Waiting to Buy School Supplies Can Save You Money!

It’s best to wait until your kids start school before buying school supplies. Yes, this is counterintuitive.

Most teachers like to get students organized during the first week of school and often give students a list of specific things they need to bring to class.  Some teachers require 1-inch binders with dividers for each class, while others want a 2-inch binder for all of their classes.

Your kids may need to purchase calculators for their math classes and you’ll want to get the exact model that the teachers require.

You should also wait to buy their backpacks. With all of the books and binders that they’ll need to cart back and forth to school each day, make sure to get a backpack that will hold everything.  Otherwise, they’ll inevitably forget something at home.

If your kids have block days, then you might consider getting two backpacks so they don’t have to lug around a big backpack on block days. Get one for block days (half of their classes) and one for full days (all of their classes). 

Also, I know it’s not “cool” but the backpacks with wheels are so much easier on their backs. So much for fashion!

If time allows, buy online to get the best prices. Most office supply stores are jockeying for your business with great Back to School Sales, so clip those coupons and be ready to shop!  But not right away – bide your time, and you’ll save money!