MCTCU Blog

Back-to-School Shopping: Tips and Tricks for Saving Money

Written by Alex Morton | Aug 2, 2023 1:30:00 PM
Back-to-school shopping can be a financial burden for parents. The costs of school supplies, clothes, and other must-haves can add up quickly. That's why it's crucial to have a solid plan in place to save money and stay organized. In this blog, we're here to help you tackle back-to-school shopping like a pro. We've got some clever tips and tricks up our sleeves to make sure you're fully prepared. From creating a detailed shopping list to scoring the best deals and discounts.

 

Prepare in Advance!

Preparation is vital when it comes to conquering the chaos of back-to-school shopping. It's like having a secret weapon that guarantees a seamless and hassle-free experience for both parents and kiddos.

  1. Start by taking inventory and creating a comprehensive list of the items your children already possess. This simple step will save you from purchasing unnecessary items and help you make informed decisions about what they truly need.
  2. Get your financial game face on and create a back-to-school budget that will have your shopping expenses under control. Craft a solid financial plan and stick to it like glue during your shopping adventure.
  3. Take advantage of deals and sales tax holidays to save money on back-to-school shopping. Stay alert for flyers, online ads, and newsletters from your favorite retailers, as they frequently offer special promotions and discounts in the weeks leading up to the start of the school season.
  4. Make your money work for you by snagging coupons and cashback offers to squeeze every last penny of savings out of your back-to-school shopping spree.
  5. Take a moment to compare prices or seize the opportunity of price-matching programs.
  6. Distinguish between necessities and desires. Prioritize acquiring the essential items first, and contemplate opting for lower-priced brands, exploring discount stores, or substituting more cost-effective alternatives whenever possible.
  7. Maximize your savings by taking advantage of bulk purchases. Buying in bulk not only helps you save money but also ensures that you have an ample supply of essential items for the entire school year.
  8. Make the most of gift cards, because who doesn't love free money?
  9. Harness the power of technology to make your back-to-school shopping experience even better!

Back-to-school Season is a Holiday Season!

Let's talk about sales tax holidays, the ultimate money-saving opportunity! These special periods are like mini-holidays where certain goods are exempt from sales tax. It's a fantastic chance to save some cash while shopping for all those essential back-to-school items. From backpacks and clothing to school supplies and even energy-efficient products, you can cross off everything on your list without worrying about paying extra taxes. Mark your calendars and get ready to take advantage of these amazing sales tax holidays!

Texas knows how to make back-to-school shopping a breeze. With its annual sales tax holiday, you can save big on all your must-have items. From August 5th to August 7th, everything from clothing and school supplies to backpacks and energy-efficient products can be purchased tax-free. Just keep in mind that the price limit for each item is $100, except for air conditioners, which have a limit of $6,000. So, if you're planning to stock up on $500 worth of clothes and school supplies, you're looking at pocketing up to $40 in tax savings. Don't miss out on this limited-time opportunity to make your back-to-school shopping experience even more affordable. It's time to get ready and start saving!

Here are some popular back-to-school items that students often need:

  1. Uniforms
  2. Jeans
  3. Shirts
  4. Sweatpants
  5. Thermal tops
  6. Pencils
  7. Sharpeners
  8. Erasers
  9. Spiral notebooks
  10. Crayons
  11. Markers
  12. Colored pencils
  13. Sticky notes
  14. Backpacks
  15. Lunch boxes
  16. Pencils
  17. Pens
  18. Highlighters
  19. Notebooks
  20. Binders
  21. Folders
  22. Scissors
  23. Glue sticks.