Back to School Shopping Tips

Video Transcript

Hey, this is Chris with Money Burst. And today we're going to dive into the annual tradition that can bring both a little bit of excitement, and also a hint of panic, and that is back to school shopping. But don't worry, I've got some tips to help you cut costs while getting all of the essentials.

First, let's talk about timing. Many parents rush out to buy everything they need right before the school year starts. But here's a little secret: not everything needs to be bought right before the first day of school. In fact, you'll find that prices on many school supplies drop significantly once school starts. Retailers want to clear out all of their stock, which means that you could save big. So having a little bit of patience could lead to some really big savings.

Next up, consider buying used items. While it might be tempting to purchase everything brand new, used items can save you a ton of money. Especially when it comes to things like textbooks, or maybe calculators, or even some different types of electronics your students may need. Websites like eBay and Chegg, or even your local thrift store can be a gold mine for these types of items.

My next tip for you is bundling. Try and take advantage of those bundle deals that stores often offer for back-to-school items. You can snag all-in-one deals on pins and notebooks and other supplies. Just make sure that you're not just buying a bunch of extra stuff that you don't really need, in order to save a few extra dollars.

My last tip for you is to pay for quality when it makes sense. Items like backpacks and calculators might be worth investing in higher-quality versions of these products that will last several years, rather than going for the cheaper option that you might need to replace every single school year. You can balance out this higher spending by purchasing cheaper versions of things like notebooks and pencils or Whatever item it is that your kid’s kind of just fly through every school year.

Back to school shopping doesn't have to drain your bank account. With a little bit of patience, some smart choices and a little frugality, you can set your students up for success without breaking the bank.