5 WAYS TO SAVE ON SCHOOL PURCHASES

So, you’ve snapped that first day of school photo, put it on social media, and put the kids on the bus.

But just because the school year has started does not mean the shopping has ended. Here are some more tips for saving even after the first school bell has rung.

Head to the clearance rack

Now is a great time to shop for school clothes because some outfits have started to land on the clearance rack. Timing is vital because certain stores put items on clearance at specific times.

Target puts kids’ clothing on clearance on Monday, while Old Navy does it on Sundays. Wal-Mart doesn’t have a set day, but they tend to put things out on clearance at the beginning of the month.

If uniforms are on clearance, you can get ahead on next year’s shopping. Buy uniforms your child will grow into and save some money before the next school year starts.

Use those coupons

Popular, name-brand items often have coupons at the beginning of the school year. Sometimes they come from the manufacturer, and sometimes they come from the store. Either way, you can get double-digit savings.

Some stores, like JC Penny, don’t always advertise their coupons. But if you ask at checkout, they often have them.

You might remember our blog last month on apps that save money. These act like coupons on your phone that never end. Rakuten, Honey, and RetailMeNot are a few of the apps that can help.

Join the Club

Who hasn’t been offered the chance to join a reward’s club at the checkout register? Unfortunately, that’s often the worst time. Most people are in a hurry at that point and decline the offer, missing out on some significant savings.

But some stores will let you sign up online before you head to the store. Gap, Kohl’s, and Macy’s all have this option. So with a bit of planning, you can be ready to cash in when you check out.

Get the perfect match

You may be able to find some great deals through price matching. Staples, JCPenney, Kohl’s, Target, Office Depot/OfficeMax, and JOANN all will match or beat a competitor’s price.

A few minutes of online research before you hit the stores can yield big savings.

Other ways to save

It’s easy to forget about the big bundle of coupons stuffed inside your mailbox, but they can yield savings in some unlikely places. For example, drug stores will offer big coupons on school supplies to get rid of excess inventory.

Technology brands will offer bundle deals, as well. Retailers and manufacturers tend to offer freebies or discounts on popular software and hardware when you purchase a big-ticket item. It’s a fantastic way to save on laptops and tablets.

Keeping an eye on deals after the first day of school can be a great part of your cost-saving strategy. By taking advantage of these tips and looking for deals, you can keep some money in your pocket this year while planning for the next.