5 Back To School Pointers From The Pros
It’s about that time again for back to school shopping and this means that Moms everywhere will be relatively stressed and shelling out more money than they should be. It’s regularly surprising how many different things kids need each year for back to school, especially when they are starting a new school or have moved up to a new section in their education. Below are five ways to save money on back to school shopping that will take some of that sting of this necessary expenditure out of your pocket book.
Buy In Bulk
Certain back to school items are also needed around the house and will always be needed for back to school seasons in the future. These items include pens and pencils, notebooks, folders and small three ring binders. Go to a place like Costco or another store that sells large numbers of items at low quantities and buy in bulk. You can keep all the extra items in storage only pulling them out when they are needed. This will save you money on all the future back to school purchases.
Know Seasonal Computer Deals
Most major computer companies offer seasonal computer deals right around back to school. Apple gives $100 back to school giftcards and $50 giftcards if you buy a new Mac or iPad. Microsoft is giving away a free Xbox 360 for each student who purchases a new Windows PC laptop for school. Whatever brand you end up buying, you’ll have to make sure your child knows how to protect themselves online. This includes not talking to strangers or revealing personal information, so that financial information, among other things, can’t be stolen through identity theft. One great way to do this is through Lifelock, which charges a small fee to protect you and your kid’s computer from anyone who may be trying to steal their identities.
Online Shopping
Buy your clothing for back to school online, rather then dealing with the stress of going to a department store to shop, with the kids in tow. Not only will these stores be slammed with other back to school shoppers, but it will cost gas and time to get there, costing you even more money and hassle in the long run. Also, consider buying these necessary back to school clothes a few months earlier, so that you won’t have to pay as much money on shipping and handling. You might even get a deal on out of season winter clothes if you buy in the middle of the summer, saving you even more money.
Consider a Tablet
Here’s a good, environmentally sound idea: buy your child a tablet or eReader. Not only will this save the environment as they won’t be using as much paper, but it may save money on buying books from bookstores and papers and binders for back to school. The basic eReaders can be purchased for under one hundred dollars these days and it should do everything your kid needs. Some even get on the internet, though if it does, you should make sure the tablet is protected in some way from identity theft.
Spend More on Certain Items
Certain items that will get a lot of wear and tear in school are worth spending more money on. Backpacks are a perfect example, as they will be used constantly by your kids. Go the extra mile and buy an expensive backpack from a place like Patagonia. As long as your child doesn’t lose it, it will last them for many years, saving you money on back to school in the long run.
Can you let me know if Chapters will be carrying the day planner Mom’s Agenda calendar. Chapters never carried it last year, and I really missed missed it. Thanks. Gail M.
HI Gail,
Yes, the Mom’s Agenda is at Chapters this year. Thanks for your inquiry.
Best,
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