back to school

Ask the Readers: What Are Your Best Back-to-School Tips?

Ashley Jacobs — Tue, 20 Aug 2019 08:30:08 +0000

Back-to-school season is a busy time for many families, especially those with multiple school-aged kids. And if you need to buy supplies, sports gear, or new clothes, it can get really expensive, too!

What are your best back-to-school tips? What strategies do you use to save money on school supplies? Are you trying anything new to ensure a smoother school year for your family?

Tell us your best back-to-school tips and we'll enter you in a drawing to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card!

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Follow us on Twitter
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Contest ends Monday, August 26th at 11:59 p.m. Pacific. Winners will be announced after August 26th on the original post. Winners will also be contacted via email.
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You must be 18 and U.S. resident to enter. Void where prohibited.

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Tell us your best back-to-school tips and we'll enter you in a drawing to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card!

This article is from Ashley Jacobs of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Ask the Readers: What Are Your Tips for Back-to-School Shopping?

Ashley Jacobs — Tue, 07 Aug 2018 08:31:08 +0000

Editor's Note: Congratulations to Heather, Anissa, and Chrissy for winning this week's contest!

Back-to-school sales are in high gear! It's a great time to buy school supplies for your student — or stock up on stationary, office tools, and craft gear for yourself. If you want maximum savings, though, you'll need to shop smart.

What are your tips for back-to-school shopping? What items have the best value this time of year? What will you shop for this back-to-school season?

Tell us your tips for back-to-school shopping and we'll enter you in a drawing to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card!

Win 1 of 3 $20 Amazon Gift Cards

We're doing three giveaways — here's how you can win:

Follow us on Twitter
Follow our Executive Editor Janet Alvarez on Twitter
Tweet about our giveaway for an entry.
Visit our Facebook page for an entry.

Use our Rafflecopter widget for your chance to win one of three Amazon Gift Cards:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway Rules:

Contest ends Monday, August 13th at 11:59 p.m. Pacific. Winners will be announced after August 13th on the original post. Winners will also be contacted via email.
This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered, or associated with Facebook or Twitter.
You must be 18 and U.S. resident to enter. Void where prohibited.

Good Luck!

Tell us your tips for back-to-school shopping and we'll enter you in a drawing to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card!

This article is from Ashley Jacobs of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

9 Times Life Can Throw Retirement Off Course

Tim Lemke — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 09:00:09 +0000

Saving for retirement requires discipline. Ideally, you are able to amass a nice nest egg by putting aside a big chunk of money each month and investing it wisely. But it doesn't take much for you to get off track. Life happens, and you are often faced with expenses and other burdens that make saving for retirement less of a priority.

But you needn't let life get in the way of your long-term financial goals. With some planning and good decision making, you can continue to save regardless of what comes your way.

Here are some things that can throw your retirement planning out of whack, and how to deal with them.

1. Job loss

If you suddenly find yourself out of work, it can be a huge blow to your retirement savings because you no longer have income you can set aside. You are no longer able to contribute to that company's 401(k) plan, and you lose any matching or direct contributions that were coming from your employer.

An extended job loss could result in the loss of tens of thousands of dollars in retirement savings over time. However, you can always contribute more to your 401(k) plan later to catch up once you get back to working, and if you have a large enough emergency fund (at least three to six months' worth of income), you may still be able to contribute to retirement through individual retirement accounts (IRAs) or taxable brokerage accounts.

A job loss can hurt, but if you are relatively young and have a lot saved already, the loss of a few months of retirement contributions won't make too much of a difference in the long run.

2. Divorce

Dissolving a marriage is a tough choice to make, and it's one that can be fraught with financial implications. There could be large upfront legal costs associated with the divorce itself, and the long-term impact can be significant. Suddenly, your household income has been split in half while you each now have to pay for your own separate housing costs, utilities, and meals. You may be on the hook for child support or alimony payments. And now the combined retirement nest egg you were counting on has been slashed. When this happens, it's hard to think about retirement savings.

You can protect your retirement, however, by avoiding the temptation to cash out accounts upon your divorce. Some couples have unfortunately been known to do this during the asset-splitting process, resulting in huge capital gains taxes and penalties (plus the loss of any potential earnings from that money).

If you and your spouse are considering divorce, be sure to think hard about the financial implications. If you do decide to separate, don't lose sight of the importance of saving for retirement, despite the new challenge in doing so. (See also: How to Protect Yourself Financially During a Divorce or Separation)

3. A major emergency

You suffered a significant injury and only part of your medical bills were covered by insurance. You totaled your car. Your house was gutted by fire. When these things happen, retirement saving may be the last thing on your mind. In fact, if you are not prepared, you may end up raiding your retirement funds to pay your bills. This could mean penalties and taxes and years of potential lost income.

You can continue to save for retirement, however, if you've built up a significant emergency fund. Three to six months' worth of income is a good rule of thumb to cover whatever unexpected costs you may have. With a good emergency fund, you may not have to raid your retirement funds at all, and may even be able to continue contributing at the same level. (See also: 7 Easy Ways to Build an Emergency Fund From $0)

4. Having a child

You and your spouse are rolling in dough, pumping those retirement accounts to the max and watching the savings grow at a rapid pace. Then you decide to have a baby. In case you weren't aware, kids add cost. The United States Department of Agriculture calculates the average cost of raising a child from birth through age 17 to be $233,610. So you can imagine how having a kid could throw your finances off track.

