Do Your Homework
Start by making a complete Back-To-School Shopping List. Know exactly what you need to avoid over-buying. Next, compare prices online to find the best deal. There are way too many apps and websites available today to NOT to compare prices both online and in-stores. Write down the store/website with the best deal next to the item. When you've gone through your list, jotting down the best stores/websites, check for stores or websites that overlap. It takes time, but it will save BIG BUCKS!
NOTE: Between the coupon apps and the compare-and-save apps, and the in-store price matching offers, there is no reason to pay full price anymore, Online AND in-store.
Shop Online to avoid temptation.
My husband is always giving me shit about how it's impossible for me to walk into Target without spending $100 in the first four aisles. You can get your child's entire school supply list online. With free shipping after $25, it's become the only way I can shop Target without spending at least $100. To reduce budget busting temptations, shop from the comfort of your couch. TIP: Make sure the kids are around driving you crazy, this will further reduce the temptation to buy extra stuff for the heathens.
TIP: GiftCardGranny is a totally legit website to get gift cards at super discounted prices. So before you head to the store or buy a gift card, check Gift Card Granny first so you can add even more to your savings.
Don't Discount The Discount Sites
Websites that offer deep discounts like Groupon, Zulily, Overstock, Wayfarer, Amazon, and my new favorite, Jet.com... all will be fighting for your attention during the back-to-school season, so capitalize on it! Most are offering free shipping with no minimum purchase.
ALWAYS USE A COUPON!
If you buy ANYTHING online and don't search for a coupon code first, you need to be slapped. Hard. It's seriously as easy as typing into the search bar, "Coupon code for Target," and like magic, money-saving coupons appear. It takes thirty-seconds to find the coupon, copy the code then go back to your shopping cart and apply the coupon code. Seriously, in less than a minute, you can save up to 90%! Agin, if you're not doing this, you need to be slapped. Hard.
Moms, you know how your child thinks Forever 21 is what their Heaven looks like? Groupon Offers Coupons that will save you big there!
Get Cash Back!
And last, my favorite tip of all, get cash back on your online purchases. My longtime time readers know, I stress this every chance I get! I have made so much CASH BACK over the years using Ebates. I don't even do anything differently. I added the Plug-in to the browser, and now every time I shop an Ebates pop-up shows me how much cash back I can earn (3%, 5%, 10%) and any available coupons. It's mental, at checkout, Ebates automatically tries the coupon codes. I love love love Ebates! Seriously. On August 15, a check for $100 will be deposited in my account.
PLEASE, SIGN UP FOR EBATES!!!!!
