August 3, 2021
Back-to-School time can be hard for kids, but it can also be tough on your wallet. While purchasing school supplies is a necessity this time of year, other items that retailers (and your kids) are urging you to purchase are not. A lot of kids and parents feel the need to purchase a whole new wardrobe before school starts or they think they need a new laptop. But is it really necessary? Here’s a few strategies to help you decide what to purchase now and what can wait.
Take Inventory
Before ever stepping foot in a store go through your kids’ closets and take a look at what they have. Does it still fit? Is it in good condition? Decide if the item is worth keeping, needs to be donated or tossed. Once you’ve gone through everything, create a list of what you need to buy now.
Take Advantage of Iowa’s Tax-Free Holiday
After you’ve gone through all of your items, created your list and decided on your “must haves”, Friday, August 6 and Saturday, August 7, 2021, is a good time to make purchases. Hopefully, you can double dip by taking advantage of back-to-school sales, as well as, the tax-free holiday.
What to Buy Now
Summer Clothes
Shorts and tank tops are highly discounted this time of year and your kids will be able to wear them for the first few weeks of school. As retailers clear out summer clothing and accessories to make room for fall merchandise, you can snag these basics at deep discounts. Keep in mind, some of these summer staples are great for layering during cold weather, too.
Backpacks
Several stores kickoff back-to-school with sales on the most iconic item of the season — the backpack. Sales typically run from mid-August through Labor Day. It’s also worth investing in a backpack that will last a few years, rather than purchasing a cheap one and hoping it will make it to winter break.
Laptops
Except Black Friday, August is the next best time to buy electronics. You can find great deals this time of year on laptops as retailers release all sorts of back-to-school promotions and packages. Every year, Apple offers education pricing and gift cards with Mac and iPad purchases.
What to Buy Later
Fall Apparel
When it comes to fall and winter merchandise like boots, coats and sweaters, you’re better off waiting until the holidays for the biggest markdowns of the season. If you can’t wait that long, be sure to flash your student’s ID card. Stores like J. Crew, Banana Republic and H&M take 15% off full-price items at the store. Retailers don’t always promote such discounts so be sure to ask.
Jeans
Lots of retailers advertise deals on jeans during the back-to-school rush, but October is actually the best time to buy jeans. After the back-to-school frenzy retailers slash prices to move their over stock. If your son or daughter can get by on last year’s styles during the first few weeks of class, you’ll save a bundle!
Sneakers
Again, stores promote great deals on sneakers during back-to-school promotions. November is actually the better month to purchase tennies as retailers reduce prices to make room for winter boots and shoes. If you get caught off guard when your sixth grader—who’s been wearing flip flops all summer—suddenly can’t wear the tennis shoes he was wearing back in May you will have to spring for new ones. Look around for the best deal and find something that is versatile.
What are your back-to-school “must-haves” and how do you score a sweet deal on them?
