How To Save Money on School Expenses

There are a number of expenses associated with going to school. Between costs for school supplies, extracurricular activities, uniforms, and even new shoes, it can all add up quickly. If you have more than one child expenses will break you. We are starting to see all the school supplies line the shelves and it’s important to start paying attention to how we will save money on school expenses.

How To Save Money on School Expenses

School Supplies

• Reuse what you can. Rulers, binders, backpacks can all be recycled from last year.
• Shop the less expensive (generic brands) for school supplies. Most primary schools have a long list of supplies that end up being communal class property.   Don’t feel the need to buy the most expensive brand of glue and markers when the generic brands work just the same.
• Use coupons and check out circulars for the best deals. Keep an eye out for back-to-school specific deals.
• Shop on Tax-Free weekend and save about $8 on every $100 spent.
• School supply sales will kick off in September, so if you want to stock up for the rest of the school year and don’t find a massive sale, wait it out. When the big sales show up you can stock up on folders, spirals, crayons that can replenish for the coming years.

Clothes and Shoes

• Purge closets and organize clothes that are good for the new school year.
• Make a list of necessities to start off the new year, to avoid purchasing items you already have.
• Score deep discounts shopping end of season sales. Do next year’s summer shopping in the next couple of months during summer clearance sales. Do the same for winter items. Just remember to shop a size or two up.
• Don’t skip out on gently used clothes. Join free local facebook groups and post ISO for gently used school clothes.
• Shop second-hand stores and join the hunt for brand name top of the line items.
• Shop tax-free weekends and stretch your dollar. Save about $8 on every $100.

Extracurricular Activities 

• Before you commit your child to a new activity, see if try-me classes are offered. Some sports organizations also offer a grace period to opt out and refund if the activity is not for your child.
• Find gently used equipment to help spare the high costs.
• Join a local online garage sale groups on facebook to shop.