Josh Elledge - Chief Executive Angel
Like a rainbow of untapped promise, school supplies adorn store shelves at rock bottom prices in July. It's time for the intelligent shopper to show those book smarts, and get buying! Unless, of course, you have money to burn come September.
But how do you know what, when and where to buy? Here are some tips to keep your cool:
(1) Take a moment to think back over the past school year. What did your child need last year? Was there anything you ran out of?
(2) Teachers put out needs lists for class. If available, follow that. If not, ask a friend with a child that just had that teacher. Do they remember specific needs or recommendations? Any special items?
(3) Watch for items at least 50% off retail. Most items go lower, but if it's one really needed, in the style wanted, grab it. The closer to school starting, the harder it becomes to find good selection.
(4) Keep saving simple. Buy where there's a good selection at a great price. You do want to get the best deals, but don't drive yourself crazy. Rock bottom prices often result in empty shelves. So snag those pencil packs at $0.29 each. Don't pass them up just hoping for $0.24 apiece later.
(5) Make shopping easier. Fit it into your regular routine. Anyplace carrying school supplies has them on sale. Take a quick detour to that section, and save time – and gas to boot.
(6) Make extra effort with a big payoff. Stores run special sales and extra incentives for back-to-school.
(7) To snag amazing deals, watch everywhere; stores you may not normally shop or even think of. And you can save on nearly every item you'll need. The main things are: don't wait too long and stock up! Now is the time to save. Think ahead for the whole year. Running out halfway through the year is extremely expensive. Besides, saving on supplies leaves more in your budget for other BTS must-haves.
Don't have children in school? Grab the deals anyway! School supplies easily double as office supplies or great gifts. Plus, many organizations give away supplies and backpacks to families who need a little budget-boost. Grabbing a few things to donate is much appreciated by those organizing and those receiving.
