Heading back to the classroom this fall? Picking out the perfect first day outfit and shopping for school supplies can be a fun part of the back-to-school season, but for many of us, those expenses really add up. Here are a few tips for making the most of your next shopping trip and save a few bucks along the way!
Set a back-to-school budget.
Having a budget, no matter what season of life you’re in, is always a helpful foundation for financial success. It can be tempting to shop ‘til you drop during back-to-school time, but having a budget in place and knowing what you’re going to spend upfront will allow you to make smarter decisions and avoid the unnecessary impulse purchases. Setting a spending limit can be helpful at this time of year, and your budget can help you clearly direct your purchases toward the things that you really need.
Take inventory at home.
Before you hit the stores, shop around your home to make sure there aren’t any unused supplies you’ve already purchased. You may have extra folders or notebooks from a BOGO sale last year that you’ve since forgotten about, so rather than shopping for duplicates, find out what you already have at home that you can use. (It’s also a great way to declutter and make space for something new!)
Shop generic.
If you stick to the flashier designer brands, you’ll hit your spending limit before you know it. Instead, be open to purchasing items from the generic or private-label store brands. These items are often manufactured in the same factories as the name brands, but sold at a much lower price.
Know your tax holidays.
Different states offer sales tax holidays based on certain spending categories, such as “severe weather” items, Energy Star products, and school supplies and clothing. Most states offer a sales tax holiday during the back-to-school season. See when your state will waive or reduce its sales tax this year!
Take advantage of discounts.
If you are a student, you may be able to receive student discounts at select retailers, and it never hurts to ask! Many stores also offer discounts for veterans, teachers, and first responders, so if any of those apply, you may be able to get a deal. In addition, couponing can be another helpful way to save money while shopping. Check out this handy guide to some of the best couponing sites around!
At Addition Financial, we love helping our members live their best lives while saving money. Check out our blog for more useful articles, podcast episodes and other resources. If you’re on the hunt for a new financial institution, Addition Financial is a credit union founded by educators with strong roots in Central Florida. With branches in six counties and growing, Addition Financial is part of the Presto! ATM network for added convenience, and has offered continuous service throughout the pandemic and Saturday hours at nearly all branches. Plus, you’ll earn $100 just for opening your first checking account with Addition Financial!
Addition Financial also offers youth accounts to help your children handle their money at every stage. Through our Fun Bucks program, your kids get a quarterly bonus for saving. Learn more about the perks of credit union membership here.
Valerie Moses is a Senior Relationship Manager at Addition Financial Credit Union, where she manages public relations and various Central Florida partnerships. When she is not at a community event or cheering on the UCF Knights, she can be found at her lifestyle and travel blog, Wellness & Wanderlust, along with her podcast of the same name.
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