Parents are savvier than ever when it comes to finding smarter back-to-school shopping strategies. This year, families are taking many different steps to make sure their educational purchases align with their household budgets. These may include:
- Scouting out the best sales on school supplies
- Avoiding unnecessary purchases
- Doing your school shopping early
- Teaching your kids financial education lessons
- Using helpful financial services at Currency Exchanges
- Other smart school-supplies shopping strategies
Following the latest trends can help you discover what other families are doing – and may even provide some new ideas for saving money this year.
1. Many Parents Worry About the Cost of School Supplies for Their Kids
If you get stressed by the annual tradition of shelling out cash for your children’s education, you are not alone. Folks throughout the country have expressed a range of concerns this time around. To find out more about the issue, RetailMeNot conducted a survey that breaks down what people are focused on this year. From shipping delays to products being out of stock, parents had a lot on their minds!
A short list of their concerns, in order of importance:
- The price of supplies (41%)
- Affordability of goods (40%)
- Getting good deals on products (39%)
- Whether their kids will use supplies (33%)
- Scheduling in time to shop (26%)
If finding time to shop has you tossing and turning at night, don’t delay in addressing it. Perhaps a relative or friend can help out. Fortunately, ordering products online is always available to busy parents. Many of these issues can be addressed simply by naming the concern in advance so you have time to come up with a solution.
2. Families Are Cutting Back on Education-Related Expenses
Families that were already on a budget continue to feel the pinch of lingering inflation. This has led some to spend a bit less on supplies – while finding ways to stretch the dollars they have.
- Families say they will spend an average of $506 on school supplies for kids under 18.
- They also plan to spend $821 for family members in college.
- People are shopping for supplies sooner than ever – with a small minority waiting until September to get started.
Keep in mind, in response to budgeting concerns, many stores provide low-cost supplies. Reuse what you can, contact your school with any questions about necessary supplies, and be sure to only purchase what is necessary for your child.
3. Using Free School Supply Programs in Your State
The Salvation Army is just one organization known for helping families acquire the school supplies they need for their kids. Programs typically vary according to the ages of the children, types of supplies they offer, and whether they are free or low cost. Check out this list if you are in Illinois – or visit freeschoolsupplies.net to find out what help is available in your state.
4. Checking Websites for Good Deals and Back-to-School Sales
A little research can go a long way when it comes to saving money. After all, why overspend unnecessarily? Websites such as DealNews.com have lots of ideas when it comes to discounts and deals on everything a child might need for school this year. Here is just one list of stores offering discounted supplies for parents. Some of the low-cost items they scouted out:
- Clothing sales at stores like JCPenney and Kohl’s
- Low-cost uniforms, backpacks and lunch boxes at Target (check out their sales section near the registers for cheap supplies)
- Products starting at $1 at Walmart
- Numerous online sales
Involving your children in your budgeting and shopping plans can be a good way to lay a financially literate foundation for them. But most of all, do your own homework. Sometimes sales lure you in and then get you to buy things you don’t need. It’s ok to put that item back on the rack if you’re having second thoughts!
CFSC Currency Exchanges Offer Parents Many Financial Perks This School Year
It’s always important to shop wisely for your kids’ education, but especially when times are tight. With that in mind, CFSC currency exchanges have parents covered – in a variety of ways:
- Yes! Debit™ to help your teen budget for food and expenses
- License services so family members can help with school drop off and pick up
- Check cashing for faster access to paychecks
- MetroCards and other transit cards
- Many other services – all under one roof!
Community Financial Service Center (CFSC) locations throughout the country provide convenient financial and auto-related tasks so your family can start the school year stress-free. Call for details, or stop by the nearest CFSC today!