Five Tips for Surviving the Back to School Season

By Joanna Young

Parents often find the back to school season to be hurried, stressful and expensive! Searching for new school clothes and school supplies can be a demanding task—if you let it. Here are some tips on making the back to school season less expensive, easier to manage and more fun!

Buy a few school supplies at a time. Attempting to do all your back to school shopping in one day can prove to be frustrating and time-consuming. Buy little bits at a time. If you see a good deal while at the grocery store, grab it! Don’t wait until they sell out. You’ll wish you’d bought that cheap pack of paper while you had the chance.

Scan the back to school sale ads. The Daily Oklahoman Sunday paper is chock full of valuable coupons and sale ads you don’t want to miss! Stores like Walgreens and CVS Pharmacy are two of the best places to peruse for great back to school shopping deals.

Carry your back to school list with you. That way, once you do find some great deals, you can mark them off your list.

Buy in bulk. If you come across a sale for 25 cent crayons, buy several boxes. You won’t regret it as the school year progresses and your preschooler’s school supplies need refreshing.

Skip on the pre-bagged school supplies if possible. While many schools offer pre-bagged school supplies as a convenience to parents, the price of the package is often more than what you’d spend on your own. Skip the temptation to have someone else do the shopping and you’ll save money.