If you are thinking of having a child, you need to plan for it financially, by either boosting your income, cutting back on other expenses, or (ideally) both. If you think you can put off saving for retirement until the kids are out of the house, that's a big mistake. (See also: 7 Signs You're Financially Ready to Start a Family)

5. Going back to school

There may come a time in your life when you feel a desire to finish college or get an advanced degree. Certainly, education can be the key to developing a great career and stable finances. But you still need to be smart about it.

Our nation is filled with young people who are crushed by student debt and unable to even consider saving for retirement. If you're heading back to school, make sure you're pursuing something that can actually pay off in the form of a better career or higher-paying job. Try to avoid taking out burdensome student loans, if you can. Examine if it's possible to continue working while pursuing the degree so you're not losing income.

Your early years are the best time to save money for retirement, because your money has time to grow. Don't let higher education be a burden in your efforts to save.

6. Caring for an older parent

Your parents spent a couple of decades taking care of you, and now it's your turn to look after them. It's never easy to watch your loved ones deal with health problems as they age, and it can be a source of both mental and financial stress. You may choose to have a parent move in with you, or you may have to take time off work to search for other care options. You may need to pick up a share of their medical bills, or take care of other affairs, like selling their home. All of this can throw a curveball to your own retirement savings.

To avoid any serious financial strain, it helps to plan ahead and have some savings set aside to care for your loved ones. It also helps to have a conversation with your parents early on to make sure they have the financial resources to cover their own expenses as they age. (See also: 6 Financial Steps to Take When Your Aging Parents Move In)

7. The market crashes

It's a bummer to see a chunk of your retirement savings wiped away when the stock market goes down. You may feel like all of your efforts to save were for nought. But that's the wrong attitude.

When investing, you should always be aware that the market could go down at any time. If you are close to retirement age, work to make sure your portfolio is heavier on bonds and cash than more volatile stocks. If you are further away from retirement, don't panic. Remember that the market has always rebounded, and you can take advantage of the fact that investments are cheaper than they were. (See also: 6 Confidence-Inspiring Facts About the Stock Market)

8. Buying a house

It's very common to see your housing expenses rise once you move from renting to homeownership. Many people will stretch their budgets to get the home they want, and also fail to take into account property taxes, mortgage insurance, community fees, and the cost to maintain the home. If your housing expenses are now higher than in the past, you may now have less money available to set aside for retirement.

To avoid this, don't buy a home that will dramatically increase your monthly housing costs. Look to save as much of a down payment as possible before purchasing, and work to get the lowest interest rate you can. Homeownership is a key part of obtaining financial freedom — it should not be something that prevents you from achieving your financial goals. (See also: 4 Easy Ways to Start Saving for a Down Payment on a Home)

9. Moving to a more expensive area

You decided to move into the city because it's closer to work and offers a more vibrant social scene. But before long, you realized that it's really putting a dent into your finances. Your cost of living has shot up, leaving you with less money available to save for retirement.

If this happens to you, it's time to reevaluate your overall financial picture. Track your expenses and see if it's possible to cut some costs. Look for a cheaper apartment. Consider walking or biking to work instead of driving. Be smarter about what you spend when going out with your friends. Don't let your desire to live the good life now crush your ability to save for the future.

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This article is from Tim Lemke of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Flashback Friday: 43 Genius Ways to Save on Back-to-School Shopping

Chrissa Hardy — Fri, 04 Aug 2017 08:30:05 +0000

It's that time of year again! Families are filling up their carts with markers, lunchboxes, and new clothes for the coming school year. But all those new school supplies can cost a pretty penny. Luckily, we've found plenty of brilliant ways to save big bucks on your back-to-school shopping trip.

6 Genius Ways to Stock Up on School Supplies — Aside from clothing and textbooks, kids mostly need the same items each year. And if you buy these items in bulk and split the cost with another family, for instance, you won't need to pay a premium for the small packs. Also? Never forget that dollar stores are your friend.

The Best Credit Cards for Back to School Shopping — Who doesn't like getting paid to shop? Use any of these credit cards for back-to-school shopping and you'll reap all kinds of rewards, including cash.

12 Back-to-School Shopping Tips for the Busy Parent — Whether you're a working parent or a stay-at-home parent, your life is chaotic. And because you absolutely do not need more stress on your plate, here are some tips to save on back-to-school shopping during your hectic days.

8 Ways Everybody Saves During Back-to-School — Kids and parents aren't the only ones who save money during this wonderful time of year. Everyone needs new pens, clothes, and laptops every once in awhile. And this is the time to buy.

4 Effortless Ways to Save on Back-to-School Shopping — The most satisfying way to save money is when you don't even have to try, right? Using the right browser plugins while you online shop, cashing in credit card rewards for gift cards, and planning ahead can make back-to-school shopping a budget-friendly breeze.

The 8 Best Ways to Save on Back-to-School Supplies Right NOW — The longer you wait to get this shopping done, the more items will be sold out. And there's a chance that you could miss out on early bird sales. Scour the web and your favorite stores for the supplies you need, so you can it all before other shoppers do.

This article is from Chrissa Hardy of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

6 Genius Ways to Stock Up on School Supplies

Kat Tretina — Thu, 27 Jul 2017 08:30:08 +0000

The new school year is just around the corner, which means it's also time to start shopping for school supplies. When you're on a budget, coming up with the money to pay for binders, notebooks, and backpacks can be difficult. And growing supply requirements can put a real strain on families. According to the National Retail Federation, the average family with children in grades K-12 plans to spend $673.57 on school supplies, clothing, and shoes for the new school year.

