The average family is planning to spend roughly $630 on back to school shopping this year, according to a report from the National Retail Federation. Stores are preparing for this shopping bonanza by offering hundreds of deals on all types of school related products. However, it is important to remember their goal is not to save you the most money, but to make the most money off of you. You’ll keep more money in your pocket if you avoid these back to school shopping mistakes.
Back To School Shopping Without A Plan
Decide on the items and quantities that need to be purchased before heading out the door. Having a plan will keep you on track, help you get done faster, and help you avoid buying unnecessary items. Try to research prices, check for walmart coupons and other discount codes, and look through sales flyers before shopping to see which stores have the best deals on the items you need.
Shopping Without A Budget
You need to control how much you are spending back to school shopping and the easiest way to accomplish that is with a budget. Dedicate a specific amount of money to each category, such as clothing or school supplies, and limit your spending in that category to that amount. If you overspend in one category, reduce your amount in another category to compensate.
Not Checking To See What You Already Have
Many kids do not use all of their school supplies each year and the things that they bring home typically get used around the house. You may have some of the school supplies on the new list left over from a previous year. Check to see what is available around the house before going out to shop for more.
Spending Too Much On Clothes
There are very few children that need an entirely new wardrobe just because it is the beginning of the school year. Yet, many parents spend hundreds of dollars doing just that. Make your goal to replace the things your kid has outgrown or has worn out. Go through their clothing and make a list of items that are actually needed. Additional clothing can always be purchased as needed throughout the rest of the year.
Avoiding these common back to school shopping mistakes will help you keep more cash in your pocket for another day. These tips can also be applied to grocery shopping and holiday shopping.