Unfortunately, most schools do not have the budget to afford supplies for the students. Parents are relegated to buying school supplies every school year. There are ways parents can save on school supplies by utilizing the following suggestions.

If you belong to a one of the many stores chains, such as Costco or BJ, you can load up on supplies by buying in bulk throughout the year, especially when there are sales and coupons offered.

In addition, the office supply stores always have sales during the summer months and also have give-a-way supplies such as calculators, as well as discounts if you spend a certain a certain amount. In fact, you can save lots of money by purchasing the store brand of supplies, especially paper, pencils, pens and other items needed for school. Also, most office supply stores offer recycled paper as well, and is very inexpensive to purchase.

In some states, there are certain days or perhaps a week in which school supplies are tax free. This would be a great time to save money on basic supplies.

There are a chain of 99 cent stores which also have some school supplies available. They have incidental items as well which can be purchased, such as: tissues, handy wipes, zip lock lunch bags, school bags, and other items wherein you can save quite a bit of money.

Another item which you can buy ahead of time are the white boards used for exhibiting art work, science projects, or used for any subject where the student has to showcase his or her work. These are expensive items, and while some schools have a budget for them, others do not. You may need three or four, depending on your child’s curriculum.

Tip: If you have purchased any school supplies online, you will no doubt receive emails from office supply stores offering $25.00 or more discounts on purchases of $100.00 to $150.00. In addition, when new chains of office supply stores open, you may also receive a circular in the mail or in your Sunday newspaper offering a discount and free items if you visit their store.

Supplies are expensive, and taking advantage of every promotion, sale, and coupon offered will save you a great deal of time and money.

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? Read the rest of this entry

With the start of school getting closer, parents will be taking their children to purchase school clothes and supplies. Many parents want shopping with kids to be made easier and less stressful. The following tips may help accomplish this yearly task. They can also be helpful when going shopping with your children at other times. Read the rest of this entry