All good things must come to an end, and summer is no exception.  When back to school time rolls around, one of the biggest to-do’s on your list is back to school shopping.  Even though there are plenty of things in life which are considerably worse, it can still be a headache, especially on a tight budget.

The cost of supplies can quickly add up depending on what kind of classes your child is taking.  Therefore, it’s helpful to have some shopping tips under your belt to help keep your budget in check.  Here are some of the best ways to save money on back to school shopping.  

Buy Used When Possible

Even though your child may be begging for the latest and greatest new items on the market, it’s not always the best value.  Try to shop used whenever you can. Older children may require certain electronics for their classes like calculators or laptops; therefore, buying used is a great way to save some money.

If your child requires textbooks, try looking online for used versions rather than buying brand new.  You’d be surprised how many good deals are out there for items which are practically new. 

Take Advantage Of Deals Year Long

Rather than doing all of your back to school shopping at the same time as everyone else,  you should shop all year long. Buy materials whenever there is a good deal, not just when it’s time to go back to school.

Stocking up helps ensure that your kids have everything they need for the best possible price all year long.  Chances are they’ll probably need to replenish their classroom materials again at some point before the end of the school year. 

Be Resourceful With What You Have

Even though you may think that you have to buy everything that’s on the list the teacher gives you, it’s likely you already have some of these items laying around your house.  Before you go out and spend your money, take a look around your home for things you may have forgotten about. You can reuse and repurpose plenty of things if you’re creative enough.

Not only will you be doing your wallet a favor, but also the environment! Less waste is always a good thing!

Create A List

Whether it’s grocery shopping, or back to school shopping, it helps to have a list before you hit the store.  When you don’t have a specific list of what you need to buy, it’s easy to fill your cart with junk that you don’t need. 

Avoid falling into the trap of distracted shopping, and stay focused! Bring your list and stick to it.