BACK TO SCHOOL ON A
BUDGE T
S
chool supply lists seem to get longer each year. With those longer lists and generally higher prices all around, the price of preparing for school has climbed steeply. Take advantage of these money saving tips to get the most bang for your back-to-school bucks.
SHOP TAX FREE Since 2004, the state of Missouri has offered a back-to-school sales tax holiday. This year the tax holiday will be Aug. 5-7. Tax adds up, so this is a great way to stay on track with your budget, especially if you’re planning on making a large purchase like a laptop. Keep in mind the stores will be much busier this weekend, but your pocketbook will thank you. Here are the guidelines for this year’s tax-free weekend: Clothing – any article valued at $100 or less School supplies – not to exceed $50 per purchase Computer software – valued at $350 or less Personal computers – not to exceed $3,500 Computer peripheral devices – not to exceed $3,500
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kcparent.com august 2022
CHECK YOUR INVENTORY
COMPARE PRICES
Look through your child’s supply list and check whether you have any of these items on hand. If you’re anything like I am, you will see unopened paint, markers, glue and crayons in your craft drawer. You may also be able to salvage items from the previous school year. On the last day of school, my daughter came home with three completely unused notebooks, so I put those back for next school year. You might also realize your child’s lunch box and backpack are still in great condition, so you can use those again this year.
The internet has made comparing prices so much easier! Before I purchase an item, I do a quick Google search for the item in the shopping tab. You can compare prices at all the stores that carry that item. Make sure to take into account shipping charges that might apply if you purchase online rather than picking up at a local store.
VISIT THE DOLLAR STORE We love finding arts and craft supplies at our local dollar store. You would be surprised by the name brand items you can find for just a dollar. If you find a great deal, stock up so you have plenty of pencils and crayons for the year. Just be aware you also can sometimes find school supplies for less than a dollar at your local Wal-Mart.
USE PROMO CODES When selling items online, most stores offer a promo code for free shipping or a percentage off a purchase. You might have to search for it, but there is almost always a special in the top banner of a website. You might have to join their email club, but I find that to be worth it. You can always unsubscribe from their emails later.
THRIFT SHOP Check out your local thrift shops for gently-used kids clothing. You can score some great finds! Because kids grow out of their clothes quickly, I like to sell and purchase items from other moms I know.
