Back-to-school bargain hunting
Always make an effort to purchase an item you’re interested in at its sale price. This requires a little time, effort and research.
Right now, school supplies are at their cheapest prices of the year. Stock up for next semester, too!
Check outlet stores for clothing. Shop on their back-to-school discount weekends (best if you’re on the mailing list). They’re expecting you. Go early for the best selection.
Get on your favorite department store’s mailing list (email lists are better – less waste) and cash in on your coupons. Store clerks are happy to tell you when the discount days are coming. Always ask if the item you want to buy will be discounted soon. Sometimes all you have to do is put it on hold for a couple of days to get 20% off.
Side note, because we have to warn you about this: We don’t like the “open an account with us and we’ll give you 15% off today’s purchase” deals. First, once you open a credit card, it never goes off your credit report. If you have a lot of cards (active or inactive or even closed) they still count against your credit score. Second, it’s one more temptation when you’re close to overspending. And finally, it’s one more bill to track and pay. If you must use credit, use one card and be honest with yourself about how much you use it. And pay it off every month. If you can’t pay it off, you can’t afford the purchase. Bottom line – a new card is not a bargain opportunity.
Sometimes you want something that just needs to wait. Then let it wait. The amazing winter coat that costs as much as your rent for the month? Can wait until you can save up for it. It’s not cold yet, and the coat isn’t on sale yet, either.
Take your time. Remember that not every single back-to-school thing needs to be purchased in August. It’s fun to get new school clothes in mid-September and mid-October, too. Space out your purchases to fit your budget, and it will be fun for you, too.
