As we begin the 2021-2022 school year during what I call, “The Covid-19 Era,” there is much uncertainty and trepidation. Some schools commenced last week, others will start this week or after Labor Day weekend. Our Mayor says the school must be in person because “our children are safer in the classroom.”
Whether or not you agree with him, there is one thing that is a certainty, our students will continue to be schooled and they will need school supplies this year and going forward.
Like many things, back to school shopping is a habit. Some are efficient habits, and some should be broken. I notice differences in shopping habits between men and women. The evolution of the internet, Covid-19, and the closing of many malls and brick and mortar stores have forced a change in buying habits for many parents and grandparents.
Regardless of your habits, there are always things to learn, new habits to form, and ways to save money on these annual expenses, which can add up. Take a look at my top 8 money-saving tips and perhaps start a new habit:
- Make a List, Then Check the House First: Go through closets, storage, and utility drawers first. There is a possibility you might have items leftover from the last school year.
- Craft a Budget: It is always a good idea to have a price-range limit that you are willing to spend. Keep the list with you when you are shopping either on-line or in person.
- Consider Setting Up a Gift Closet or Large Draw: A client shared this tip with me as she showed me how she turned a little used hallway foyer closet into a gift closet. She buys many offseason gifts early at a deep discount and has saved big $$$ over the years.
- Check Out the Dollar Store First: Before going to the big on-line and mega-retailers, there is a chance your local dollar store will have the items you are looking for at a discount. They often buy excess lots or last year’s leftovers in bulk at a big discount, and pass some of their savings on to you.
- Consider a Desktop, Laptop or Tablet: For on-line shopping, it is prudent to use the bigger screen to look at and compare prices. In addition, although smart phones have many good apps, there are discount and coupon finding extensions that can be added to your computer (especially if you use google chrome) to save you major search time. See Tip #6.
- Consider Adding the Honey Google Chrome Extension to Your Computer: On your laptop, desktop, I pad or other tablet, click www.JoinHoney.com and add the Free extension. This extension (not for phones) automatically searches for the best prices (often less than Ebay and Amazon) and you are notified immediately before “check-out!” There are other extensions (such as Capital-One) that you can use, although some are better than others.
- If You Use Amazon, Consider Camel, Camel, Camel: The big four (Amazon, Walmart, Target and Ebay) account for most internet sales. If you are a loyal Amazon user, consider Camel, Camel, Camel. (CCC) Camel is an Amazon price tracker. Find the product you are interested in buying, then cut and paste the URL into CCC to look up the item’s price history and/or add it to your price watch list. If this is too complicated, go back to #6!
- Consider Holding Off Buying Trendier Gear: It is advantageous to wait a few weeks after school starts to see what are the “in” styles. Sometimes kids are wrong, so it is better to wait instead of trying to anticipate the hip new clothes and sneakers.
Heed these 8 tips and watch your savings start to add up. It has been a tough run for our grade-school and young adult students (due to no fault of their own). I wish you and your families a safe and productive school year!
