Top Tips To Save On Back-To-School Shopping

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! (for parents) With the start of the school year just around the corner, it is time to start stocking up on pencils and erasers – if those are still a thing. 

While sending your kids to school means more peace and quiet while working from home, it can be a financially taxing event. With skyrocketing costs across the board, this will be the most expensive year on the books. To help send your child back to school without breaking your budget, we have some expert advice that will help you make the most out of every dollar.  

1. Create an itemized shopping list. We all know going to the grocery store on an empty stomach is a recipe for overspending. Shopping for back-to-school is no different. Browsing stores and shopping sales can lead you to think you need a product when it is not a necessity. Shopping for school with a list is a great way to keep you on track and estimate costs.
2. Timing is everything. At the peak of back-to-school shopping, there will not be as many sales or discounts on products since demand is so high. Just before the end of the season, retailers mark down their prices to clear out their remaining inventory. Waiting for the craze to die down can be a great way to snag items at a major markdown. Sales Tax Free Week, held 8/21–8/27 in Connecticut, is another awesome time to shop that will help you cut costs.
3. Flash your student I.D. Whether shopping in-person or online, some retailers like Target offer a student discount. This can be a great way to knock down expensive prices and reduce your spending
4. Watch your credit card spending. If you use a consumer credit card, keep a close watch on the balances. This can be a simple process of gathering printed receipts in an envelope after each shopping outing. That way, you’ll have a clear reminder of the credit card balances as you shop.

Life events such as back to school do not have to get in the way of a financially healthy life, CrossPoint FCU is here to help. For questions or help opening an account, please contact us here.