10 Money Saving Tips For Back To School

It’s so hard to believe we’re getting ready for back to school shopping. Let me rephrase that, we’re already shopping! It feels like school just got out.

Now, if you’re like me, acknowledging that it’s time for Back to School shopping is pretty hard. It’s a reality though!

As a mom of 4 kids I’ve done this B2S thing more times than I can count. Here are my 10 money saving tips:

1. Go through the school supplies your kids brought home in the Spring. That way you’re not having to purchase items you already have.
2. Buy in bulk if possible. More often than not, if you buy more than one item, you’ll be saving money in the long run.
3. Test your markers and pens. If your children’s markers are dried out and the pens are finished, then now is the time to buy before they’re regular price.
4. Shop NOW! You may think waiting is the thing to do, but the sales are already on! Take advantage of being an early bird!
5. Go in on purchases with other families. One item we have to buy every year are the Vis-A-Vis markers. My kids only need one, but come in a package of 4 or more. If you share the cost with another family, you both save!
6. Coupons are the way to go. Search online to find coupons for the products you like to purchase and go through those newspaper ads! We’re all having to cut back and pinch pennies.
7. If you shop Staples.com they have free shipping over $50. If you have 4 kids like me, I won’t have to leave the comfort of my home to get supplies for the year! That, or go in with another family to make the purchases.
8. Shop garage sales and “used” stores such as Salvation Army, Savers, or Value Village. They have backpacks and clothing to get your kids ready for the beginning of the year.
9. Talk with your kids, especially the older ones. They may want name brands of clothing and products, but we’re all trying to save money and it might not be possible to get all the “right” things right now. Find a way to put a positive spin on the conversation so that they understand that life isn’t over because the family is trying to stay on a budget. I think knowledge is power.
10. Sometimes buying a name brand costs less in the long run. You might pay $15 for a backpack now, but will you end up replacing it more than once during the year? If so, then quality items that cost a bit more up front will tend to save money in the end with a longer life. I know our good backpacks have lasted for more than one kid so it made the purchase worthwhile.

Anyone else wishing they had the Easy button? I sure do. Have you seen the Back to School commercials? They totally crack me up!

Staples makes going back-to-school easy for 2010:

Staples provides significant savings, a wide selection of quality products, and a one-stop shop and stress-free shopping experience.

• Staples is in-stock throughout the entire season and into the start of the school year.

• Staples kicks off the back-to-school season to provide customers with an official start date for back-to-school shopping and a clear roadmap for value throughout the season.

• Staples is the expert on back-to-school, with more than 20 years experience.

• Staples offers more ways to save from hot buys like penny and dollar deals to savings on technology to reduced low prices on hundreds of core items.

More info: http://www.staples.com

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“I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Staples blogging program, making me eligible to get a $50 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here.”