The good news is there are ways you can reduce your spending, while also getting everything you need. Here are six ways you can save on school supplies. (See also: Best Credit Cards to Use for Back to School Savings)

1. Shop your home

You likely have supplies stashed around your home you've forgotten about. Shopping your own home first can prevent you from buying unnecessary supplies.

Set up a large bin or designate a corner for school supplies. Work with the rest of your family to check drawers, closets, and under beds for pens, rulers, or backpacks. Pile everything into the designated section. Then go through your children's classroom requirements and check off what you already own. (See also: 4 Effortless Ways to Save on Back-to-School Shopping)

2. Work with your child to set a budget

Kids often love the idea of new things, whether it's clothes or a new lunch box. But replacing everything might not be possible within your budget. Instead, sit down with your child and have them create their own budget. Tell them how much they have to spend and explain that when that amount is gone, they cannot buy anymore. It can be a helpful way to rein in spending. For example, if your children love clothes, you can remind them of the budget when they want the sparkly purple notebook that is three times the price of a plain one. A budget can help them decide where they want to splurge, and where they are willing to cut back.

If the budget has wiggle room, it can also be an opportunity to teach your child about work and pay. Perhaps you can set up a list of chores and payments for each one. As they complete chores, you add some extra money to their school budget.

3. Split costs with another family

Buying in bulk can help you save a great deal on supplies, but finding a place to store the extra materials can be tricky. Instead, try connecting with another family with a child in your kid's class. If you don't know anyone, many schools have class-specific Facebook groups where you can connect with other parents. You can buy supplies like paper, pens, markers, and crayons and then split the cost with them. Everybody wins. (See also: 6 Back-to-School Shopping Hacks for Big Savings)

4. Take advantage of dollar stores

Dollar stores can be a stellar budget saver when money is tight. You can purchase everything from notebooks to protractors for a dollar (or less). Depending on the store, there may be special deals as well from limited shipments, such as brand-name markers and crayons. You can start your back-to-school shopping at a dollar store, and then shop at other retailers for the rest of the supplies.

5. Use coupons

Coupons can reduce your expenses, and with the internet, it's easier than ever to find relevant promotions. Use sites like RetailMeNot or CouponSherpa to find discounts at stores like Staples, Target, or Kohl's. Those sites collect all coupons across the web, so you can find the ones you need and use them on the spot.

And by installing browser extensions like Honey, you can shop leisurely online while the extension finds applicable coupon codes for you. (See also: These Apps and Extensions Find Online Deals for You — Automatically)

6. Shop with discounted gift cards

Shopping with discounted gift cards can be a smart way to save a significant amount of money. People who received cards as a gift, or received store credit for a return might decide that they don't have any use for it. Rather than let it sit in a drawer, they can sell it to sites like Gift Card Granny, Raise and Gift Card Zen, who then offer these gift cards at a discount.

Depending on the retailer and the amount on the card, the savings can be huge. For example, if your family needs new clothes, you could score a $500 gift card for $440, and that extra $60 could go a long way. When you're on a limited budget, discounted gift cards can help stretch your money to the max.

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This article is from Kat Tretina of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

6 Signs Your College Is a Scam

Samantha Stauf — Fri, 07 Oct 2016 09:30:24 +0000

A college degree opens doors. While there are certainly ways to find professional and financial success without a college degree, it can be a harder and longer path. The relationships built, the skills learned, the knowledge granted, and the credentials earned open pathways that might have beyond an individual's reach.

However, not all colleges in the United States deliver the type of education that will lead to financial success. ITT Technical Institutes' recent and sudden closure after it was barred from admitting students utilizing federal funds, was a reminder of that fact. The closure of the school put the educational and financial prospects of thousands of students in jeopardy.

Prospective students need to remember that technical schools and colleges — even nonprofits — are run like businesses. They won't necessarily broadcast that they aren't capable of delivering the type of education you expect. It's up to you to investigate the school and discover any red flags that indicate the college is a total scam. Here are a few warning signs to look out for.

1. It's in Poor Financial Health

ITT Tech's closure due to financial issues isn't an isolated, once-in-a-blue-moon incident. Inside Higher Ed reports that on average, five colleges close down annually. The number of college closures per year is expected to triple in the coming years as admission rates at smaller colleges drop. Smaller private and public colleges are dependent on tuition to remain financially viable. This means that years of low admission rates can result in a slow, prolonged death for the college which can blindside students.

When a school closes, students might need to:

Restart the school vetting process;
Pay admission and application fees for new colleges;
Find an institution that will transfer the most credits;
Potentially apply to have federal loans discharged;
Contend with issues keeping housing benefits.

In order to avoid enrolling in a college that might go under before you graduate, potential college students can check the financial health of their college by doing a Google search about the school's financial health or admission rates.

2. It Lacks Proper Accreditation

Proper accreditation is vital to a degree or certificates' worth. According to RuthAnn Althaus, a program coordinator at Ohio University, accreditation is vital because it "provides assurance to students, their employers, and the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) that institutions are meeting rigorous educational standards and are professionally sound."

If you accidentally attend a college without proper accreditation, you will not be qualified to work in a field that requires a degree, and employers might not recognize your degree as a valid educational credential. You can ensure that the institution is accredited by searching for the school's website for the accreditation information. Be sure to double check the accreditation claim on the accrediting institution's website.

