It’s hard to believe, but back-to-school season is officially here – and with it, school supply shopping! From smaller items like pens and pencils up to larger ticket items like computers and tablets, the prices of supplies stack up quickly. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of 8 ways you may be able to save some money this back-to-school season.

1. Determine your budget
The first way we recommend saving money this season is to determine a budget. Setting and following a budget will help control spending, and better prevent you from making unnecessary purchases.

2. Do a supply sweep
If you are looking for ways to decrease the amount of money spent on school supply shopping, consider doing a supply sweep. Simply take a look through the items you already own to see what matches your supply list. Not only will this help you save money since you won’t be purchasing any duplicate items, it can also help you save time in the long run.

3. Make a plan
Now that you’ve determined your budget and done a supply sweep, it’s time to make a plan. What stores will you shop at, and are they having any sales? Will you only purchase new items or are you willing to shop at secondhand shops and yard sales? Sitting down and taking the time to plan your shopping trip(s) may help you take some of the stress out of shopping.

4. Shop at yard sales and thrift stores
Another way you can cut costs this back-to-school season is by shopping at yard sales and thrift stores. These places are havens for gently used clothing, shoes, and even electronics. It may take longer to find the items you are seeking, but you’ll usually find them at a fraction of the cost brand new.

5. Monitor store social media accounts for sales
It may also be beneficial to track the social media accounts of stores you plan on purchasing supplies from. That way, you’ll be the first to know about any upcoming sales or promotions.

6. Compare prices
One of the best ways to save money on larger ticket items like computers is to compare prices. Don’t be afraid to check the price of one item across several different retailers. This way, you’ll be certain which store has the best pricing.

7. Check out the Clearance section
Another way you could potentially save money is by shopping in the Clearance section. Checking the Clearance section could help you score brand new items that have been marked down from the original sale price. Retailers will often mark down remaining seasonal items in order to make room for new inventory, so be sure to check the Clearance section toward the end of the season. 

8. Use coupons
Our final recommendation for saving money this back-to-school season is to utlize coupons in your shopping. With the emergence of sales apps and websites that organize and categorize sale ads, clipping coupons has become a simpler process than physically cutting them out of the weekly paper. Many stores even offer coupons directly from their websites, so be sure to check before heading in to shop. Using coupons is a relatively simple way to maximize your savings during school supply shopping this year. 

With summer dwindling to an end, the return to school is inevitable, but it doesn’t need to be a burden. With a little planning and diligence, you’ll be ready to save big this back-to-school season.

This article is for general information only and not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.