This post is sponsored by Spruce. All opinions are 100% my own.
One of my favorite memories as a child was shopping for back-to-school supplies with my mom. I couldn’t wait to hand-select a new Lisa Frank folder and splurge on a set of glitter gel pens. Back-to-school shopping symbolized the end of summer and the beginning of what I hoped would be an amazing school year. It was a time filled with excitement, anticipation, and the promise of new adventures.
As a mom with two kids in elementary school, I want my children to feel that same level of excitement when we pick out school supplies for the upcoming year. However, I also want to be mindful of our budget. Sending your kids back to school can quickly add up, especially in today’s inflationary environment. You might be surprised at how much school supplies can cost if you’re not careful!
Thankfully, planning for back-to-school costs in advance and signing up for Spruce makes saving money manageable! Here are 5 tips on how to save money on back-to-school supplies this year that can help make the process more fun and less stressful.
Savings Tip #1: Conduct a Supply Sweep
Last year, I stood in the school supply aisle with my list in hand, ready to buy two new pairs of scissors for my kids. As I reached for the shiny new scissors, two questions popped into my mind: “Don’t they already have scissors?” and “But where are they?” I remembered purchasing scissors the year before, but I honestly had no idea where they were. I sighed, grabbed two pairs of scissors, and tossed them into my basket. A few weeks later, I stumbled upon two perfectly good pairs of scissors buried in the back of their not-so-tidy desk drawers. Had I taken a moment to check what we already had at home, I could have saved some money!
Before you dive into shopping for back-to-school supplies, conduct a supply sweep of your home. Here’s how it works:
- Print out your child’s school supply list.
- Search your home for any items you might already have in stock. Don’t forget to check your child’s backpack; many teachers send home unused supplies at the end of the school year.
- Gather the supplies you already have and then head to the store for anything you’re missing.
Taking just a few minutes to complete a supply sweep can save you money and make shopping more efficient. My oldest son even helped me check our supplies, making it a fun family activity!
Savings Tip #2: Start Saving in Advance
Every August, I find myself in the same situation: buying new shoes, clothes, and the requested supplies for my kids. Sometimes we even replace a well-loved backpack or a lunchbox that went missing at the end of the last school year. Yet, each year I’m still shocked by how much these supplies cost! With two kids in school and a husband who teaches, back-to-school shopping is no small expense.
Years ago, I decided I would no longer “wing it” when it came to purchasing back-to-school supplies. I started saving for this expense months in advance. I set aside $50 each month in May, June, and July specifically for back-to-school supplies. While I can’t cover the entire cost with that amount, it certainly helps alleviate some of the financial burden. Saving ahead of time gives me peace of mind and reduces stress, allowing me to enjoy shopping for my kids.
If you haven’t already, now is the perfect time to start saving for back-to-school costs! Spruce makes this easy by allowing you to set up savings goals for things you want or need. When you sign up with Spruce, you can create a dedicated savings goal specifically for back-to-school supplies. Plus, Spruce has a fantastic round-up feature that makes saving money easy and automatic! When you use your Spruce card, your total will round up to the nearest dollar, and the extra change will be transferred to your savings. This is a simple way to set aside extra money for any back-to-school expenses!
Savings Tip #3: Have a Plan Before You Shop
Every time I go back-to-school shopping for my kids, I’m amazed at the sheer number of choices available. From folders in every imaginable color to tiny staplers in a rainbow of hues, it can be overwhelming! However, my stress levels decrease significantly when I have a plan in place.
Armed with my kid’s school supply list, I know exactly what we need. This allows me to focus on the required supplies and also gives my kids the opportunity to choose a “bonus” item that they want. For example, one of my children chose a miniature stapler because you never know when you’ll need to secure papers together!
Most schools provide a back-to-school list of essential items for each child’s grade level. Before you step into a store or make any online purchases, print out this list so you know exactly what to buy. Entering the store with a clear plan will help you avoid unnecessary impulse purchases, keeping your budget intact. This way, you can stay focused on what your child truly needs versus what they might want. If you find you have extra room in your budget, consider treating your child to something fun to get them excited about the upcoming school year!
Savings Tip #4: Shop During Tax-Free Weekends
Did you know that seventeen states offer sales tax holidays each year? During these periods, sales tax is waived for back-to-school supplies like notebooks, pens, backpacks, and even uniforms. Depending on your area’s sales tax rate, this can lead to significant savings!
Many savvy shoppers I know buy all their school supplies and clothes during tax-free weekends. The great news is that many stores extend this offer to online purchases too! This means you can shop from the comfort of your home and still benefit from tax savings on qualifying items. Shopping online can help you avoid impulse buys while saving both time and money. Be sure to look up whether your state has a tax-free weekend and familiarize yourself with the guidelines in advance.
Savings Tip #5: Earn Cash Back on Your Purchases
If you have school-aged children, back-to-school shopping is a given. Why not earn some cash back while you’re at it? One feature I absolutely love about Spruce is their automatic cash-back rewards at select retailers through Dosh. This means I can earn money simply by spending money!
Here’s how I earned cash back while shopping for school supplies this year:
- I took my kids back-to-school shopping and used my Spruce card at participating retailers.
- Because I used my Spruce card, I earned cash back that was automatically deposited into my designated “Spruce Extra Savings” account.
It’s that simple! Now I have extra money sitting in my savings account that I can use for anything I want, like saving for upcoming Christmas gifts. Spruce allows you to earn cash back at over 10,000 retailers, including grocery stores, hotels, and restaurants. This is my favorite tip because who wouldn’t want to earn cash back on something they already planned to buy? I know I do! Be sure to check out Spruce and their cash-back offers!
Spruce Helps You Save Money
If you’re ready to save money, especially with inflation rates as they are, you’ll want to check out Spruce. Spruce is designed to help families save for back-to-school supplies, school fees, new clothes, tuition, and more! They offer great features that you’ll truly appreciate, including:
- No monthly fees or sign-up fees.
- Savings goals to help you set aside money for emergencies or back-to-school needs.
- Cash-back offers that allow you to earn rewards at retailers you know and love.
- Spending and savings accounts to keep your finances organized.
- Early paychecks! Get paid up to two days early when you sign up for Spruce Direct Deposit.
Click here to learn more about Spruce and how it can help save you money!
The Bottom Line
There’s no doubt about it: back-to-school costs can add up quickly. But if you’re willing to plan ahead and sign up for Spruce, you can save money during this process. Each of these tips can help make back-to-school shopping a more enjoyable and less stressful experience. Which of these tips will you try first?
Remember, the key to successful back-to-school shopping lies in preparation, planning, and utilizing smart tools like Spruce to maximize your savings!