3. Does It Have National or Regional Accreditation?

There's another layer to the accreditation conundrum. In the U.S., colleges and programs can either be regionally accredited or nationally accredited. Accreditation from nationally accredited institutions (a lot of for-profit schools fall into this category) are often not recognized by public colleges.

ITT Tech students are currently dealing with this issue. Due to the fact that ITT Tech was nationally accredited, students have very few options as they attempt to find a replacement school. Right now, ITT students who want to transfer to another school are limited to other nationally accredited schools and the few community colleges that are willing to consider transferring their credits.

Before you apply to a nationally accredited institution, you should seriously consider if you would like the option to eventually transfer to a regionally accredited institution.

4. The School Is Facing Accreditation Probation or Withdrawal

Accreditation isn't a lifetime endorsement for a college. Accredited institutions must continually prove that they meet the required educational and financial standards to keep their certification. Schools that fail to meet standards can be placed on probation.

Enrolling into a college that is in a probationary period is risky. Failure to improve can lead to the institution losing their accreditation either voluntarily or by having it revoked. The loss of accreditation will mean that if you want a degree that is actually worth anything, you will need to transfer to another school. If this happens in the middle of the semester, you can lose time and money.

5. It's Linked to State or Federal Investigations

State or federal investigations of the school or its accrediting agency might be a sign that the school will not be a good investment. While not all investigations indicate wrongdoing, in recent years, the federal and state investigations of ITT Technical Institutes resulted in the Department of Education barring the school from utilizing federal aid to enroll students. That restriction led to the collapse of the school.

When accrediting agencies are investigated, the fallout can be even more extreme. ACICS, the agency that accredited ITT Technical Institution, has been recommended for termination after a federal investigation. If the recommendation goes through, every college ACICS accredits will have 18 months to get recertified with a different agency. Those school's ability to find another certification agency to endorse them really depends on the quality of the institution and their financial health.

To be safe, before you enroll in a college, you should search for any news of investigations of the colleges you are vetting or the agency that accredits the college. If the investigations have to do with the school's finances or recruitment practices, you might want to dig a little deeper into the investigation before enrolling.

6. It Has Low Freshman Retention and Graduation Rates

Enrolling in a college with low student retention and graduation rates is an extremely risky endeavor. While you shouldn't discount a school entirely due to low rates, it should at least be a warning sign that should lead to further investigation.

Low rates can be the result of:

Students transferring to another school before graduation;
Students taking more than four years to graduate;
Low emotional and academic student support and guidance by teachers and advisers;
Lower academic standards for admission.

You can check the rates of colleges utilizing the website College Scorecard.

Colleges whose rates are around the national average — you probably don't need to investigate further. If the college has lower than average rates (10%-20%), that might be a major red flag to take into account before enrolling. You should at least prepare yourself for an uphill battle in your quest to earn your degree.

This article is from Samantha Stauf of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Ask the Readers: What Are Your Tips for Back-to-School Shopping?

Ashley Jacobs — Tue, 02 Aug 2016 10:00:10 +0000

Editor's Note: Congratulations to Ashley, Chong, and Christina for winning this week's contest!

As school comes back in session in the fall, students and parents will need to make sure they're equipped for classes and extracurricular activities. Besides the basics like pencils and paper, students may also need new clothing, books, after-school snacks, or even electronics for the older set. All of this can really bust a budget if you're not careful.

What are your tips for back-to-school shopping? What items are on your shopping list? If you don't have kids and you are not a student, will you be shopping the back-to-school sales anyway for the savings?

Tell us your tips for back-to-school shopping and we'll enter you in a drawing to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card!

Win 1 of 3 $20 Amazon Gift Cards

We're doing three giveaways — here's how you can win!

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Post your answer in the comments below. One commenter will be randomly selected to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card!

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Good Luck!

Tell us your tips for back-to-school shopping and we'll enter you in a drawing to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card!

This article is from Ashley Jacobs of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

8 Ways Everybody Saves During Back-to-School

Mikey Rox — Tue, 02 Aug 2016 09:30:37 +0000

One day after Independence Day, retailers made way for back-to-school items in their aisles. It's kind of annoying, in my opinion, because many kids just got out for the summer a week or two beforehand. I mean, let the dust settle first, right? But I digress. These early installments of supplies can also mean big savings for you, even if you're not a student or don't have children of your own. (See also: Best Credit Cards for Back to School Shopping)

1. Treat School Supplies Like Office Supplies

Need pens, pencils, and paper? Hit your local big-box retailer — like Wal-Mart, Target, and Staples — to take advantage of their discounted "school" supplies that coincidentally are the same things you use in your own office. At Target, look for additional savings on its Cartwheel app before checking out; check the clearance section at Wal-Mart and take try to score Bluebird savings on the back end; and checkout with your loyalty card at Staples to get a small kickback in the form of future monetary rewards for everything you buy there.

2. Raid Your Kids' Stash From Last Year

Your kids probably didn't use everything you bought them when they went back to school 12 months earlier. Chances are they still have at least a few leftovers, like binders, folders, dividers and more, that you can claim as your own and put to use. Lord knows they're not going to use something from last year — what will people say!? So whatever remains might as well go the extra mile for you.

3. Browse Local School's Social Media for Deals

Both big-box and local businesses are attracted to schools this time of year, so adding your local schools on Facebook and other social media may score you insider deals that won't be posted elsewhere.

