The school year is right around the corner, which means parents will be out shopping for school supplies. Here are a few tips to prevent back to school shopping from emptying your wallet.

Create a List

Take a look at what you already have at home. Gather all of the notebooks, pens, pencils, and anything else your child can use. Once you have an idea of exactly what you need and make a list. Districts typically send out supply lists as well, so compare the two. This tip can also be applied to clothes. Anything that can lower costs is a good thing.

Have a Spending Limit

Going into the season knowing how much you are willing to spend gives you an advantage. Take a look at your expenses and create a budget for back to school shopping. Go over the shopping list and start pricing things out. It’s always good to overestimate, because you will give yourself some wiggle room when it comes to the final cost. 

Find Deals and Offers

Big chain retail stores usually have back to school sales this month, but they’re not the only places to purchase supplies. Dollar stores have great selections for a lower price, and coupon sites will provide a lot of savings. Thrift stores are another option for supplies and clothes. It’s never a bad idea to compare the prices online as well.

Hold Off on Unnecessary Purchases

Your child may not need everything on the list right away. If you can hold off on a few things, they might be cheaper after the back to school rush. Stores will be trying to get rid of items to make room for more merchandise. See what is needed now, and buy the rest at a later date.

Once you’ve upgraded your basic checking account to a Benefits Plus^® checking with SeaComm, you can shop Office Depot and Office Max for low prices (in store and online,) and save up to 50% on school supplies, including paper, binders, calculators, correction tape, pens, markers and more! With a Benefits Plus^® membership, you will also save up to 15% on retail gift cards and enjoy up to 10% off eGift cards! Click here to learn more or visit your local SeaComm branch location to enroll.

For complete information, terms, conditions and exclusions please visit www.benefits-plus.org or call 866-329-7587.