Savings Tips

How to Save on Back-to-School Shopping

Back-to-School Savings
Smart tips to cut your back-to-school spending

Americans are projected to spend $82.8 billion on the 2018 school year, and clothes, books, and supplies add up fast. These five practical tips help you keep your back-to-school total down.

The National Retail Federation (NRF) estimates that Americans will spend $82.8 billion on shopping for the 2018 school year. How much of that will be yours? Shopping for clothes, books, and supplies can quickly add up to a surprising amount of money, so Billshark wants to offer you some tips on how to keep your total down.

1 Create a Budget

Just as with holiday shopping, if you don’t set a budget in advance, you will spend way more than you wanted to. There’s no point in going broke, just so your children can go to school. Figure out what you can afford and divide the total among your children, then further divide that among clothes, books, and supplies. Avoid impulse shopping and splurges, because chances are your child won’t end up using those items after all. Planning can not only save you money, but also time rushing from store to store.

2 Wait Before You Buy

Do not buy any items until you have the teacher’s list in hand, no matter how tempting the deal. If you buy too early and find out after school starts that you didn’t need the item, it may be too late to return it for a refund. In addition, after the crush of early school shopping is over, most stores will put that kind of merchandise on clearance, usually in September, so you can save a lot by waiting just a few weeks.

And before heading out, be sure to inventory what you already own. You may find perfectly good clothing or unused supplies from last year hidden away in closets or even scattered around the house. Also, if your state offers a sales tax holiday on back-to-school items, try to hold off till then.

Finally, if your kids think they absolutely must have a super-on-trend item, they may get to school and find the trend has passed, and their pals have moved onto to an even trendier item, so it’s best to wait till school starts.

3 Shop Outside the Box

Clothing, especially for fast-growing younger children, doesn’t have to be new to be perfectly acceptable. Yard sales this time of year are still ubiquitous, or you could organize a swap with other parents, not only for clothes but for unused supplies. Also check out Goodwill and consignment stores for clothing in good condition.

And don’t overlook the dollar stores, which these days feature a large array of school and office supplies for far less than you’d pay at most other retailers.

4 Shop Smart

Use any of the many price comparison apps to find the best deals, then look to some of the local stores in your area that offer price matching. Target, Wal-Mart, and Best Buy are some possibilities.

And though Billshark wants you to save money every way you can, realize that sometimes bargains can cost you in the long run. Be willing to pay more for such durable goods as backpacks, gym supplies, and shoes that will last longer than the cheaper versions. At the same time, don’t go crazy trying to save a nickel on a pack of pencils or a bottle of glue. It’s better to focus your shopping time and savvy on the bigger-ticket items such as electronics.

Think about buying refurbished electronics from reputable companies. If they’re certified, they are reconditioned to factory standards and will offer a guarantee.

Also follow a few of your favorite stores on Facebook and Twitter to get advance notice of sales as well as coupon offers. And see whether your credit cards offer rebates or rewards on back-to-school shopping.

5 Educate Your Children

This is the perfect time to teach your children about intelligent spending. Explain budgeting to them, help them understand how quickly all the different items add up, and let them learn about restraint (or disappointment, if you will). Just because they want several different electronic devices with all the newest bells and whistles doesn’t mean they need them for school.

Finally, this is a great time to submit your bills to Billshark and let our sharks find you hidden savings you can use for back-to-school shopping.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Americans spend on back-to-school shopping?

The National Retail Federation (NRF) estimates that Americans will spend $82.8 billion on shopping for the 2018 school year. Because clothes, books, and supplies can quickly add up to a surprising amount of money, setting a budget and planning ahead helps you decide how much of that total will be yours and keep your own spending under control.

Why should I wait before buying back-to-school items?

Do not buy any items until you have the teacher’s list in hand. If you buy too early and find out after school starts that you didn’t need an item, it may be too late to return it for a refund. After the crush of early shopping is over, most stores put that merchandise on clearance, usually in September, so you can save a lot by waiting just a few weeks.

Where can I find cheaper school clothes and supplies?

Clothing for fast-growing younger children doesn’t have to be new. Shop yard sales, organize a swap with other parents for clothes and unused supplies, and check Goodwill and consignment stores for clothing in good condition. Don’t overlook dollar stores either, which feature a large array of school and office supplies for far less than most other retailers charge.

When is it worth paying more instead of buying the cheapest item?

Sometimes bargains cost you in the long run. Be willing to pay more for durable goods like backpacks, gym supplies, and shoes that last longer than cheaper versions. Don’t go crazy saving a nickel on pencils or glue; focus your shopping time and savvy on bigger-ticket items such as electronics. Consider certified refurbished electronics, which are reconditioned to factory standards with a guarantee.

How can shopping for school teach my children about money?

Back-to-school shopping is the perfect time to teach children about intelligent spending. Explain budgeting, help them understand how quickly all the different items add up, and let them learn about restraint. Just because they want several electronic devices with the newest bells and whistles doesn’t mean they need them for school. You can also submit your bills to Billshark to find hidden savings for shopping.

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How to Save on Back-to-School Shopping page context

How to Save on Back-to-School Shopping is a Billshark page. It can help you with your bills and your choices, and it can show you how to save.

Save on back-to-school shopping with 5 smart tips: set a budget, wait for clearance, shop secondhand, buy durable goods, and teach kids.

Use this page to learn about Billshark. Then go to the part of the site that fits what you need. Small steps add up. You can save a lot over time.

We share this page to help you make sense of your monthly bills, your choices, and what to do next. Keep this page handy. Ask us if you get stuck.

This page links you to more help from Billshark. Use it when you want more detail or a clear next step. You can save a lot over time.

Got a question about a bill you pay each month? This page can help you find the best answer. Read on to learn more. Small steps add up.

