5 Tips to Save Money on Back to School Shopping
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5 Tips to Save Money on Back to School Shopping

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August 24, 2016

Written by Kristin Gross, La Casa De Esperanza

The cost to go “back to school” keeps rising. According to Forbes magazine, 2016 Back-to-School spending is expected to reach an estimated $75.8 Billion. That’s second only to the holiday shopping season! Before you head to the store with your kids check out our 5 tips to make sure you don’t break the bank before the school year even starts. 

  1. Check last year’s inventory. You might be surprised by what you already still have! In addition to supplies, this also includes your children’s clothes. Taking an inventory before you go shopping to help ensure you only buy what you absolutely need first.
  2. Set limits. Since you’ve already gone through the items you have, it’s time to set a budget. Decide how much money you are going to need for supplies, clothes, and extra school fees.  
  3. Get thrifty with their wardrobe. Do you have a group of friends with kids of different ages and clothing sizes? Get together and do a clothing swap. This is a great way to get gently used or even never worn clothes at no cost. Or head to a thrift store or end of summer garage sale, it may take time to dig through but you could score some incredible bargains this way.
  4. Utilize community resources. Attend the Back-to-school health fairs in the city of Milwaukee or take advantage of the Backpack Coalition in Waukesha County. Income guidelines do apply.
  5. Make them work!  This is a great opportunity to get your children involved and better understand money management. Talk to them about budgeting and “need items” verses “wants”.  And if your child still requests that expensive back-to-school item after that, suggest they work to earn it. Assign them chores to receive an allowance or have them earn their own money in the neighborhood to pay for that must have item.

It’s hard to think of back to school, especially during the summer but the earlier you plan the more you are most likely to save.

Do you have any savvy back to school tips to share?


Kristin Gross is an Asset Building Coach for the Financial Stability Initiative at La Casa de Esperanza, in Waukesha, Wisconsin. The Financial Stability Initiative is a partnership between La Casa de Esperanza and the United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County. Kristin has her Bachelor’s degree in Personal Finance from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. She is a financial coach and educator working with individuals and families on obtaining tools for financial capability by meeting basic needs, building savings and gaining assets. She enjoys sharing her knowledge of personal finances to positively impact the lives of others.

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