INDUSTRY INSIGHT
SAVING MONEY
SPONSORED CONTENT
Money- Saving Tips for Back-to- School
It’ s hard to believe we are even talking about Back-to-School, but summer has done what it normally does: takes too long to get here, and then before you know it, it’ s on its way out the door! The best way to save yourself some money on back-to-school shopping is to plan ahead – as far ahead as you can. You don’ t have to spend a fortune and you can certainly maximize your dollars, while still getting all the supplies that you need. Here are some great ideas to get you started:
1. Track the Sales – During the weeks leading up to the first day of school, start checking all the Sunday inserts from Staples, Office Max, Office Depot, Wal-Mart, and Target. The stores have specials at different times, so write down on a piece of paper what you need, which store has the deal, and when. Also clip and collect coupons in an envelope. It may seem like a lot of work, but it can save you tons of money.
2. Go Beyond the Big-Box Stores – Once you are done shopping the sales at the big-box stores, consider checking out the secondhand and consignment stores in our area. Stores like Plato’ s Closet and Clothes Mentor often have items new with tags at deeply discounted prices. It’ s worth checking out.
3. Try to Spread out Your Purchases – Like I said before, planning ahead is your best money-saving tip. You know back-to-school time is coming, so in the spring, start buying one thing every paycheck or so. It helps make the financial burden easier to swallow.
4. This Fall, Start Buying Things for Next School Year – These things drop in price after the back to school rush, so in October and November start stockpiling items you know you are going to need next September. It’ s never too early to save money.
5. Buy in Bulk – When pens, crayons, and glue go on sale, buy enough to get you through the rest of the year and even into the next year. You might also want to check prices at wholesale stores like Costco and Sam’ s Club. If you don’ t think you can use an entire 100-pack of pens, talk to your friends and neighbors; you can pool your money to buy supplies, and then divide them equally.
6. Raid the Home Office – This is one of my favorite tricks. We all accumulate tons of pens, pencils and other office supplies from trade shows and vendor meetings. Take those items home and start an area for back to school.
7. Try to Pay Cash for Everything – You’ ll save money in the end by not paying interest on your purchases on credit cards.
8. Open a Back-to-School Savings Account – Putting a little bit of money away every month is a lot easier than coming up with a large amount all at one time. If you start saving for Back-to- School shopping in January by putting away $ 50 each month, you’ ll have $ 350 saved by the time August rolls around. Your local community Credit Union is a great place to save those dollars!
Going back to school is an exciting time for both us and our children. Hopefully by following some of these simple tips, you will end up with a little extra money in your pockets and maybe even a little more time on your hands to enjoy family time before life gets crazy busy again.
This Industry Insight was written by Wendy Kingsland.
Wendy Kingsland is the CEO of Visionary FCU in Bridgeville. Prior to joining Visionary in 2011, she was employed by Clearview FCU from 1991-2011. Kingsland currently serves as Vice President of South West Communities Chamber of Commerce. She is active in the Pittsburgh Chapter of Credit Unions, serving as a board member since 1991 and currently serving as Treasurer. She also serves as a Director for the Pennsylvania Credit Union Association.
Chartiers Valley | Fall 2017 | icmags. com 13