"Similarly, if you live in or near a college town, check Yelp with the keyword 'school' and 'coupon' (or deal/offer) to find a slew of coupons that are intended to attract college students but can be used by anyone," suggests money-saving expert Mike Catania, whose own site PromotionCode.org also is a good resource.

4. Take Advantage of Price Matching

Spotted a better deal at a retailer at which you don't normally shop? You don't have to go out of your way to get it.

"Many back-to-school retailers like Target, Wal-Mart, and Office Depot will price match competitor's offers, so it pays to compare prices and circulars so you don't have to run around town to hunt down the best bargains," says money-saving expert Andrea Woroch.

In fact, Staples is going a step further and offering a price-match guarantee of 110% with an extra 10% off identical products. Use tools like the ShopSavvy app or the Invisible Hand browser add-on to simplify this task while shopping in store and online.

"Circulars are your best tool in comparing offers for back-to-school," Woroch adds. "In addition to browsing weekly ads found in Sunday newspapers, apps like Retale and Flipp offer a digital means of finding top discounts while you're out and about shopping."

5. Visit Trade-In Sites for Savings Upon Savings

Trade-in sites — those online outlets that offer refurbished electronics at discounted prices — are often overlooked when people are shopping for the latest and greatest gadgets. But checking in may yield big savings on just what you're looking for. For instance, Gazelle.com is offering up to 30% off on back-to-school gadgets for everyone, with new items added daily. Gazelle sells certified, pre-owned devices that must pass a 30-point quality inspection and everything comes with a 30-day risk-free return policy; payment plans also are available. Don't overlook the brick-and-mortars though: Apple, Newegg, Best Buy, and even warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam's Club offer refurbished or open-box laptops, tablets, computers, smartphones, and the like for up to 75% off.

This strategy applies to clothing, too.

"Thrift store, consignment shops, and online resellers, including Poshmark and ThredUp, are top resources for gently used clothing," explains Woroch.

6. Clip, Print, Tap, or Paste Coupons

The best way to quickly access store coupons is through a coupon app like Coupon Sherpa, which features savings at national chain stores like Staples as well as local shops. When shopping online, it's important to search for coupon codes to save money, like a Target promo code for $5 off $50 orders, or 25% off a Disney Store purchase. Otherwise, register for a retailer's online newsletter to receive a new subscriber coupon for savings from 10% to 20% off your first purchase.

7. Opt for Generic Over Name-Brand Supplies

Can you really tell the difference between a national brand-name notebook and the off-name or store brand? Probably not enough to pay more.

"You're better off sticking with the generic or store brand options to save money, especially since there is little difference between brand names and generic versions," Woroch says. "On the flip side, however, backpacks, electronics, art supplies, and even sneakers are better brand-name buys because they're often higher quality and last longer, reducing the need to replace them."

8. Show Those Summer Clearance Racks Who's Boss

While parents are shopping for fall clothing for kids, you can cop the remnants of the summer clothing in the clearance section for yourself. Sure, the summer is winding down, but all is not for naught: You can use the lighter pieces for layering during the colder months, and there will likely be fall-perfect clothing among the summer clothes as well. I recently visited J. Crew Factory's clearance section, which had racks of button-downs, long-sleeve polos, and pants for 50% off already very reduced prices. These kind of deals exist elsewhere — and they're all in one place at outlet malls — which makes a visit worth it if you're in need of a wardrobe refresh.

Do you have more back-to-school shopping tips? I'd love to hear them in the comments below.

This article is from Mikey Rox of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

6 Back-to-School Shopping Hacks for Big Savings

Kyle James — Tue, 04 Aug 2015 17:00:15 +0000

Back-to-school season has many parents pulling out their child's school supply list and dreading the impending costs. But never fear: whether it's the simple pack of pencils, or the expensive laptop computer, here are six shopping tips to help you maximize your savings.

1. Avoid Cartoon Characters

When shopping for your child's backpack, binder, and accessories, avoid items with a cartoon character plastered on them. This includes Disney, Pixar, Nickelodeon, and Cartoon Network characters of all shapes and sizes. They're almost always 25%–30% more expensive than products without any characters or themes on them. If this is a big deal for your child, simply buy some cheap stickers of their favorite characters and let them decorate their stuff to their heart's content. When it comes to backpacks, look for quality "character-free" brands like Timberland, JanSport, Rockland, and Embark that will easily last the entire school year, and often many more.

2. Always Shop Your Backpack First

Before you visit any store or website, consider "shopping" your backpack, closet, and desk for school supplies. Take your child's back-to-school shopping list and look for items you already own which still have shelf-life remaining. You'll often be amazed at the items you can cross off your list without spending a cent. Items to look for include things like pencils, pens, markers, notebooks, and rulers. My wife and I often stock up on school supplies when we find deals and forget that we buried them in the desk drawer or stashed them away in a closet somewhere. If this sounds like something you'd do as well, be sure to check what you have at home before you head to the store.

