Back To School Shopping

Wait To School Shop

The new school year will be here before you know it. You’re probably already thinking about the money you’ll have to spend on new clothes, school supplies, and miscellaneous fees. Some people start shopping as soon as the last day of the previous year. Others choose to wait to school shop. Which is the better choice?

There’s something to be said for buying things along the way rather than waiting until the last moment. If you pay attention to the stores, you can find items your child likes on sale throughout the year. Another benefit of buying along the way is that your budget doesn’t suffer from spending so much in a short period of time. If you can spread the cost out over a longer period, it doesn’t seem to hurt so much.

If you choose to purchase items as you find them, you can find some pretty good sales when the seasons change. Buy for next spring when the summer clothes are put on the racks. Buy next summer’s clothes at the end of July when they start putting school clothes out. Buy fall and winter clothes after the school year has started. You can save a good deal of money by buying off season.

A lot of parents wait to school shop until closer to the new school year, however. Here are some reasons for doing so:

1. Schools release their supply lists toward the end of July. This is a major reason why parents wait to shop for school. Of course, the longer you wait, the more picked over the supplies will be. If you want your child to get the “cool” folders, and not some plain, lame ones, you may want to start shopping when the lists first come out.

2. When the schools release their supply lists, is when most stores that handle school supplies have their best prices. Check discount stores as well as office supply stores for sales. Consider buying extra paper, notebooks, folders, and other supplies that you know your child will use now instead of having to pay full-price for them in the future.

3. School clothes are put out in July in anticipation of the new school year. This is a great time to take advantage of great clearance sales. The weather will still be warm for some time, so stock up on warm-weather clothing when it goes on sale. The amount you save may amaze you. If you have the money in your budget and storage space, consider buying some items in the next size for your child to use next summer.

4. Many states have a tax-free week or weekend. Waiting until this time frame to make all of your school-need purchases can keep money in your pocket. It may not seem like you’re saving a lot of money, but every little bit helps when you’re buying school supplies and clothing.

Back to school sales are sure to be popping up in stores all over the country as that time of year draws near. Choosing to buy items along the way or choosing to wait to school shop is a personal decision. One isn’t right and the other wrong, it’s just a matter of doing what you can to save money when you can – especially when it comes to dressing your children for school and buying school supplies.

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