Tricks and Tips: Can the School Year Be Cheaper?

Regardless of the fact that every kuna is being watched because 'who knows what autumn and winter will bring', it is difficult to save when it comes to children. This is evidenced by data from the National Retail Federation in the United States, which expects that the total costs of supplies for elementary and high school students in the United States for the new school year will reach last year’s record of $37 billion.

Americans with children in elementary and high schools will spend an average of $864 on school supplies, which is slightly more than last year, but also $168 more than three years ago. For families with college students, the bill climbs to $1,200, making the return to college the most expensive since records have been kept – nearly $74 billion, or three billion more than last year.

Savings Everywhere

With the highest inflation in the last forty years in America, the middle class has been particularly affected, and purchasing for school will significantly burden household budgets, leading many to even consider borrowing to provide their children with everything they need for school. Americans are also advised to buy used clothing, second-hand school bags, and backpacks, which is more affordable and environmentally friendly.

Due to high fuel prices, children from the same class can be transported to extracurricular activities by parents coordinating a carpool schedule. Just like here, they are looking for ways to save by following discounts and special offers and sticking to purchasing what is necessary.

If discounts are higher for larger purchases, joint buying is recommended, where several parents pool their resources – for example, when it comes to disinfecting wipes, plastic storage bags, paper towels, and disinfectants that children use in the classroom (schools in the U.S. require these).

Patience with Sales

In Croatia, retail chains and other stores have been offering school supplies since mid-August, and sales are expected. It is important to patiently follow information about sales and social media because special offers are announced on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram for followers of specific stores or chains. Sometimes it is cheaper to pay everything upfront or in installments, and one should weigh what to take advantage of.

Anything left over from last year’s supplies that can be reused is certainly a great way to save. However, if a child is used to receiving a new pencil case, bag, or sneakers every year, it might be a good little trick that can teach them a lot. They can be given a certain amount of money for school supplies and clothing and told that anything left over from their purchases can be used as pocket money. The child will surely look at many old school supplies differently and seek cheaper options when buying new items.

Smart Shopping

If children participate in shopping, it is a convenient way to teach them about finances and purchasing. By setting a budget, they will learn that money cannot be spent endlessly and that it is valuable because it is earned through work. It is generally advised not to go shopping with children, especially younger ones. They always choose what they like, disregarding prices, which can often be steep and exceed the amount set aside for school.

Before going shopping, it is advisable to check if there are any unused supplies of crayons, notebooks, or paper to ensure that only the most necessary items are purchased. Therefore, it is wise to make a list and stick to it to avoid impulse buying. It might also be worth considering buying more supplies to create a stockpile if discounts are indeed favorable and there is still room in the family budget. Shopping for the year ahead could then be easier as further price increases are expected.

In case a student needs a computer, it is possible to buy a used and upgraded one at lower prices than new computers from computer services. However, if only new is considered, one should follow discounts and special promotions that manufacturers often offer. If the computer is not urgently needed, it might be worth waiting until Black Friday, the last Friday in November when many stores, including those selling computers and related equipment, significantly reduce prices.

The same advice applies to furnishing a child’s room with new furniture and lighting fixtures. Sales are frequent, and it is important to follow them and decide at the right moment when to start shopping.