
By the time August rolls around I am usually so frazzled from June and July that shopping for school supplies seems like a welcome, bright light at the end of a very long tunnel. As we load up the basket with binders and mechanical pencils, I envision mornings of dropping off the kids and returning home to a silent house where I will sit in blissful peace and drink a cup of coffee without the stomping sounds of my children's feet ringing through the air. As a result of my end of summer stupor, I often ignore the prices and willingly pay almost anything for supplies.
This need not be the case. If you have a straight head on your shoulders as you shop for markers and pens, the tab needn't be a bank breaker.
A few ideas to keep in mind as your roll your basket through the aisles will help:
- Shop around. Just because one store offers great deals on some items, they will often have higher on other items you need as well. With a bit of planning and research you can see if other stores offer other needed stuff at better prices.
- Recycle! The chances are pretty good that when you son cleaned out his desk at the end of last year, there were odds and ends that can be reused. Not only does this help your pocketbook, but it sends a great message of recycling to your kids.
- Coupons. Sometimes a coupon can be combined with an in store special and the result is a low price and a pleased parent.
With all the money you save shopping for school supplies, you can either treat yourself to something special or just enjoy the silence after the school bus has rolled away from the curb. Happy shopping!
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