school supplies

6 Back-to-School Items You Can Sell For Extra Cash

Mikey Rox — Mon, 14 Aug 2017 09:00:06 +0000

You've spent years stocking up on school supplies, and now the remnants are scattered all over your house. Luckily, you can make some extra cash if you decide to sell them. The tricky part is timing the sale of these things just right to maximize your potential earnings. Back-to-school season is one such opportunity if you have the goods students and parents are looking for. These items are a good place to start.

1. Supply bundles

If you have a treasure trove of pen, pencils, notebooks, markers, rulers, and all those other small, but critical day-to-day school supplies, bundle them up and sell as a package deal.

Reselling apps like Letgo are perfect for this kind of thing, but you can also try the Facebook Marketplace, which helps connect local buyers and sellers. I use both services to get rid of large and small items, alike. Buyers will come to you, too, saving you delivery time and effort. You want to be safe, of course, so make sure you’re not alone if you’re inviting a stranger to your home, or set up a public location nearby to trade your items for cash.

2. Music and sports equipment

Musical instruments and sports equipment are expensive, which is why there are so many stores that resell these items at affordable prices. For sports gear, PlayItAgainSports is an online retailer that buys and sells used equipment. For musical instruments, Reverb is a site where you can list your items to sell for free, and only pay their 3.5 percent selling fee if the item sells. You can also try eBay, Letgo, and Facebook Marketplace where both these commodities sell well. (See also: 6 Back-to-School Items You Can Buy Used)

3. Fancy calculators

Texas Instruments graphing calculators, which started becoming popular for students when I was in high school back in the late 1990s, retail for between $85 and around $100 new, but they also have a solid resale value. TI-83s and -84s start at around $63 on Amazon and eBay, and the pricing ticks up a bit for more advanced models (like the TI-84 Plus), and if the calculator comes with a case or its original packaging. If you happen to have a “Teacher Pack,” which usually includes 10 calculators for student use, you can cash those in for around $50 to $60 per calculator or upward of $1,000 for the full set.

4. Devices and accessories

There’s a huge market for used computers and tablets — especially Apple products — and if you have one that you’d like to part with, now’s the time to do it. Device accessories are game, too. If you have extra device accessories lying around, which also can include tablet chargers, USB outlet covers, flash drives, memory sticks and more, sell 'em off to the highest bidders.

5. Clothing

There are several great resources for selling on-trend clothing and accessories online, like Tradesy, the largest peer-to-peer marketplace for luxury designer and contemporary women’s fashion. Tradesy makes it super easy to sell items from your closet for extra cash. Men have a bit more of a challenge in online clothing consignment, but I’ve personally had success on Swap.com. I send them a box of my used, unwanted clothing about once a month, and I’ve sold over a $200 worth since mid-February. (See also: How I Make $800 on Month on eBay Selling Used Clothes)

6. Backpacks

If you’re a parent with children’s characters on backpacks or a teen with a more practical, device-designed bag, try selling your in-shape, cleaned and sanitized backpacks on Facebook Marketplace or a reselling app like Offerup. There are families out there who may not be able to afford the brand-new backpack their child wants, and you could have just what they’re looking for. Photograph both the inside and outside when posting your listing, so the potential buyer knows exactly what they’re getting.

Like this article? Pin it!

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:

14 Dorm Essentials That Make Student Life Easier

Kentin Waits — Thu, 10 Aug 2017 09:00:06 +0000

Dorms are designed to be no-frills living spaces that house students who are more focused on learning than luxury. But dorm life doesn't mean you have to sacrifice every creature comfort. Here are 14 dorm room essentials that will make life easier, safer, and healthier. (See also: 9 Freshman Shopping Tips to Cut College Costs)

1. Oscillating fan

Dormitories aren't known for their elaborate climate control options. A compact but powerful oscillating fan will not only help keep you cool; it'll generate a bit of valuable white noise to mask any late night revelry.

2. Earplugs

And while we're on the topic of noise, stock up on disposable foam earplugs. If you're a light sleeper or used to the uninterrupted silence of a private bedroom, the adjustment to dorm life can be rough. Though earplugs won't block out noise completely, they'll dampen it enough that you can get some sleep. (See also: How to Fall Asleep When You Can't)

3. Blackout curtains

Blackout curtains promote sleep by keeping out early morning sunlight. They're especially useful in rooms with east-facing windows or in urban settings where blinking traffic signals and bright security lights are hard to escape.