Read each part of this page at your own pace. If you need more help, go on to a guide on your topic. It is free to read. Keep this page handy. Ask us if you get stuck.

We put facts and tips in one place. This makes it easy to learn about the bills you pay at home. We are here to help. It only takes a few minutes.

This page can help with real questions. You can learn about your plan, your account, and what you pay each month. Small steps add up. You can save a lot over time.

Use the menu and the links to go from a big question to the facts that fit your own needs. Keep this page handy. Ask us if you get stuck.

We keep things short and clear so you can choose well. You can then read more if you want to. It only takes a few minutes. You are in the right place.

The links on this page help you weigh your choices. They also help you see what you pay and what to do next. You can save a lot over time.

Our goal is to help you spot the bills you pay each month. We also share smart ways to keep them low. Ask us if you get stuck. Read on to learn more.

Come back to this page when you have a new question. It will still be here to help with bills and savings. You are in the right place. It is free to read.

We link the small choices you make each day to the big picture. That means your budget and what you spend at home. We make it easy for you.

Each part of this page helps you see what you need. It may be help with a plan, your account, or a good read. Read on to learn more. Small steps add up.

Use what you learn here to plan your questions. Look at your choices, then take the next step when you are ready. It is free to read. Keep this page handy.

Our pages link to each other. That way, you can find more help and still keep track of what you came for. We are here to help. It only takes a few minutes.

This page makes it easy to find the key facts first. Then you can pick a plan or make a change with less stress. Small steps add up. You can save a lot over time.

Good facts help you see why a bill went up. They also show you what to check before you call or reply. Keep this page handy. Ask us if you get stuck.

This page puts the key facts in one place. It can help you talk with a company about your bills and how to save. It only takes a few minutes. You are in the right place.

Our other pages explain the words you see on a bill. They also help you weigh the pros and cons of each plan. You can save a lot over time. We make it easy for you.

Our tips focus on real choices you can make. Start with the basics, then read a more detailed guide if you need one. Ask us if you get stuck. Read on to learn more.

This page is one of many that we share. Together they cover home costs, the firms you pay, and how to get help. You are in the right place. It is free to read.

Take your time and read this page first. It helps you see your choices and find out what to read next. We make it easy for you. We are here to help. It only takes a few minutes.

We set this page up so you can compare and keep reading. You will not need to hunt for what you want. Read on to learn more. Small steps add up. You can save a lot over time.

Monthly bills come with rules, terms, and fine print. This page helps you find the parts that count for you. It is free to read. Keep this page handy. Ask us if you get stuck.

Our pages give you a clear view of what you pay each month. You can then pick the plan or guide you want. We are here to help. It only takes a few minutes.

Some of our guides cover the basics. Others go into detail on one company or one type of bill. Small steps add up. You can save a lot over time. We make it easy for you.

It pays to read first and act later. This page links you to the next guide if you want to learn more. Keep this page handy. Ask us if you get stuck.

We share guides that help you make sense of your bills. They show your choices and the best next step. It only takes a few minutes. You are in the right place.

Want more detail on a bill, a plan, or your account? Check this page against the links we share here. You can save a lot over time. We make it easy for you.

We group our pages by topic to keep things simple. This helps you stay on track as you read about your costs. Ask us if you get stuck. Read on to learn more.

A bit of background goes a long way. It helps you spot what counts before you check a bill, change a plan, or call us. You are in the right place. It is free to read.

This page is part of our help library. It gives you clear facts and links so you can keep on reading. We make it easy for you. We are here to help.

Your needs can change, so come back any time. Our other pages can help you look into a new cost or plan. Read on to learn more. Small steps add up. You can save a lot over time.

We laid out this page to help you get the facts and compare them. You can then choose your next step with ease. It is free to read. Keep this page handy.

Americans are projected to spend $82.8 billion on the 2018 school year, and clothes, books, and supplies add up fast.

The National Retail Federation (NRF) estimates that Americans will spend $82.8 billion on shopping for the 2018 school year.

Just as with holiday shopping, if you don’t set a budget in advance, you will spend way more than you wanted to.

Do not buy any items until you have the teacher’s list in hand, no matter how tempting the deal.

And before heading out, be sure to inventory what you already own.

Finally.

Clothing, especially for fast-growing younger children, doesn’t have to be new to be perfectly acceptable.

And don’t overlook the dollar stores, which these days feature a large array of school and office supplies for far less than you’d pay at most other retailers.

Use any of the many price comparison apps to find the best deals, then look to some of the local stores in your area that offer price matching.

And though Billshark wants you to save money every way you can, realize that sometimes bargains can cost you in the long run.

Think about buying refurbished electronics from reputable companies.

Also follow a few of your favorite stores on Facebook and Twitter to get advance notice of sales as well as coupon offers.

This is the perfect time to teach your children about intelligent spending.

Finally, this is a great time to submit your bills to Billshark and let our sharks find you hidden savings you can use for back-to-school shopping.

Do not buy any items until you have the teacher’s list in hand.

Clothing for fast-growing younger children doesn’t have to be new.

Sometimes bargains cost you in the long run.

Back-to-school shopping is the perfect time to teach children about intelligent spending.

Billshark negotiates your bills for you — no savings, no fee.

Billshark helps lower internet, wireless, cable, satellite radio, and other monthly bills.

Our experts handle providers for customers and share updates throughout the process.

Customers pay only when Billshark finds savings on eligible bills.

2 Wait Before You Buy.

3 Shop Outside the Box.

5 Educate Your Children.

Frequently Asked Questions.

How much do Americans spend on back-to-school shopping?.

Why should I wait before buying back-to-school items?.

Where can I find cheaper school clothes and supplies?.

When is it worth paying more instead of buying the cheapest item?.

How can shopping for school teach my children about money?.

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