It’s back to school time

As families prepare to send their children back to school, the Better Business Bureau has tips on how to save money on school supplies and other classroom needs.
As families prepare to send their children back to school, the Better Business Bureau has tips on how to save money on school supplies and other classroom needs.

BBB reminds families to shop smart

Getting ready to go back to school? Families are expected to spend more this summer than last year on school supplies. The average family with children in kindergarten through 12th grade will spend $673.57 on apparel, shoes, electronics and supplies according to the National Retail Federation. That’s up 9.6 percent from $630.36 last year.

Of course, not everyone will spend that much, but before diving into buying new clothes and supplies, check out these back-to-school budget tips from BBB:

Inventory supplies

Do a home inventory list before heading out to the store. Compare class supply lists with what is already in the home or left over from last year.

Make a shopping list

Make a list of school clothing and other basic school needs and if possible, get a copy of the supply list from the school. Beware of impulse buying.

Create a budget

Go to the Internet and sign up for sales alerts from favorite stores. Consider buying basic supplies (like notebooks, folders, and pencils) at discount stores, such as the dollar store. Watch the ads for coupons and don’t forget to check price-matching policies.

Review advertisements

Review ads for restrictions on quantities and dates for sale and return policies. When online shopping, read the fine print for return and exchange policies and take advantage of free shipping specials.

Network with other parents

When you network with other parents, you not only learn about resources like School Guide, but also learn various tips and tricks to save on school supplies. Seek out or host a clothing swap online or in your neighborhood; this can be a great way to recycle gently used items and save money. Also, research the potential savings of buying school supplies in bulk and splitting the cost with other parents in your area.

Take advantage of discounts

Many stores offer student and teacher discounts on hot items like laptops and uniforms. Retailers will be trying to make room for fall fashion and the newest models, so there are incredible savings to be had on older items.

For more information, contact the Wisconsin BBB at www.bbb.org/wisconsin or (800) 273-1002.

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