Back-to-school time is here, and it’s more expensive than ever. With 18% in our community not making enough to get by and 43% JUST barely making it, finding room in the budget for school shopping can be rough.
#1: Set A Budget
Most teachers will give out a school supply list in advance of the year beginning (bless them!). Check it out and then set a dollar amount and stick to it.
#2: Stack Discounts
Retailers run back-to-school sales. Use the system and stack any coupons available with those sales and discounts. If something goes on sale after making a purchase, try to return for the difference. If that doesn’t work, exchange the item and buy it at a lower price.
#3: Spread It Out
Everything doesn’t have to be purchased at the same store. Sometimes, spreading the love - so to speak - is the best way to get deals. It isn’t always about just the commercialized capitalism of Amazon or Target. Everywhere from TJ Maxx to Dollar General can have the needed items.
The educational system is already stacked against us, with separate but unequal being the financial default for Black children. The added financial burden of increased school supplies each year doesn’t help. That doesn’t mean we can’t work against the system to our advantage.