Summer will soon draw to a close, and kids will be back on the school bus and in class in just a few short weeks. This year, families with school-age children are expecting to pay an average of $634.78 on
back-to-school items ranging from apparel to electronics, according to the National Retail Federation’s 2013 Back-to-School Survey, which was conducted by Insights & Analytics. Â However, you can reduce that number by being persistent about hunting for a deal.1. Shop ahead. Take advantage of back-to-school clearance sales and purchase items your kids will need next school year.
2. Have a swap party. Gather a group of parents for a fun party where you swap school supplies that you no longer need or have never used. It’s a great way to catch up with friends while saving money.
tom-banner ampforwp-incontent-ad3">3. Use technology. One app worth checking out is Zoomingo, which helps you find deals in local stores. Zoomingo recently added a “back to school” and “back to college†section. The sales are organized by store and include retailers such as Macy’s, Target, and Staples.
4. Make a list. Write down–and stick to–a list of items your children will need for school. This will curb overspending.