10 Clever Year-Round Ways To Fit Back-to-School Shopping Into Your Budget

It’s hard to believe that summer is about to wrap up and school is just around the corner. Are your kids ready to go back? Probably not, but if you are a savvy shopper, you probably have been preparing for their return to hitting the books for a while — maybe even all year long.

Plenty of retailers offer seemingly great deals around the end of August and beginning of September; however, there are a ton of thrifty ways to save money on those same items the other 10 months of the year.

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Here are clever year-round ways to fit back-to-school shopping into your budget.

Shop During Sales Events

Sales events are the crème de la crème of shopping days, and while they might push holiday or seasonal purchases, school supplies are always in session.

“Leverage major sales events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday for back-to-school essentials,” said Brendon McCullough, founder and managing director of Dealhack.

“Start shopping early in the year and take advantage of various sales events,” said Daryl Tavernor, a retailer at Terraces Menswear. “Seasonal clearance sales, such as post-Christmas and spring sales, offer great opportunities to buy school supplies and clothing at discounted price[s].”

“These sales offer substantial discounts on electronics and school supplies, making it the perfect time to stock up,” McCullough explained.

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Utilize Loyalty Programs and Coupons

Couponing can feel like a 365-day hobby, but combined with loyalty programs, it can make every shopping day feel like the most special time of the year.

“Join loyalty programs and subscribe to newsletters from your favorite stores,” McCullough said. “Retailers like Target and Staples often send exclusive discounts and coupons, providing significant savings on back-to-school items.”

Buy in Bulk

It’s a golden rule they do not teach you in school: When you purchase something, purchase a lot of it at one time to save money in the long term.

“I regularly check store flyers and clearance sections for the best deals on other necessities like clothes, shoes and snacks,” said Amanda Schmitt, owner of Life As Mama. “When I find a great price, I buy in bulk.”

“Warehouse stores like Costco offer great deals on bulk school supplies,” McCullough said. “Stocking up on items like notebooks and pens not only saves money but ensures you’re prepared for the entire school year.”

Shop During Off-Seasons

“Purchase clothing and shoes off-season to take advantage of markdowns,” McCullough said.

For example, McCullough noted how shoppers can buy winter coats in March and summer clothes in September for maximum savings.

Scmitt also shops during the off-season. “Shopping throughout the year allows us to avoid the high prices and crowds during peak back-to-school season,” she said.

Take Advantage of Tax-Free Weekends

Depending on what state you live in, you might be able to shop for back-to-school purchases and avoid getting taxed in the process.

“Plan your shopping around tax-free weekends, which many states offer for school supplies and clothing,” Tavernor said. “This can result in significant savings, especially on larger purchases.”

Shop at Thrift Stores and Consignment Shops

While the big names like Walmart and Target dominate the back-to-school shopping markets, you can find great deals and discounts all year long at consignment shops and thrift stores.

“Explore thrift stores and consignment shops for gently used clothing, backpacks and textbooks at a fraction of the retail price. It’s an economical and sustainable way to shop,” McCullough explained.

“Thrift stores, consignment shops, and online marketplaces like eBay or Poshmark can be treasure troves for gently used clothing and supplies,” Tavernor said, noting this not only saves money but also is environmentally friendly.

Use Online Marketplaces

According to McCullough, popular websites like eBay and Facebook Marketplace are excellent for finding deals on back-to-school items. “Parents often sell items their kids no longer need, offering great bargains,” he said.

You can also use online sites and apps to get cash back. “Apps like Rakuten, Honey and RetailMeNot offer cashback and coupons for a wide range of stores,” Tavernor said. “These apps can help you save money on both online and in-store purchases.”

Create a Budget

When shopping, create a budget and stick to it, no matter what!

“Set a budget for back-to-school expenses and list all necessary items,” McCullough said, explaining that this helps prevent impulse buys and keeps spending in check, no matter what time of the year it is.

“Rather than buying premade supply packs, I make a list of exactly what each child needs based on their teacher’s supply list,” Schmitt explained. “I only buy those specific items, even if it means multiple trips. This avoids paying for things we won’t use and saves money.”

And your budget isn’t just beneficial for your wallet. It will also help teach your kids about money. “Involving kids in the budgeting process teaches valuable financial lessons,” McCullough added.

Plan Ahead and Buy Gradually

Drawing up a budget is one part of the plan. Mapping out a timeline of when and where you are going to spend money on school items for the kids is the second part.

“I start buying supplies at the end of the current school year when prices are lowest,” Schmitt shared. “I stock up on things like pencils, pens, notebooks and glue sticks. I also buy higher-quality backpacks, lunch boxes and water bottles that will last for years.”

“Start buying back-to-school items throughout the year to spread out expenses,” McCullough explained. “This approach allows you to take advantage of various sales and discounts without the last-minute rush.”

Involve Your Kids

Since you’re purchasing these items for your kids, they should learn about the process, as well as what it really takes in terms of personal finance to afford everything they want to have for school.

“Make back-to-school shopping a learning experience for your children,” Tavernor said. “Teach them about budgeting and the value of money by involving them in the decision-making process.”

Using these tips will not only help you save money on back-to-school shopping but also will help you be a better shopper and saver. “As a retailer and parent, I’ve learned the value of shopping smart and planning ahead. Last year, I bought my kids’ school shoes during a winter clearance sale and saved over 60%,” Tavernor explained.

Overall, thinking ahead and doing your school shopping throughout the year will save you money and stress. “By keeping an eye out for deals throughout the year, I not only save money but also avoid the last-minute rush and stress,” Tavernor said.

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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 10 Clever Year-Round Ways To Fit Back-to-School Shopping Into Your Budget