It’s that time of year again!  

Back to School is almost in full swing! With the store aisles filled with the latest and coolest school supplies, the aroma of crayons and folders is exciting for most kids, but for mom, it can be a little stressful.

School Supplies cost us money. 

 Whether you send your kids to school or homeschool, we all need school supplies.

However, school supplies doesn’t have to cost us all an arm and a leg. You just have to be smart about it.

Here are 7 Ways to Save on School Supplies

1. Take advantage of Tax Free Weekend. Check to see if your state has Tax Free Weekend and make arrangements to make all your purchases during that weekend. Yes, it will be crowded but go as soon as the store opens.
2. Shop Mid August. School supplies are typically cheaper during mid August. If your school starts earlier, ask the teacher what supplies they need immediately. You can hold off and purchase the supplies needed later on for the year during mid August.
3. Shop at Home. Always check your closets and drawers and make note of the items you already have on hand. I can’t tell you how many times, I have failed to do this and ended up with 90 red pens. Ugh!
4. Hit the Dollar Store. I admit you do have to be careful and know what the typical prices of school supplies are in order to get a good deal. I am amazed about how many name brand school supplies you can get for a buck. Check out some of our favorite back to school dollar store items.
5. Always Stock Up. School supplies are considerably lowered during the back to school season. Don’t just plan on stocking up for the time being, but stock up for the entire year. I buy crayons, pencils, and markers for the kid’s stockings and Easter baskets. Think about science projects, too. Will they need poster board?
6. Check Out Weekly Ads. Most stores honor competitors ads, so check weekly on what’s on sale. Make all purchases at one store. I have found great deals at drug stores, too.
7. Inquire about Student Discounts. Many software companies offer extreme discounts to students. A lot of companies honor homeschoolers discounts, too. So always ask before paying full price.

There are many ways you can save and be frugal on school supplies. You just have to know when and where to find the best deals. These tips have helped our family save during the back to school season. I always set a rather modest budget, so we can spend our money on field trips and curriculum.

Do you have any tips to share on saving on school supplies?