TOLEDO, Ohio — Back to school shopping. Just four words, but they can be anxiety-inducing for you and your kids. Yet with a bit of homework before hitting the aisles, you and your wallet can make the grade.
The National Retail Federation is expecting record spending for 2019. If you have kids in grades K-12, you're likely to spend an average of $696 per child. And if you have a college student, that number rises to $1,000.
Analysts say the technology push is part of the reason school shopping is getting more expensive each year. Computers, e-readers, tablets and more devices are becoming more widely used in classroom at earlier and earlier grade levels.
It's something that local store managers recognize. "I think it's because there's more technology involved. Paper products -- they're not as much in demand, so I think that that is one of those areas that we might see a little influx in pricing," said Jennifer Hedges, store director for Meijer in Rossford.
With back to school shopping often hitting the benchmark of a rent or mortgage payment, it's no wonder parents feel stressed! Whether your kids are heading to kindergarten or college, here are some ways you can buy them what they need without busting your budget:
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF A SALES TAX HOLIDAY:
Friday, Aug. 3 marks the start of Ohio's tax free weekend. It ends Monday, Aug 5. Through this weekend, you won't pay sales tax on:
- Clothing priced at $75 per item or less;
- School supplies priced at $20 per item or less; and
- School instructional material priced at $20 per item or less.
However, you'll want to use caution during this weekend. Stores aren't likely to offer the best deals, because they know you'll be taking advantage of the sales tax holiday.
Currently you're paying a combined sales tax rate of 7.25% in Lucas County. Unless a store is offering additional discounts along with the tax free holiday, that 7.25% is all you'll be saving.
To make sure you're getting a "real deal," try to find out what upcoming promotions stores will have. A discount of 20% on clothes with sales tax is better than just saving on that sales tax. (Why you may be in luck if you're a last-minute shopper.)
1. Do a supply sweep
Check your closet, drawers, containers and any other area of your house for existing school supplies and clothing. Sort all the items in central areas and take inventory of what you already have. Reuse, don't buy.
2. Make a list of needs vs. wants
Find out what your child's school is requiring this year, then cross check that with what you already have. Put the wants on hold. Just because a store has clothing or supplies at 30% off doesn't mean your kids need it. You'll often be able to find much better deals come mid-September.
3. Shop at garage sales and thrift/consignment stores
Often, you can find gently-used clothing, backpacks, and other items on the cheap at a thrift store or timely garage sale. You want to start early, as many thrift stores will be picked over by the first days of school.
4. Check the dollar stores
They have the basics and will often offer much cheaper prices over retailers marketing back-to-school items.
5. Follow stores on Twitter and Facebook
Many retailers will send out coupon links and upcoming promotions right to your email or their social media platforms. Monitor these feeds to make sure you can get the best bargains.
6. Try using cash back shopping programs like Ebates or Ibotta
These programs allow you to shop online at major stores and brands all while giving you cash back on your purchases. You can usually earn anywhere from 1% to 8% of your overall purchase. Additionally, see if your insurance or other services give you discounts. AAA will also give many discounts for students and teachers at various retailers.
7. Focus your energy on big-ticket items
At the end of the day, whether you save $2 on Kleenex at a dollar store vs. a big box store isn't a huge deal. It's easy to feel anxious over saving as much money as possible. Yet you only have so much time and energy. Try focusing on saving money on pricier items such as electronics. Saving $200 on a new laptop will mean more for your wallet than $2 on tissues.
8. Try a supply swap
Coordinate with friends to host a supply swap before you hit the aisles. You might have a ton of pencils lying around that your neighbor needs, while they have the extra folders your child needs for middle school. Take inventory and try to find out who'd be interested in trading their extra supplies.
9. Just wait or say no
Finally, just hold off. If it's not something you need, just say no. If it's not something you need right away, try to wait until a few weeks after school starts. You'll be able to find the best deals mid-September when stores are trying to get rid of their back to school stock.
Have a money-saving deal or idea we didn't think of? Send us an email on what you've found helpful to allWTOLnewstips@wtol.com