8 Back-To-School 𝗧𝗶𝗽𝘀 𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴

For many American students the first day of school is right around the corner, and for parents this means a massive dip in your funds for back-to-school apparel, supplies, and expenses. Here are 8 back-to-school money saving tips via parents.com that you can use as we begin this new school year.

𝟭.) 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗮𝗹𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲.

There's no need to start from scratch each year! As long as they're still in good shape, items like backpacks, lunch boxes, pencil cases, and binders can be reused. You might find some keepers hidden in your office drawers or closets.

𝟮.) 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗯𝘂𝗹𝗸 𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗺𝘀.

Do you have multiple children that need folders, loose-leaf paper, facial tissue, and pencils? How about neighbors or cousins with a similar back-to-school shopping list? You can save costs by purchasing select items in bulk and splitting them with other students.

𝟯.) 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲.

Some websites, blogs, and social media pages provide coupon deals for school supplies. Our favorite accounts for back-to-school savings include Deal Chasing Mama and Mama Deals.

𝟰.) 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗽 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆.

Does your child have a knack for picking the most expensive school supplies in the store? Consider leaving them at home when stocking up on folders, notebooks, and pens. It'll be easier to find the best prices without deviating from your shopping list. (Alternatively, set a budget for your child and encourage them to follow it when choosing supplies). Always do your research to learn when stores offer their biggest discounts of the season.

𝟱.) 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗲𝗰𝗵 𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀.

Technology comes in a wide range of price points; opt for gadgets that give the most bang for your buck. For example, instead of buying your child a laptop, you might choose a tablet and keyboard (it has similar functions for less overall cost).

𝟲.) 𝗕𝘂𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝗳𝘂𝗿𝗯𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗱 𝗴𝗮𝗱𝗴𝗲𝘁𝘀.

Whether you're looking for a tablet or laptop or iPhone, buying pre-owned gadgets is an effective way to save. Just make sure you're choosing reliable items. Some companies provide warranties and money-back guarantees, according to Consumer Reports, and reputable sellers might offer "certified" refurbished tech.

𝟳.) 𝗦𝗲𝘁 𝘂𝗽 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘁𝘀.

Price tracking apps help you find sales and save money. ShopSavvy, for example, sends alerts for price drops and deals, and it compares costs across thousands of retailers. Along those lines, some big-box stores will match lower prices on items you find elsewhere.

𝟴.) 𝗦𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝘀.

Select retailers offer discounts specifically for students. You'll probably need to show your student ID at checkout. Examples include Adobe, Apple, Best Buy, Dell, HP, and Microsoft.