3. Get a Price Match if an Item Is Sold Out

The last few back-to-school shopping seasons have shown terrific deals from office supply stores like Staples, Office Depot, and OfficeMax. This year will be no different. For example, Staples is already advertising $.50 bottles of glue and $.68 for a dozen pencils. But the rub on these deals is they are often of very limited in quantity, and sell out quickly, as they're nothing more than loss-leaders designed to get you in the doors. So if you walk into an office supply store and the deal you're looking for is already gone, take advantage of the price match policy at Walmart and Target and get the same low price. You can also bypass the office supply store altogether and take the ad directly to Walmart or Target for your price match. Here is what you need to know:

Walmart Price Match Policy

While you're not required to take the office supply ad into Walmart for verification, it will greatly speed up the process if you do. Walmart will match the lower price as long as the item is identical to what they stock. This includes size, quantity, brand, and color. If the price match reduces the Walmart price by more than 50%, it will require a supervisor's approval.

Target Price Match Policy

Simply take your office supply store ad to the Target "Guest Services" desk and they'll help you with your price match. Item must be identical and the price must be clearly stated on the competitor's print ad.

4. Look for Tech Discounts for Students

If you're in high school or college, and shopping for a laptop or tablet for school, be sure you take advantage of student-specific tech discounts. Here are a few to be aware of.

Best Buy College Student Deals

College students can sign-up for free and get exclusive Best Buy deals and coupons. Expect student discounts on laptops, MacBooks, backpacks, and even dorm room stuff like microwaves and coffee makers. Best Buy reserves the right to require documentation showing that you're a current college student. Tip: Having a .edu email address always gets you in the program.

Dell University

Get exclusive student deals on new laptops, desktops, and electronics through Dell University. Savings are typically in the 15%–20% off range compared to the price of not being in the program.

Apple Store for Education

Apple education pricing is available to college students, parents buying for college students, faculty, homeschool teachers, and staff at all grade levels. You can currently get $200 off a new Mac and up to $20 off a new iPad.

5. Shop Alone If Possible

This tip is not very popular with many kids. But if you're back-to-school shopping for younger kids, you'll often be better off doing it alone. Keep in mind that your goal is to get in and get out of the store and pay the least amount possible on quality products. Kids can often throw you off your money-saving mojo and talk you into the Disney Frozen binder or the LeBron James Nike backpack that'll be marked way up. Having three kids of my own, I speak from experience on this one. Leave them at home and maximize your savings. Let them organize and decorate the back-to-school items once you get home and they'll still feel a part of the process.

6. Never Buy Everything From a Single Store

The single best way to make sure you pay more than you should on back-to-school supplies is to stroll into one store and buy everything on your list. Doesn't matter what store it is. The fact of the matter is that you might get some deals, but you'll inevitably pay full-price on quite a bit of stuff. Instead, I recommend perusing the sales flyers as they come out and buy only when you find a deal on something you need.

With a little bit of planning and smart shopping you can save a good chunk of change on your back-to-school shopping this year. This is especially true if you can hold retailers to their price match policies and take advantage of student discounts when buying tech. Happy savings.

How do you save money when stocking up for the new school year?

This article is from Kyle James of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Best Money Tips: Saving Money on Back to School Shopping

Ashley Jacobs — Tue, 12 Aug 2014 19:04:06 +0000

Welcome to Wise Bread's Best Money Tips Roundup! Today we found some stellar articles on tips for saving on back to school shopping, scoring a bigger raise, and the secret to happiness.

Wise Bread Reloaded: Back to Back to School

Lars Peterson — Sat, 09 Aug 2014 11:00:05 +0000

It used to be that Labor Day marked the start of the school year. Not these days. For many districts across North America, late August is when class is in session, and that means the back-to-school season starts a little earlier than usual, too.

This week's collection of Wise Bread classic articles takes us back to back-to-school once again, with tips and tricks on saving on school supplies, saving time, and saving the environment.

How to Save on School Supplies Without Going Crazy — Carrie Kirby shares how she saves time and money on back-to-school by seeking supplies from unexpected sources, maximizing rewards points, and taking advantage of loss leaders.

6 Back-to-School Items You Should Always Buy at the Thrift Store — We love the thrift store for all kinds of great buys, from clothes to furniture. Tisha Tolar reminds us that the thrift store is a good place to find back-to-school savings, too.

Back to School Time Savers — One thing summer does is spoil the careful school year routine many families follow to arrive on time (and to stay sane). If you've forgotten what that routine looks like, take a look at the time savers Debbie Dragon's family follows.

Save on School Expenses Without Ruining Your Kid's Childhood — Once the school year gets underway there'll be a lot more school-related expenses to budget for, everything from school photos to field trips. Julie Rains shows us how to meet those expenses on the cheap, without embarrassing your student in front of his or her peers.

6 Paths to a Greener Back-to-School Season — Chris Birk teaches us how to re-supply for the school year without ruining the environment (or the family budget).

Trapper Keeper Returns

Finally, remember the Trapper Keeper? The must have school accessory/organizer/fashion statement from the 80s and 90s? It's back, better than ever, with dividers and folders for papers, notebooks, pencils, and everything else. And now there's even a Trapper Keeper for your kid's 9" or 10" tablet. Or choose the classic PeeChee instead, although doodling on it is probably not a good idea.

