Homework Hack Your Way to the Best Back to School Shopping Deals

If you have a kid, are a kid, or have ever just seen a kid before, you may notice all your algorithms starting to push back-to-school content (like we’re doing right now) and advertising. It's a multi-billion industry that peaks every year around mid-late July, with the National Retail Federation estimating spending in 2024 to reach $38.8 billion, the second-highest year on record. With every store begging for your wallet’s attention, it can be hard to figure out just where to start when preparing for another school year.

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breaking down the costs

Shopping for school supplies can be a significant expense, with the average parent spending around $900, but understanding the typical costs can help you plan and budget effectively. Let’s break it down and build a back-to-school budget by age group which will help us see where the money goes and how you can save.

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best practices for back to school shopping

Sure, shopping back-to-school deals can feel a little like navigating a minefield of expenses, but it’s all about balancing the excitement of the new year with the reality of sticking to a budget.

1. Plan Ahead: Start early and create a detailed shopping list to avoid last-minute purchases at higher prices.

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2. Set a Budget: Determine how much you can afford to spend and stick to your budget. Use budgeting tools or apps to help track your expenses. Start tracking your expenses with your free MoneyEdu account. 

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3. Prioritize Needs Over Wants: Focus on essential items first, then consider non-essential items if your budget allows.

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4. Reuse and Recycle: Encourage reusing and recycling school supplies from previous years. This not only saves money but also teaches kids about sustainability.

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5. Shop Smart: Look for deals, use coupons, and talk to other parents to compare and get ideas for the best stores to hit.
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6. ‍Involve Your Kids: We are talking about education here, so why not use this as a learning opportunity to teach your kids about budgeting and smart shopping. Seeing the process helps build financial literacy and the importance of taking care of their things, as well as giving them a new respect for just how much goes into their education. Kids may not always listen to what you tell them, but what they see will stick with them. Seeing the cost of an education and the hard work that goes into providing it influences them to try harder, do better. 

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best stores for back to school shopping

There’s no shortage of choice when it comes to shopping, but each store has its speciality, and it’s worth the savings to shop hop between multiple stores. Here’s a list of some of the best stores for back-to-school shopping. 

School Supplies

• Target: Check their weekly ads for sales on a wide variety of school supplies at affordable prices, and use the Target Circle app for additional discounts. Avoid the Target trap, and remember that you’re only there for BTS supplies.

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• Walmart: This one is a no-brainer for competitive prices on a broad selection of school supplies. Look online and in-store for their back-to-school specials.

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• OfficeMax/Office Depot: Sometimes seen as bougie and expensive, they can actually be great for bulk purchases and often have deals on specific items like notebooks and pens. Sign up for their rewards program for extra savings.

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• Dollar Tree: Can be a budget-friendly option for small school supplies and snacks. Word to the wise, though, shopping at dollar stores can be misleading. Do your price comparison homework to make sure you’re not paying more for low quality items versus buying high quality items from stores offering discounts. 

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• Costco: If you have a membership, Costco is excellent for buying in bulk, which can save money in the long run on items like snacks and basic supplies.

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Clothing

• Ross Dress for Less: Can be great for finding brand-name clothing at discounted prices. Ideal for back-to-school wardrobes on a budget less concerned with immediate fashion trends.

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• Kohl’s: Frequent sales and a robust rewards program that’ll keep your email inbox full make Kohl’s a good choice for purchasing new clothes. Don’t sleep on Kohl’s Cash and coupons.

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• Old Navy: Offers stylish and affordable clothing for kids and teens, with options to fit the most conservative of dress codes. Watch for their back-to-school sales events.

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• Thrift It: Spend a day checking out the local thrift stores near you. There’s no telling what you might find.  

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Technology

• Best Buy: Offers student discounts and deals on laptops, tablets, and other tech essentials. Consider their open-box items for lower prices.

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• Apple Store: While typically more expensive, Apple offers education pricing for students and teachers on Macs and iPads.

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• Amazon: A go-to for technology deals, especially during Prime Days or their back-to-school sales. Compare prices and read reviews before purchasing.

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Extracurricular Activities

• Big 5 Sporting Goods: Great for sports equipment and gear at reasonable prices. Look for sales and clearance items.

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• Play It Again Sports: Ideal for gently used sports equipment. They also buy used gear, which can be a great way to save money.

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• Michael’s: Offers a wide range of arts and crafts supplies. Sign up for their rewards program and use coupons for discounts.

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Back-to-school shopping doesn’t have to mean back-to-zero savings. With planning and savvy shopping, you can prepare for the new school year without sacrificing your budget. Seeing your kids gear up for another year of growth, learning, and new experiences is priceless, and keeping those costs in check is a huge relief!

By knowing where to shop and how to save, you can provide your little Einstein with everything they need without sacrificing your financial peace of mind. At SunWest, we’re here to support your family every step of the way. Our goal is to help you make money moves that fit your family’s lifestyle, so you can focus on watching them grow.

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