The school year is about to begin. Not only does it mean stretching your budget to cover January, but it also means purchasing stationery that has been listed by your child's school which can cost a pretty penny.
Back-to-school preparation can be easier if you know where to shop for school deals that do not break the bank. Here are savvy ways you can get ready for the year ahead.
Leverage back to school specials
A golden rule when it comes to back-to-school shopping is to avoid shopping last minute. Another rule that can benefit you is leveraging deals and specials to reduce costs. A survey by Gumtree revealed that South Africans parents spend anything between R1 000 - R10 000 or more on school essentials.
With the cost of 1 stick of Pritt costing close to R200 at some retail outlets, deals can help you lower the expenses. Researching and comparing will be your best options. You can also find specials online and at stores such as:
Checkers specials
Makro
Takealot
Deal Zone
Killer Deals
Bundle options
Another alternative is to shop in bulk or bundle options, especially if you have more than one child to cater for. Signing up for online promotions can keep these deals at your fingertips. It also makes planning for your shopping easier. Take advantage of smart shopper card deals that can reduce the costs of items. It can be tricky to get specials if a school requires specific branded items, but bundle options on other items can be useful.
Take inventory
Avoid making the mistake of buying duplicates of what you already have at home by taking inventory. There are usually items that have been left over from the previous school year that were not used that can be re-used if it is still in good condition. Make a list of what is available and what is needed in terms of books, stationery, clothing, sports equipment or musical instruments. It will help cut down the time and money you will need to spend when it comes to shopping for school items.
Budget for hidden costs
Tech equipment, excursions, and extracurricular activities are some of the hidden costs that you need to prepare for. You will be able to space out some of these expenses over the course of the year, but other once-off costs such as buying a tablet or laptop which can range from R1 200 - R12 000 or more, depending on which brand you choose and whether it is new or used, are things that are better planned for beforehand. Remember to make room within your budget for these hidden costs.