This article is from Lars Peterson of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

It's Not Too Late to Save on Back-to-School Shopping

Nicholas Pell — Thu, 05 Sep 2013 09:48:30 +0000

The good thing about back to school is that you might get a little "me" time once the kids are out of the house. The down side is all the money that you have to spend. In the 21st century, it's not just pens and pencils you need to worry about. Especially when they get to high school, kids are going to start needing pricey calculators and maybe even a computer or tablet of their own to stay abreast. Here's a guide to how you can get your kids the stuff that they need for their return to school without breaking the bank. (See also: Back to School Essentials for High Schoolers)

Back to School Swaps

When it comes to dressing your younger kids, you might be tearing your hair out about buying them clothes that they're going to outgrow in six months. One way to save a bit is to have clothing swaps with other parents. Trade the clothes you no longer need for the clothes that will fit your kids this year. It can really reduce your clothing budget for this year's back-to-school season. (See also: The Greatest Frugal Fashion Makeover Ever)

Shopping at Home

One place that people often skip when they're looking for school supplies: their own home. If you hunt around, you might be surprised at just how much you already have in the way of pens, pencils, folders, notebooks, and the like. Think about it. How many times have you bought way more office supplies than you actually need? Now is the time to harvest all of the stuff that you bought in the past and put it to good use.

Tax Holidays

It's becoming increasingly common for states to allow tax-free weekends and they tend to fall around the same time that you will be shopping for back to school. Waiting until the tax-free weekend can have you saving big bucks, especially on high-ticket items. What's more, if you layer those savings with sales and other discounts, you're going to be saving hundreds rather than just tens of dollars.

Digital Textbooks

When you get to college, school books aren't something that get lugged around in a backpack and forgotten anymore. They're necessary to get a passing grade, and they cost big bucks. However, depending on what courses a college students are taking, they can save a lot of money by investing in a tablet or e-reader and buying digital versions of their books online. History and English majors might even find that a lot of the stuff that they need is available in the public domain, free of charge. (See also: Score Free (or Almost Free) College Textbooks)

Bulk Shop With Friends

The bulk items that Costco has on offer might be too numerous for you. However, you can go in with a friend and split the cost. Then divvy up your purchases, and pass the savings on to yourself. Even if you have to go it alone, try and plan not just for this back to school season, but for the one that comes after it. (See also: 9 Things Worth Buying at Costco)

Second Hand Goods

When it comes to higher-end electronics like tablets or graphic calculators — things that are increasingly necessary as children get older, particularly if they are planning on pursuing a STEM education in college — look online for good deals, including second-hand purchases. Chances are good that there are literally hundreds of classified ads on Craigslist selling precisely what you're looking for at a fraction of the cost.

Shop After Labor Day

This isn't an option if you live in a state where kids return to school in the middle of August. However, if you live somewhere when kids return a little later, wait until after Labor Day. Retailers are going to be dying to dump whatever remaining back to school stock they have, at bargain basement prices. On the other hand…

Look for Loss Leaders

A lot of office supply stores start selling their loss leader items in the middle of July. This means that if you shop early you can save a killing with targeted buying. The point of loss leaders isn't to turn a profit in and of themselves — it's to get you in the store. If you only shop for these items, often advertised prominently in a circular, you're going to come out on top.

How are you saving on back-to-school costs this year?

This article is from Nicholas Pell of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Best Money Tips: Back to School Clothes Shopping Tips

Ashley Jacobs — Mon, 26 Aug 2013 10:00:32 +0000

Welcome to Wise Bread's Best Money Tips Roundup! Today we found some awesome articles on back-to-school clothes shopping tips, protecting your identity, and building a LinkedIn profile that will help you get a job.

The 5 Best Back-to-School Laptops

Jeffrey Pu — Thu, 22 Aug 2013 10:36:31 +0000

A good laptop is an essential piece of equipment for many students, and with autumn right around the corner, a lot of folks will undoubtedly be in the market for a new one. There are a lot of things to consider when purchasing a new laptop, including price, features, and specifications, so we at Wise Bread thought we'd simplify your search by narrowing down the selection. These are our choices for the best back-to-school laptops.

Best 5 Back-to-School Laptops

Vizio CT14-A4 Ultrabook

A Consumer Reports Best Buy, this Vizio ultrabook combines top-notch performance with a great price tag. Tests run by Consumer Reports cite it as being one of the fastest in terms of productivity and Web-based activities, as well as viewing and editing photos and videos. The ultrabook is also extremely light, weighing only 3.5 pounds, and it has a battery that can last 6 hours. The 128 GB solid-state drive provides less storage space than regular hard drives, but is faster and uses up less energy. Currently $665.99 on Amazon.

Dell Inspiron 15R

A powerhouse laptop running some of the latest specifications, the best part of the Dell Inspiron 15R laptop is the fact that Dell is currently offering it on sale. The market value price of this laptop currently runs at $1,047.99, but Dell's promotion drops its price down to a much more attractive $899.99. With a 3^rd generation Intel Core i7 processor, 8 GB of RAM and a 1 TB hard drive, this laptop can handle just about anything you want to throw at it.

Apple MacBook Pro with 13.3-inch Display

While Apple products are always known to be high quality in their class, their price tags are often much higher than other brands that offer similar specifications. Thus, it's always a big deal to see an Apple product that's on sale, such as this MacBook Pro. This 13.3 inch, third generation model comes with an extremely high resolution screen, a 500 GB hard drive and 4 GB of RAM, not to mention the seamless hardware and software design you've come to expect from Apple. One thing to be aware of — this model doesn't have an Ethernet port, which means wireless internet is the only option available. Currently $1,049.99 on Amazon.

Dell Inspiron i17R-1316SLV

Another good combination of price and performance from Dell, this Inspiron model doesn't quite have the performance capabilities of the 15R, but it's about $150 cheaper and still capable of handling even hardware-intensive video games. With 6 GB of RAM and a 1 TB hard drive, this machine can handle everything an average computer user needs and then some. The only downsides are its average battery life and weight, clocking in at about 5 hours and 7 pounds respectively. Currently $648.98 on Amazon.