4. Microwave and mini-fridge

This kitchen duo will make food preparation and storage a snap — helping you avoid spendy trips to off-campus restaurants. But before you buy, check with the university housing staff or student handbook to determine which in-room appliances are allowed. (See also: The 5 Best Small Appliances for Students)

5. Stainless steel flatware

Rather than throw away money on disposable utensils, invest in a set of flatware for dorm room dining. No need to buy new; you can easily assemble a mismatched collection from yard sales or thrift stores.

6. Shower caddy

Since most dorms feature communal bathrooms, you'll need a handy way to transport your personal care items. Grab-and-go shower caddies have a place for all the hygiene goods that keep you looking great.

7. Antimicrobial flip-flops

No matter how clean they may be, those communal showers have a distinct "ick factor." Protect your feet and stop the spread of germs by investing in a pair of slip-resistant antimicrobial shower sandals.

8. First aid kit

Headaches and colds are a fact of life (especially during finals week). Keep a small supply of pain relievers, cough drops, and cold medicine on-hand to make dorm life easier during trying times. And when emergencies happen, make sure your first aid kit includes rubbing alcohol, antibiotic ointment, bandages, and aloe vera gel for burns. (See also: The 5 Best First Aid Kits)

9. Clip-on light

All-night study sessions are a time-honored tradition among college students. Use a clip-on light to illuminate your textbook and not your snoozing roomie. With a flexible "gooseneck" design and durable clip, they're perfect for bunk bed rails and headboards.

10. Desktop organizer

No matter how virtual our workspaces become, everyone needs a desktop organizer to hold highlighters, pens, sticky notes, and assorted chargers and cables. And when your course load gets heavier, at least your desk won't be a total mess.

11. Bed risers

Bed risers are an inexpensive way to reclaim precious square footage for seasonal clothes, luggage, and sports equipment. Some risers even come with built-in electrical outlets and USB ports for easy bedside charging.

12. Over-the-door shoe organizer

To maximize limited space in your dorm room, think vertically. Over-the-door shoe organizers aren't just for footwear. Use the pockets to hold scarves and gloves, cosmetics, cleaning supplies, utensils, and packaged snacks.

13. Flexible furniture

In tight spaces, every item needs to pull double duty. Keep an eye out for small-scale multiuse furniture (an ottoman with a built-in storage compartment or a shelf that can also serve as a room divider). Also, consider items like folding chairs and TV trays that can be easily stored when not in use.

14. Cleaning kit

Spills, stains and other minor mishaps need quick attention. Assemble a small cleaning kit with stain removers, laundry detergent, all-purpose cleaner, and a microfiber cloth. It'll definitely come in handy when those inevitable "oops!" moments happen.

Let me wrap things up with one final, but crucial, tip: Before investing in any item that can be shared, check with your soon-to-be roommate. Together, you can coordinate shopping lists to avoid duplication or split the cost of big-ticket purchases.

Like this article? Pin it!

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

6 Back-to-School Items You Can Buy Used

Annie Mueller — Tue, 08 Aug 2017 08:30:09 +0000

Back-to-school expenses can add up fast. In fact, a recent survey from the National Retail Federation shows that the average household expects to spend over $650 on back-to-school supplies each year. Ouch! That amount can be a massive blow to the budget. While you can't send kids off to school without the supplies they need, for certain items, you can shop smart and buy used. (See also: 4 Effortless Ways to Save on Back-to-School Shopping)

1. Refurbished tech toys

Having the right technology is no longer optional for students. Used computers, tablets, phones, and accessories can provide the same technological capability for a much smaller price tag. To save on tech without sacrificing quality, look for factory-refurbished items for sale. Some manufacturers (such as Apple) have factory-refurbished items for sale. Factory-refurbished items from the manufacturer have generally been examined and repaired as needed by a technician so that they are in good working order; in fact, they often come with a limited warranty.

You can also shop on various online outlets, such as NewEgg or Amazon. If ordering online isn't for you, you can search for local shops that sell refurbished electronics; some major electronics chains, such as Best Buy, also sell refurbished equipment in-store.

2. Textbooks and other books

Checking off items on the booklist for every student in your household can get costly. Used books are a great way to go, as they last for years with minimal care.

For used textbooks, start with the BookFinder service. Simply enter the textbook information (title and author) and BookFinder will compile a list of purchasing options from online vendors. It's the fastest way I've found to find and compare prices on used textbooks. For other used books, from grade-school reading levels to business books and biographies, check out used-book sites online such as AbeBooks, ThriftBooks, or Powell's. Even better, of course, is to visit your local bookstore and give them all the support you can. Amazon is great for used books, as well.

