Print the School Supply List NOW! 

Go to your school website and usually the supply lists are posted by grade along with any other details related to back to school purchases.

Once you have this list in front of you, then you are in a better position to stagger buying items on the list.  At open house, talk to your child's teacher about what is really needed for the first day of school verses the first 2-3 weeks and stock up accordingly. 

If you accumulate points in a store loyalty program, then you may be eligible for extra savings.  Check your accounts and print any available savings you may sitting in your account.  Print online coupons since this time of year many store offer limited time only coupons for school supplies.  Check our printable coupon sources HERE.  Use your Couponizer for coupon storage and shopping!!

 

Summer clothes are acceptable since the weather here is still hot when school starts so I start weeding through clothing now.  My kids grow over the summer so I donate clothing that we no longer can wear and make room for other things.  This helps me gain a sense of what items will still work and/or be handed down and I don't feel overwhelmed to buy all new clothing.  Just one outfit for the first day is fine and my kids know this drill.  

 

Not only does this remove stress associated with shopping but also stress on the checking account!  This is a season of heavy spending and a little planning goes a long way towards getting the school year off to a great start for everyone in the family!