Tips for Back-To-School Shopping

Now is the time that many people are shopping for back-to-school (BTS) items. Below are seven questions that I answered about BTS shopping for a Twitter (X) chat about this topic:

What should you factor into your back-to-school (BTS) budget?

¨   Spending categories such as clothing, shoes, electronics, supplies, and miscellaneous items

¨   Things may cost more than you think; add a fudge factor to your budget for the unexpected

¨   Not everything that is needed is needed all at once; try to spread expenses over 2-3 months

 

 How can you offset rising cost of school supplies this back-to-school shopping season?

¨   If money is tight, you may qualify for a free backpack of BTS supplies from a local non-profit

¨   Some states have state sales tax holidays to buy school supplies during a certain time period

¨   Consider buying clothing, shoes, and perhaps electronics and school supplies (e.g., notebooks) at a thrift shop

 

 How do you set priorities for back-to-school supplies to stay on budget?

¨   Determine a maximum spending cap and cut out what you can’t afford

¨   Ask yourself “What is the worst thing that can happen if I don’t buy [name of item]?

¨   Develop three expense categories: essential, desirable, and optional; buy things accordingly

 

How can people effectively navigate back-to-school sales?

¨   Find out if your state has a sales tax holiday and shop then

¨   Compare prices from at least 3 vendors and look for online sales codes that save money

 

Where can you find free back-to-school supplies?

¨   Non-profit organizations that distribute free backpacks, notebooks, pencils, and other supplies

¨   Schools and school districts may have sponsored programs that provide school supplies

¨   Churches may organize backpack events and clothing swaps to support local families

¨   Family members and friends may have usable hand-me-down clothing and school supplies

 

How can you avoid impulse spending when back-to-school shopping?

¨   Set a firm back-to-school budget and make a shopping list of expenses in priority order

¨   Shop with cash or a debit card so there is a definite limit on the amount that you can spend

¨   Plan ahead and shop early to take advantage of sales tax holidays (if available) and avoid “panic buying”

 

Any final tips for navigating back-to-school shopping?

¨   Avoid paying full price for anything. Identify inexpensive vendors and cost-saving opportunities

¨   Delay non-essential purchases until later in the school year when you have more financial flexibility

¨   Try a “no shop for food week” and use food in your pantry/fridge/freezer; use the money saved on food for back-to-school expenses

One final thought...even if you have no need to shop for a student, consider taking advantage of state sales tax breaks (if available) for yourself to buy tax-exempt clothing, electronics, and office supplies. I have been doing this for the past three weeks with the August BTS sales tax exemption in Florida.

This post provides general personal finance or consumer decision-making information and does not address all the variables that apply to an individual’s unique situation. It does not endorse specific products or services and should not be construed as legal or financial advice. If professional assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought.