ORLANDO, Fla. – Let’s be honest, back-to-school shopping has a way of sneaking up on us every year.
One minute you’re enjoying summer, and the next you’re staring at a long supply list, wondering how to get it all done without draining your wallet or your time.
But it doesn’t have to be stressful. Erica Rodriguez Knight, a busy mom of two boys and former coupon pro, has learned a few tricks over the years to keep costs and chaos under control.
Here are a few of her favorite tips to make your back-to-school shopping a little smoother and a lot more affordable.
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[VIDEO BELOW: Parents shop early to make most of budget]
Start at home
Before you head to the store, take inventory. You might be surprised at what you already have.
“Oh, look, jackpot!” Rodriguez Knight said, finding unused folders from previous school years. Dig through drawers, bins, and closets for gently used or even brand-new supplies left over from last year. No need to buy what you already own.
Load up your online carts early
Many retailers track what’s in your cart, and they want you to finish that order. That means you might get alerts when prices drop or even be offered discounts to complete your purchase.
Bonus tip: Some store apps already have local school supply lists loaded in, so you can compare prices across sites like Amazon, Target, and office supply chains without jumping between tabs.
What we found: Target’s back-to-school sale prices closely matched Walmart’s everyday low prices. Surprisingly, some dollar stores had higher prices, since they don’t offer seasonal back-to-school discounts.
Buy in bulk
See a great deal on crayons or glue sticks? Grab a few extras.
Buying in bulk can save money, especially if you split the cost with other families.
Even better? Donate the extras to a local school supply drive.
“It’s a small way to help kids whose parents might be struggling to afford everything,” Rodriguez Knight said.
Wait for tax-free season
In Florida, school supplies are tax-free all August long, so make sure to use it to your advantage.
Many stores offer extra deals, knowing more people will be shopping tax-free.
Erica plans ahead by filling her cart early and checking out during the tax-free window, saving up to 7% on her total.
“That’s when I pull the trigger,” she laughs.
Stick to the list
It’s tempting to let your kid toss in glitter pens or a superhero pencil case, but those extras add up fast. Teachers create those supply lists for a reason, and sticking to them helps keep your budget in check.
With a little planning and a few smart strategies, back-to-school shopping doesn’t have to break the bank or your schedule.