Back-to-school hacks to help you save
NOTE to self for next year: plan for back-to-school expenses at the start of the summer holidays, not at the end, as many are doing now. It will save you money.
Marlies Kappers, DirectAxis Financial Services’ chief marketing Officer, says that by anticipating back-to-school expenses you can budget and spread the costs, rather than having to buy everything at once in January.
Another advantage of thinking ahead is that you can shop when it suits you and when prices are best.
For example, you might be able to pick up some stationery, sports essentials or computer equipment in the post-Christmas sales.
START WHEN THE LAST BELL RINGS
Before the uniform gets bundled into the wash this next December, check to see if it’ll last another term. Do the same with shoes and school bag, and inventory the stationery. This ensures you only buy what is needed. It also allows you to check if anything such as a blazer has been left at school and get it back.
MAKE A LIST
Studies show that people who shop without a list can spend up to 23% more. It’s not too late now to find out from the school or other parents exactly what your child needs for this year and by when. They may not need everything in the first term. Try to get as much detail as possible, so you don’t waste money on the wrong thing. Cross off the list anything you already have.
SCORE SECOND-HAND SAVINGS
Children can quickly grow out of jerseys and blazers. If the school has a second-hand shop, you may be able to find good quality secondhand items there. Alternatively, talk to other parents who have children who are older or have left school and ask if they have any uniforms they want to sell.
SET A BUDGET
Unless your child is just starting school or moving from primary to high school, you should have some idea of what you spent last year.
Using this, your inventory of what they already have and the list of what is required should give you a good idea of how much you’ll need to spend.
Once you’ve got a budget, stick to it. It may be an idea to involve your child. Agreeing on the list of requirements and what the budget is may prevent them from asking for everything they see when you go shopping. If they do, it makes it easier to say no.
SEEK OUT SAVINGS
Look for opportunities to save money. Some schools provide a discount on school fees if these are paid in a lump sum at the beginning of the year. The same may apply to bus fares. If you are able, try to take advantage of these savings.
DON’T BE TRICKED BY WHAT’S TRENDY
Children can be very brand conscious and may want something because it’s trendy and consequently more expensive, rather than because they need it. This can be true of shoes, sports gear and particularly technology.
Many schools require children to have tablets or laptops and most children want top-end technology that comes at a price. Rather find out the specifications of what is required and what the equipment is being used for.
This will help you decide what’s most appropriate. If in doubt, ask the teachers or other parents, rather than a computer salesperson, what offers the best value or what most children use.