Here’s How to Save Some Money on Back-to-School Shopping
It’s that time already. Here are five tips to help you with back-to-school shopping . . .
1. Make a list and a budget. Schools usually send students a list of what they’ll need for the school year. You might even be able to find it on Target or Walmart’s websites.
By the way, the National Retail Federation found that families with kids in elementary school or high school are expected to spend an average of $890 this year. While families with college students are expected to spend $1,367. (!!!)
2. Take inventory of what you already have. To avoid buying things you don’t need, check to see if you have pens, pencils, or notebooks left over from last year that you can still use.
3. Use coupons and shop sales. A lot of stores have coupons on their apps and websites, and in their weekly circulars.
4. Buy used or refurbished items. Electronics can be expensive. And some items, like graphing calculators, won’t be needed for more than a couple years. So check sites like eBay, Amazon, Apple, and Dell for their refurbished deals.
5. Keep an eye on sales after you’re done shopping. If something goes on sale after you buy it, you might be able to get some of your money back. Some stores give you about two weeks to request a partial refund.
(Consumer Reports / NRF)
