Back to School on a Budget

By w2005blc Jul 25, 2011

How do you get ready for back to school for your kids without stressing too much and spending a fortune?

First, figure out what you need to buy and make a list. For me, that consists of the following items. . . . .

clothes

backpack

lunchbag

pencil box

crayons

markers

water colors

glue

glue sticks

pencils

colored pencils

hand sanitizer

disinfecting wipes

tissues

paper towels

erasers

ruler

folders

The list above is just a general list. My son will be starting first grade, so depending on the age of your child you might need other items also.

What I do throughout the year is purchase these items (that I know I will need) if I see them on sale. For example: Last year I purchase my son and daughter backpacks on clearance after the school year started. I paid $3 and change per backpack and just set them aside for this coming school year.

School clothes can be very expensive. What I do to save money and not break my budget is shop in the clearance section first. The other day I found my son 2 pairs of jeans on clearance for $3 and change and I found 2 pairs of jeans for my daughter for $4 and change. This price really beats paying full price. Clearance clothes are great because a lot of the time you can get an item at a great discount simply because they are discontinuing an item or changing the style. I also buy clothes when they go on clearance throughout the entire year at the end of each season. I buy my kids the next size up, so that it will fit them the following year. It works out really well and that way I don't have to go to the store when the next season comes and buy an entire new wardrobe.

You might want to check your local thrift stores also for clothing for your kids for school. I find really good clothing for my kids at thrift stores for really great prices.

You should check with your school first and get a list of what you need before doing your big shopping for supplies. I didn't do this one year and ended up buying things I didn't need and ended up needing to purchase other items. My son's school appreciates if you try to purchase the items they have on the list to donate. Remember that most schools would like you to purchase these items and if you really can't afford it then explain that to them. I usually can find the school supply items on sale really cheap before school starts. Don't wait until the last minute because they will be all out. I check the deals at at my local discount stores and drugstores and seem to find good deals. You can also check your local 99 cent or Dollar Store and find some of your school supply items too! I know some schools are picky about certain items being name brand, but you can even find those items on sale. Right before school starts the stores have great deals on everything including your name brand supplies.

Remember to start early, so you can find everything you need at a good price! Where are your favorite places to shop for back to school?

You can find more money saving tips on my blog.

http://frugalmommieof2.blogspot.com/

Frugal Mommie of 2

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Comments

by lorettab | Centrelia, IL

Oct 08, 2011

I reuse a lot of the stuff if I can like pens and backpacks, and then I find coupons to help out with clothes and shoes.

by Kathymc420 | Chesterfield, MI

Sep 24, 2011

Mom to Mom Sales are another Great option!! I find lots of good deals!!

by w2005blc | HENDERSON, NV

Jul 26, 2011

That is a great idea to save your receipts and get a price adjustment. I hate shopping when it gets too close to school starting and with all the crowds.

by Maureenbme | DOWNERS GROVE, IL

Jul 26, 2011

Our school sends home a list that has all the supplies for each grade so i stock up on the sale item I know i will need for the next year.I also buy 2 sets of most supplies for the current year and after Christmas break I send new crayons colored pencils regular pencils and markers. any plastic items you need to label I put a piece of clear tape over the name so it does not get worn off. The big money saver i do is take all the sale sale papers and go the office store that has the best deals and buy all supplies there they will price match the other sales and I can do all my shopping in 1 stop also save your receipts that 3.99 pencil box may be .10 next week have it price adjusted

by AnnSheSpeaks | Maplewood, NJ

Jul 26, 2011

I love being creative and frugal when it comes to buying things we need but that are so overpriced during promotional times! Thanks for the great tips.

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