Asus Zenbook Prime UX31A-R5102F

Ultrabooks are quickly becoming the gold standard for laptops for their fast performance and thin form, and this Asus Zenbook Prime is no different. With an Intel Core i5 processor, 4 GB of RAM and a 128 GB solid state drive, this machine is built for speed. And weighing in at just under 3 pounds, it's perfect for a student that needs to carry it around campus. Being $100 off on Newegg makes this package even sweeter. Currently $899.99 on Newegg.

These are our choices for the top 5 back-to-school laptops for you to consider. Be sure to check out the Wise Bread Shopping Calendar to learn when and how to buy just about anything!

This article is from Jeffrey Pu of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Ask the Readers: Do You Shop Back-to-School Sales?

Ashley Jacobs — Tue, 20 Aug 2013 10:24:30 +0000

Editor's Note: Congratulations to Betty, Louly, and Laura for winning this week's contest!

Who says you need to be a student (or shopping for a student) to take advantage of the deals offered during the back-to-school season? This is a great time to net huge savings on things like laptops, furniture, office supplies, and more.

Do you shop back-to-school sales? Do you buy supplies specifically for school or just everyday living? What great deals have you come across this year?

Tell us whether you shop back-to-school sales and we'll enter you in a drawing to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card!

Win 1 of 3 $20 Amazon Gift Cards

We're doing three giveaways — here's how you can win!

Mandatory Entry:

Post your answer in the comments below. One commenter will win a $20 Amazon Gift Card!

For extra entries:

You can tweet about our giveaway for an extra entry. Also, our Facebook fans can get an extra entry too! Use our Rafflecopter widget for your chance to win one of the other two Amazon Gift Cards:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

If you're inspired to write a whole blog post OR you have a photo on flickr to share, please link to it in the comments or tweet it.

Giveaway Rules:

Contest ends Monday, August 26th at 11:59 pm Pacific. Winners will be announced after August 26th on the original post. Winners will also be contacted via email.
You can enter all three drawings — once by leaving a comment, once by liking our Facebook update, and once by tweeting.
This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered, or associated with Facebook.
You must be 18 and US resident to enter. Void where prohibited.

Good Luck!

Tell us whether you shop back-to-school sales and we'll enter you in a drawing to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card!

This article is from Ashley Jacobs of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

back to school

Ask the Readers: What Are Your Best Back-to-School Tips?

Win 1 of 3 $20 Amazon Gift Cards

Giveaway Rules:

Ask the Readers: What Are Your Tips for Back-to-School Shopping?

Win 1 of 3 $20 Amazon Gift Cards

Giveaway Rules:

9 Times Life Can Throw Retirement Off Course

1. Job loss

2. Divorce

3. A major emergency

4. Having a child

5. Going back to school

6. Caring for an older parent

7. The market crashes

8. Buying a house

9. Moving to a more expensive area

Like this article? Pin it!

Flashback Friday: 43 Genius Ways to Save on Back-to-School Shopping

6 Genius Ways to Stock Up on School Supplies

1. Shop your home

2. Work with your child to set a budget

3. Split costs with another family

4. Take advantage of dollar stores

5. Use coupons

6. Shop with discounted gift cards

Like this article? Pin it!

6 Signs Your College Is a Scam

1. It's in Poor Financial Health

2. It Lacks Proper Accreditation

3. Does It Have National or Regional Accreditation?

4. The School Is Facing Accreditation Probation or Withdrawal

5. It's Linked to State or Federal Investigations

6. It Has Low Freshman Retention and Graduation Rates

Ask the Readers: What Are Your Tips for Back-to-School Shopping?

Win 1 of 3 $20 Amazon Gift Cards

Mandatory Entry:

For Extra Entries:

Giveaway Rules:

8 Ways Everybody Saves During Back-to-School

1. Treat School Supplies Like Office Supplies

2. Raid Your Kids' Stash From Last Year

3. Browse Local School's Social Media for Deals

4. Take Advantage of Price Matching

5. Visit Trade-In Sites for Savings Upon Savings

6. Clip, Print, Tap, or Paste Coupons

7. Opt for Generic Over Name-Brand Supplies

8. Show Those Summer Clearance Racks Who's Boss

6 Back-to-School Shopping Hacks for Big Savings

1. Avoid Cartoon Characters

2. Always Shop Your Backpack First

3. Get a Price Match if an Item Is Sold Out

Walmart Price Match Policy

Target Price Match Policy

4. Look for Tech Discounts for Students

Best Buy College Student Deals

Dell University

Apple Store for Education

5. Shop Alone If Possible

6. Never Buy Everything From a Single Store

Best Money Tips: Saving Money on Back to School Shopping

Top 5 Articles

Other Essential Reading

Wise Bread Reloaded: Back to Back to School

Trapper Keeper Returns

It's Not Too Late to Save on Back-to-School Shopping

Back to School Swaps

Shopping at Home

Tax Holidays

Digital Textbooks

Bulk Shop With Friends

Second Hand Goods

Shop After Labor Day

Look for Loss Leaders

Best Money Tips: Back to School Clothes Shopping Tips

Top 5 Articles

Other Essential Reading

The 5 Best Back-to-School Laptops

Best 5 Back-to-School Laptops

Vizio CT14-A4 Ultrabook