From Bankrate.com:
Even though most of our area is just back to school, it's still not too late to catch some savings on those much needed items for throughout the year. Bankrate.com has done some research, and for average households, expect to pay right at $700 a year on school supplies....almost $1000 if your child is in college.
You CAN, however, beat that budget with these tips:
- PLAN AHEAD - Yeah, it sounds simple and obvious, but how many of us actually do this? Give yourself a (believable) budget to work with, knowing what you need to have, and depending on your kid's age, INVOLVE them with it. Not only does this give them a beginning of an idea on budgets, you're doing something together.
- TEACHER'S LIST? K.I.S.S. - Keep It Simple Stupid. IF that teacher has it on their list, it's necessary. Don't go crazy with 'impulse' buys.
- SHOP PRICES FOR TECH - The kids need that graphics calculator? SHOP AROUND. Check college facebook pages, craigslist, ebay, etc., you're bound to find a used one that will cut the cost of a brand new one.
It CAN be done...I'm doing it now with a kid in college. In New York. On a DJ salary. Lord, help me.
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