It's time for those words kids dread. Back. To. School. I feel like we were just talking about the end of the school year and a summer of fun and suddenly here we are. Already thinking back to school. Roanoke area schools have a few more weeks but with VA Tax-Free weekend coming up now is the time to start shopping, and we've got some tips to help make it easier.
Tip 1: Remember VA Tax-Free Weekend applies to school supply items $20 or less AND clothing and shoes $100 or less. Important to keep in mind in the shoe department!
Tip 2: Don't forget the list! But if you do, many retailers including Target and Walmart have school supply lists online so if you are out shopping you can pull it up on your phone. Target's is called School List Assist and you can even shop from the comfort of home and have your school supplies delivered to your doorstep or for in-store pick-up. Genius!
Tip 3: Check your own cabinets. See what you have left over from the previous year or what can be reused from the previous year. Last year's pencil box may still be in great shape. And, for some reason, I always have tons of college-ruled paper and usually an extra 3-ring binder lying around.
Tip 4: There's an app for that! Apps like ShopSavvy allow you to scan barcodes to find the best prices and do a price comparison with the shops around you.
Tip 5: Don't go clothes crazy. According to Consumer Reports, retailers reduce prices for fall clothing in September. That means now is the time to grab a few last minute summer items and maybe one fantastic outfit for the first day of school. Then plan on doing some additional shopping for the fall in a few weeks after the school year has started.
Tip 6: Give your kids a budget. And stick to it. If you said they can spend $30 on a backpack and the one they love is $50 have them do some extra chores around the house to earn the price difference. This is a great way to help kids understand the value of money for things they need and things they want. We also recommend using a debit card like Greenlight and specifying how much kids can spend at specific stores. This is a great budgeting tool!
Tip 7: Have fun. Before you know it their back to school days will turn into much more expensive outings with buying college textbooks and bedding for their dorm room. Plan a day to do some back to school shopping, then head out to lunch and maybe even take in a movie. Enjoy these last days of summer with your kiddos as much as you can!
