Parents know that back-to-school shopping isn't cheap. The pencils and notebooks won't bust the budget, but toss in new clothes, backpacks and electronics, and that shopping trip really adds up. Kiplinger has these tips to keep it from spiraling out of control:
- Take inventory of what your kids already have. Check out their closet and drawers. You may find they don't need as many new clothes as you think.
- Set a budget. That way your kids will buy only what they need. And let them keep any cash they don't spend.
- Take advantage of sales tax holidays. That's timely. Oklahoma is one of sixteen states that exempt back-to-school items from sales taxes on certain days. Our sales tax holiday is this weekend.
- Buy used. Textbooks are cheaper used, and even cheaper when you rent them.
- Shop online. You may be tempted to overspend at the mall. If you shop online, you can give your kids a choice of just a couple of retailers that have coupon codes.
Check here for 5 more tips for back-to-school savings from Kiplinger.
The average family is expected to spend just over 600 dollars this year on back-to-school items. 10% more than last years. So it's good to find ways to save where you can.
