clearance bins at the store or try the dollar store for some items.  You never know what you might find and you can save plenty by shopping the bargain bins!


10. Organize a swap! Talk to family or friends with children. Certain items, like backpacks or lunch boxes/bags are quite durable and last more than one school year. Your kids might want something new though, and swapping gives the kids new-to-them items without the cost! (This may work with wardrobes too!!)

Staples is offering a 25% off coupon on their Sustainable Earth by Staples eco-friendly notebooks and writing pads. These notepads are made from 80% sugarcane so less trees are used! Coupon expires 8/14 so hurry if you want to use it! Print coupon. 

I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Staples blogging program, making me eligible for a $50 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here.