Back to school shopping can be expensive (although you can use these 12 tricks to save money on your back-to-school shopping). If you try to pay for everything your child needs out of one paycheck, it can seem overwhelming. That's why you need to budget for back to school shopping. This means starting the process a few weeks before the first day of school. Let's take a closer look.
Make a List
First things first. You need to make a thorough list of everything your child needs. Most schools have a list of needed supplies based on grade in your local stores, such as Walmart. However, you also need to make a list of clothing your child will need for the upcoming school year along with any other needs, such as a lunchbox or backpack.
See What You Have on Hand
Chances are you may have supplies left over from last year. If these match what your child needs for the new school year, mark those items off your list. You also need to look at your child's clothing to see what's in good shape, still fits, and can be worn during the new school year. This can save you so much money.
Set Aside Money Each Week
Once you have an idea of everything you need to buy, total up the expenses. You want to make sure to overestimate the costs so that you don't run short on funds. You also want to make sure you have at least a 10% buffer in your budget. Once you know how much money you'll need, break the total down by the number of paychecks you'll receive before you go shopping.
Have a Yard Sale
Last, but not least, if things still seem too tight, have a yard sale. You can sell items on Facebook groups to make it much easier. However, if you have a lot of small items to sell, a traditional yard sale is much more effective. Regardless, selling your unneeded items can be an easy way to get the money you need for back to school shopping.
You don't have to reach for the credit cards when it comes to back to school shopping. There are ways to get the supplies your child needs. When you budget for the supplies your child needs, you'll have a stress-free shopping experience. If you need a bit more money, consider having a yard sale. It's a great way to get rid of unneeded items and give you the money you need.
Leave a Reply