DAVE RAMSEY

If you’re still shopping for back-to-school, here are ways to save

Aug 14, 2022, 5:45 AM

(Pixabay Photo)...

(Pixabay Photo)

(Pixabay Photo)

Back-to-school season: Whether you and your family have been looking forward to it or dreading it for weeks, it’s officially here. And let’s just say back-to-school shopping will be expensive this year. Not only do you have a lot to buy, but there’s also that whole inflation thing happening.

But even though your list may be a few miles long, these five back-to-school shopping tips can help you prioritize your spending so you can save money — and I think we all want a little more of that right now. So, let’s get started.

1. Make a back-to-school budget

Once you’ve created and prioritized your list of back-to-school needs, it’s time to make a budget. Remember, a budget gives you freedom to spend. When you make a budget and stick to it, you’re telling every single dollar of your hard-earned income where to go (and where not to go).

As you set up your budget, make a new budget category for school-related expenses that happen every single month, such as after-school care or club fees. Then, make a separate budget line item for the other back-to-school expenses that will be a one-time thing, like three-ring binders and Lisa Frank-themed notebooks. (Let’s bring those back in style, OK?)

2. See what clothing and supplies you already have

At the end of last year, your kids cleaned out their cubbies, desks or lockers and brought home a very interesting mix of trash, refrigerator-worthy drawings and still-useable supplies. If you kept any of that good stuff, can you use it this year?

Same with clothes. Don’t feel like you have to buy a whole new wardrobe before school starts, no matter how much your kids want you to. Shop your kids’ closets first. What still fits? What doesn’t? Are there any hand-me-downs from your older kids? All this sorting will definitely take some time, but in this case, time spent is money saved.

3. Use dollar stores for some back-to-school shopping

If you know me, you know I’m a big fan of dollar stores—and they’re a game-changer for back-to-school shopping. Sure, you’ll see plenty of junk, but you might be surprised at some of the hidden gems you find.

For one, they often get random shipments of name-brand items that sell at other stores for up to four times the dollar store price. And certain items, like clipboards, poster board, planners and pens, are just as good here as anywhere else.

4. Take advantage of the deals

Get. Those. Deals! Consignment shops, garage sales, thrift stores and Facebook Marketplace are all great places to find used items. And, as if Goodwill’s prices aren’t good enough already, they usually have at least one half-off day every month.

And here are some other ways to get a good deal: Take advantage of back-to-school sales, use your favorite store’s app to get special offers or find stores that price match (like Office Depot, Michaels, Kohl’s and Target).

5. Limit your kids’ extracurricular activities

This one’s not just for back-to-school shopping, it’s something to keep in mind all yearlong.

Kids today can join clubs and programs for pretty much any and every interest you could possibly imagine. But letting them do everything might end up costing you everything in your bank account.

If you want to trim the extra spending, think about cutting back on the extracurriculars. See what your family budget can handle, then limit the number of extracurricular activities you’ll take on this year. It’ll save you time and money.

And this one’s big for me: Don’t forget about putting your kids to work. Yep, we’re talking about having them earn a commission. When they see the value of hard work in exchange for those hard-earned dollars, they’ll understand why doing five extracurricular activities this fall just isn’t in the budget.

It’s all about that back-to-school budget

You guys, getting ready to go back to school can be stressful, but it’s so much better when you follow these tips —especially the budgeting part.

So, before you start a school-supply shopping spree, be intentional about creating a budget, finding the deals, and having conversations with your family about what you’re prioritizing this school year.

For more tips on creating a budget that will help you stay in control of your money during back-to-school season and all year, check out this article!

Dave Ramsey

people sitting at table and looking at the computer...

Dave Ramsey

Dave Ramsey says: Here’s how to handle a small-business budget

You’ve got to project into the future and think about what you’re going to do and how you’re going to make it happen.

1 day ago

dave ramsey gives advice regarding life insurance policies...

Dave Ramsey

Dave Ramsey says: Opt for the long-term plan, not the short-term fix

In this week's letter from Dave Ramsey, he gives advice to people who have elderly parents without life insurance policies.

6 days ago

woman with book on her head...

Jade Warshaw

Dave Ramsey says: Here’s a new kind of student loan forgiveness

Millions of Americans will be required in October to begin making payments on their student loan debt, but are they financially ready for the new reality?

8 days ago

windshield broke...

Dave Ramsey

Dave Ramsey says: Take the bigger check, it’s quick and easy

If your vehicle has been damaged and you're left with options to claim money to put toward another car, here's what's best.

13 days ago

little boy puts money into piggy bank...

Dave Ramsey

Dave Ramsey says: Make them workers and givers

As parents doing financially well, there's a few things you can do to prepare your children for long-term success: teach them how to work and give.

20 days ago

Man holds baby in loving manner...

Dave Ramsey

Dave Ramsey says: Life insurance is not a baby step

Life insurance is most definitely a necessity in your budget and something you need to put in place as soon as possible.

27 days ago

Sponsored Articles

...

DAY & NIGHT AIR CONDITIONING, HEATING AND PLUMBING

Importance of AC maintenance after Arizona’s excruciating heat wave

An air conditioning unit in Phoenix is vital to living a comfortable life inside, away from triple-digit heat.

...

Ignite Digital

How to unlock the power of digital marketing for Phoenix businesses

All businesses around the Valley hopes to maximize their ROI with current customers and secure a greater market share in the digital sphere.

...

Mayo Clinic

Game on! Expert sports physicals focused on you

With tryouts quickly approaching, now is the time for parents to schedule physicals for their student-athlete. The Arizona Interscholastic Association requires that all student-athletes must have a physical exam completed before participating in team practices or competition.

If you’re still shopping for back-to-school, here are ways to save