8.31.19

Don’t sweat back-to-school shopping with these 3 tips

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Children doing schoolwork on a large table in a classroom setting.

For many kids, back-to-school shopping may be the best part of heading back to class. But if you’re the one footing the bill, costs can rack up fast when you consider the list of school supplies needed in addition to new shoes, clothes and electronics.

According to 2019 survey results from the National Retail Federation[1], families with children in grades K-12 will spend an average $696.71 on back-to-school gear. Here are three great savings tips to keep in mind when you’re out shopping:

  1. Stick to the plan. What? A Taylor Swift pencil and folder set isn’t required for fifth graders? Then maybe it shouldn’t be on your list either. Making a plan of what your child really needs and where to get it is key to staying within your shopping budget.
  2. Shop the sales. Be sure to check out the weekly store circulars for the best deals on supplies and clothes—or rebates for electronics. Many stores will offer special coupons to those who follow them on Facebook or Twitter. Consignment stores may also be a good option for clothing—especially for younger kids who grow through sizes quickly.
  3. Buy in bulk—and save for later. Glue sticks, pencils, tissues and many other supplies can be purchased in bulk and shared between multiple kids or saved for later on. Consolidate lists (see tip #1) to see where you can combine savings.

If all this shopping stuff still has your head swimming in dollar signs, one stress-free investment you can make in your child’s future is setting them up with a Consumers youth savings account. All it takes is an initial deposit of $5.00 to get started.

  • Kids 12 and under: Accounts focus on teaching students about deposits and the importance of saving. After the account is opened, your child will get a complimentary piggy bank.
  • Teens ages 13-17: Accounts focus on helping students learn to manage their money with online and mobile tools. With parent/guardian permission, students 15+ qualify for a debit card and access to online/mobile banking.

Wherever your back to school shopping takes you (including a stop into one of our local offices), breathe easy—you can do this!

Federally insured by NCUA

[1] Smith, Ana Serafin. (July 15, 2019. Record spending expected for school and college supplies.. National Retail Federation. Retrieved from https://nrf.com/media-center/press-releases/record-spending-expected-for-school-and-college-supplies

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