Houston Parents Save Big on Back-to-School Shopping: 3 New Tips
As the back-to-school season approaches, Houston parents are looking for creative ways to save money on school supplies and other essentials. With inflation and economic concerns at the forefront, finding budget-friendly options has never been more important. In this article, we’ll explore three new and simple tips that can help you save big on back-to-school shopping in 2024.
1. Take Advantage of Tax-Free Weekend
One of the most effective ways to save on back-to-school shopping is to utilize Texas’ annual Tax-Free Weekend, typically held in early August. During this weekend, you can purchase qualifying school supplies, clothing, and shoes without paying sales tax, resulting in significant savings.
What Qualifies for Tax-Free Status?
- Clothing and footwear under $100
- School supplies including backpacks, notebooks, and calculators
- Some electronic devices like computers and tablets
By strategically planning your shopping around this weekend, you can cut costs on essential items. Make a list of what your child needs and ensure you know which stores are participating in the event. Many retailers also offer additional sales and promotions to coincide with Tax-Free Weekend, providing further opportunities to save.
2. Buy in Bulk and Share with Other Parents
Buying in bulk is another excellent strategy for reducing costs on back-to-school supplies. Many items, such as notebooks, pens, and snacks, are cheaper when purchased in larger quantities. However, you may not need large quantities for just one child, so consider teaming up with other parents and dividing the costs and products.
How to Organize a Bulk Buying Group
- Reach out to other parents in your child’s class or school group.
- Make a list of commonly used items that can be bought in bulk.
- Compare prices at wholesale clubs like Sam’s Club or Costco or online retailers like Amazon.
- Divide the purchases among the group, ensuring everyone gets what they need.
By participating in a bulk buying group, you not only save money but also build a sense of community and cooperation among parents. It’s a win-win situation!
3. Utilize Online Coupons and Cashback Apps
The digital age has brought with it a plethora of tools to help savvy shoppers save. Two of the best methods include utilizing online coupons and cashback apps.
Where to Find Online Coupons
- RetailMeNot
- Honey
- Coupons.com
These platforms aggregate deals from various retailers, making it easy to find discounts on everything from school supplies to clothing. Installing a browser extension like Honey can also automatically apply the best available coupons at checkout.
Top Cashback Apps for Back-to-School Shopping
- Rakuten
- Ibotta
- Fetch Rewards
These apps offer rebates on purchases made through their platforms. Simply create an account, shop through the app, and earn cashback on eligible purchases. The rewards can add up quickly, providing extra funds for other back-to-school needs.
Bonus Tip: Repurpose and Reuse
While buying new supplies is often unavoidable, consider repurposing and reusing items from previous years where possible. This includes:
- Upcycling old backpacks with patches or paint
- Refilling last year’s pencil cases
- Reusing binders and folders
Not only does this approach save money, but it also teaches children valuable lessons in sustainability and resourcefulness.
Conclusion
Saving on back-to-school shopping doesn’t have to be a challenge. By taking advantage of tax-free weekends, buying in bulk, utilizing online coupons and cashback apps, and repurposing old items, Houston parents can keep their costs down while ensuring their children have everything they need for a successful school year.
Start early, plan strategically, and make the most of these three new and simple tips to enjoy a budget-friendly back-to-school season in 2024. Happy shopping!
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