How to Save on School Supplies

Every year parents find that they are responsible for the purchase of more school supplies. The schools are strapped for cash and retailers use the two months before school begins to offer sales on those items most requested by teachers, parents and children. You can save money on all school supplies if you shop wisely.

Instructions

1. Find out what your child really needs. Don't shop for supplies for your child's classroom until you have received an official list. Some retailers will even post lists that have been provided for them by local schools.

2. 

   Shop at home. Leftover pens, pencils, crayons and paper may serve a child well and save you money. Don't buy supplies until you know what you already have and what you really need.

3. 

   Nowhere is it written that a child must be dressed head to toe in new clothing at the start of the school year. Take an inventory of your child's clothing and determine what needs to be added. Sometimes a single new item and spruce up an outfit. If your child is into the latest trend, remember children grow fast and trends fade quickly. Select items that won't go out of style.

4. 

   Skip the book-bags and lunch boxes with the popular cartoon or sports characters on them. Generic versions of backpacks, book-bags and lunch boxes tend to be much cheaper. If you are looking for items that will last a long time, buy from a reputable company. That way, if a zipper breaks, the item will be replaced at no cost to you.

5. 

   Check your local newspaper for sales and take advantage of them. Thirteen states have "tax-free" shopping days. Some stores and on line retailers offer coupons.

6. Wait. By mid-August, many retailers offer large discounts, especially on shoes, clothing and electronics. Don't hesitate to ask for a discount. Use a valid K-12 or college ID at tech stores and you are likely to get a large discount.

7. To save money, do all of your school shopping in a single trip or carpool with others to save on gas.

Tips & Warnings

• Shop at merchants who return a percentage of purchases to the local school.

• Buy in bulk, especially if you need to supply more than one child.