INDIANAPOLIS -- With the start of school just around the corner, it's time to talk supplies. The average shopper spends about $532 on their school-aged children. Those who wait until August or later spend $458, according to a recent study done by Deloitte.
You’ve already waited until now, which will save you some money, and we gathered some tips and tricks to help you save even more money before and during the school year:
- Before you head out the door to shop for deals on school supplies, check your cabinets. You may have overstocked on folders last year and forgot about them. Make sure you scour the house and check your child’s backpack they used last year for pens and pencils.
- If you do need to restock, keep an eye out for end-of-summer sales. Don’t rule out any store. Experts say supermarkets sometimes run specials on supplies so keep an eye on those ads. It will save you gas money and time to buy your school items the same place you are loading up on groceries.
- When you are stocking up, avoid trendy items. What’s popular this year with your child likely won’t be next year. Stick with the basics in plain colors. That way things like lunchboxes and binders might make it a few years before they need to be replaced.
- Experts say stick to the list. Parents often get carried away buying additional items they think their kid might like, but often these add-ons go unused and are simply a waste of money.
Clothing and accessories are expected to account for more than half of families’ spending this year.
While many parents like to gear up their kids before the school year starts, experts say waiting will save you a lot of money. Summer clothes typically hit clearance in August and September. If you can, buy a few basic items for next summer and save them away with the tags still on, that way they will feel new to your kid when you pull them out next summer. As for fall and winter clothing, wait until October. This is when those items will start to go on sale. Keep an eye out for Columbus Day sales. That’s when you will likely find the best deals.
Once the school year is up and running, experts say preparing ahead and packing your kids lunches will save you money in the long run.
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