As soon as your school sends you a list of supplies they require, the costs quickly accumulate. But there’s good news: By shopping during your state’s tax-free weekend you could potentially reduce expenses significantly.
Each state sets its own dates and specifies what items qualify for tax breaks, here are a few strategies to help save during these weekends:
1. Check with the state for exceptions.
School supplies can be an expensive expense; according to estimates by the National Retail Federation, parents will spend more than ever this year. But there are ways parents can reduce spending, including taking advantage of tax-free weekends.
On-off events offer shoppers an opportunity to sidestep sales tax when purchasing certain items such as clothing, footwear and school supplies. Furthermore, electronics, furniture and computers may become less costly; teachers and college students can take advantage of such events to save on classroom supplies.
While it’s essential to check the rules in your state regarding what qualifies as tax-free purchases, here are some general guidelines: In Arkansas items like molding clay and paintbrushes are exempt from sales tax while similar supplies in Ohio would incur sales tax.
Walmart, Target and Amazon all offer tax-free weekends on various products. But for maximum savings, using a rewards credit card such as Apple Card offers greater returns – up to 3% cash back at certain retailers such as Uber, Walgreens and Nike as well as gas stations and restaurants!
Other ways to save include visiting clearance sections of stores, purchasing generic brands and searching for coupons online. Another effective strategy is using shopping apps such as Spruce that automatically deposit any cash back you earn into an extra savings account that you can access at any time.
Starting to plan for the next school year is never too late – just don’t go overboard! Consider these helpful tips that can save money while getting your children prepared.
2. Compare prices.
Back-to-school shopping can be expensive. But it doesn’t have to be. With many schools posting supply lists online or through other media sources like newspapers or big box stores, it is easy to determine what items need purchasing right now and which can wait.
Before heading out shopping, create a list of what your child requires based on his/her school requirements and any “wish list” items they might want. Evaluate prices between generic brands and name brand options; generic often costs significantly less. And be sure to use any credit cards offering rebates; saving just $0.50-$1 here or there can add up!
One easy way to save is to look out for discounts and sales at your preferred store. Many stores offer coupons and special promotions leading up to back-to-school season; plus you can use price comparison tools online to compare what other retailers are charging for identical items.
Don’t forget to take advantage of school supplies sales at dollar stores, office supply retailers, warehouse clubs and dollar clubs – these retailers usually offer deep discounts on items kids use throughout the year! And if your preferred store doesn’t have the best offer available to them, ask if they will price match.
With these strategies in mind, you can cut your back-to-school costs without jeopardizing your child’s educational experience or your financial health. And many states provide tax-free weekends which offer savings opportunities on items ranging from backpacks to electronics.
3. Shop online.
Back-to-school season marks a time for students of all ages to start fresh while also offering parents an incredible shopping opportunity. Last year, families spent on average $864 getting their kids ready for class; with inflation pushing prices ever upwards this number may only grow further this year. But there are many ways you can save when purchasing notebooks and pencils as well as laptops, clothing and electronics for school.
Many states offer tax-free weekends in the weeks before school starts, providing shoppers with savings on apparel such as clothes and shoes as well as select electronic devices priced under a set limit. Be sure to do your research online prior to purchasing anything – just in case this year marks such an event in your state!
Keep your shipping costs in mind when shopping online for back-to-school supplies and clothing, and look for stores offering free or flat rate shipping orders of $50 or more; price comparison tools can help find you great bargains. Warehouse stores such as Costco and Sam’s Club often host limited-time back-to-school sales with great savings available on select items – it could save time and money!
Google Shopping, Ibotta, and Rakuten all provide cash back on online purchases for shoppers on a budget. Consignment shops, garage sales, Facebook Marketplace can also be great places to find used items. Finally, students looking for ways to reduce textbook spending by renting from CourseSmart or Chegg is also an eco-friendly solution that could reduce book spending by half while cutting their book bills considerably.
4. Look for sales tax breaks.
Prepping for the new school year can be an extensive endeavor that may involve purchasing several supplies at once. That is why many states provide tax-free shopping weekends which can save you both time and money – here are a few tips for making the most of these events.
Ask your children for a list of supplies they require and refer to their school district or website to identify what needs to be purchased. Doing this can save money while teaching your kids budgeting lessons.
If you are purchasing electronics, computer supplies or clothing for your children during a state’s tax-free weekend, make sure you inquire into their return policy before making your purchases. Some stores allow exchanges within certain time frames while others have more stringent policies concerning returns.
Many retailers begin selling back-to-school gear well in advance, tempting parents to overspending. Waiting until your child provides you with their list of necessities may help avoid temptation and save a significant amount.
Search sales and coupons online as well as in local store circulars to see what items are on sale – this can be an excellent way of scoring the best prices on everything from backpacks to notebooks!
Utilizing your state’s tax-free holiday can save you hundreds of dollars on back-to-school shopping. For residents in states with high sales tax rates, this could be even greater savings; but make sure that when shopping around to multiple stores for items with 50 cent savings per pack of crayons that it doesn’t end up costing more in fuel expenses than saving that 50 cents alone!
5. Buy used electronics and textbooks.
School shopping lists can seem endless and costly; especially with inflation. To cut costs, take advantage of tax-free weekends and shop smart. Before heading to the store, create a list of essential supplies as well as what may already exist at home that could be utilized; compare prices at various retailers (dollar stores, wholesalers and discount clubs); finally browse online stores offering refurbished options for electronics like tablets or laptops before heading out.
Many states provide sales-tax breaks during specific weekend periods leading up to back-to-school season, providing families an excellent opportunity to save money on items they need but may have previously gone without budgeting for. Clothing, shoes and books for full-time students enrolled in college or high school are exempt from state sales taxes during these weekends.
Save on textbooks by opting for used or paperback versions; for instance, Human Anatomy & Physiology costs around $195 brand new, yet can be found for as little as $87 in paperback form. When it comes to school supplies, consider alternatives like using recycled plastic bags as pencil holders or using old t-shirts as art smocks as more affordable solutions than new purchases.
When shopping online, try and find a rewards program offering cash back. Consumer Reports’ 2023 Back-to-School Shopping Survey found that shoppers using an online rewards program saved at least some money when making back-to-school purchases using one such as Target RedCard’s rewards program which gives members 5% savings off every purchase and free two-day shipping plus 90 day return period – an excellent choice.