Another option is to browse social media (Facebook in particular) for used book groups. Many of the used-book groups are specialized. For example, you can search for sci-fi, home-school curriculum, young adult fiction, and more, and find a book group that's selling the books you need. I've used these for enormous savings when buying books for my kids (and for myself, too). (See also: 6 Genius Ways to Stock Up on School Supplies)

3. Uniforms

Need uniforms? No problem. Spend a weekend hitting garage sales in your area. You'll often be able to score uniform basics from local kids a grade or two ahead of yours. Thrift stores are another good option; during back-to-school season, they'll often gather and display uniform basics for easy shopping.

There are also some online options for used school uniforms, such as School Uniform Resale. It's also worth checking in with your school: many schools that require uniforms buy back gently used pieces and resell them for discounted prices.

4. Sports equipment

Sports gear can be one of the biggest back-to-school expenses you'll face. Luckily, you can often find another parent ready to shed the pads, cleats, and other gear from their child's prior season and pass it on to you at a very reduced cost. If you're not a regular garage sale shopper, now's the time to start. Read the local papers and online classified sites for local garage sale ads, note the ones that are offering children's sports items, and spend the weekend scouting for savings.

You can also shop for used sports gear at stores like Play It Again Sports, although you'll pay more here than you will at your neighbor's garage sale. And don't underestimate the power of asking your social network, as well. If you make a list of what you need and start asking your friends and followers, you might find some stellar deals.

5. Musical equipment

Whether you need to purchase a violin or drum set, there's no reason to pay the price for brand-new instruments. Musical equipment retains its value with good care, and will sound just as good. Well, that may not be exactly true. It will sound as good as your kid makes it sound. (On that note, high-quality used headphones can be an excellent purchase, as well.)

Start by looking up local music supply stores, and find out if they sell used instruments. You can often get information and a quote over the phone and save yourself a trip to the store. Or, if they have the instrument you need at the right price, you can ask them to hold it for you. (Expect to pay a deposit.)

If you can't find what you need locally, head to the internet: Reverb, MusicGoRound and eBay are great places to start.

6. Basic supplies

No, we're not talking about dried-up, secondhand markers. Gross. Some things need to be purchased brand-new, and markers go on that list. However, from backpacks to lunch bags to staplers, there are plenty of smaller supplies that last.

Consider both what your kids need at school and what you might need for a homework station at home. For older students, it'll be study supplies and dorm room essentials. Make a list, then shop at home, first! How many bottles of glue, rolls of tape, and pencils are hidden in your desk, console, or under the couch?

Once you've exhausted all at-home possibilities, visit thrift stores and garage sales. You'll be able to stock up on many household supplies for the dorm room in no time. There's almost always a good selection of backpacks and lunch bags at consignment and thrift stores. Also, look for high-quality, durable, commercial office supplies. They may not be as sparkly, but they'll certainly cost less.

Like this article? Pin it!

This article is from Annie Mueller 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:

Best Money Tips: How to Save Money on School Supplies

Amy Lu — Mon, 31 Jul 2017 08:30:09 +0000

Welcome to Wise Bread's Best Money Tips Roundup! Today we found articles on ways to save on school supplies, how to avoid overspending on upsells, and what to do if your brakes go out.

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.

Like this article? Pin it!

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:

The 5 Best Backpacks

Andrea Cannon — Thu, 15 Sep 2016 09:30:25 +0000

Backpacks can be used for a range of purposes. They are a school essential, but they’re also really useful for camping, hiking, and other sports outings.

What Is a Backpack?

A backpack is a bag with shoulder straps that can be carried on the back. You’ll want to find one that feels comfortable on your frame and features sturdy zippers and fabric. Look for one that fits your lifestyle and needs. You’ll want to take account the capacity, compartments, and ability to store and organize everything you need to carry around.

Top 5 Backpacks

JanSport Big Student Classics Series Daypack

The JanSport Big Student Classics Series Daypack works just as well as a school backpack as it does a camping backpack. There are plenty of compartments and pockets to help keep you organized. The ergonomic, S-curved shoulder straps help distribute the weight across your back for maximum back safety and comfort and to relieve stress from your shoulders. They are shaped to comfortably fit the natural shape of your upper torso and help increase air circulation. The large capacity backpack can handle a heavy load. Even after holding all of your books, there will still be room to spare. There is a front pocket with an organizer, zippered accessory pocket, zippered stash pocket, headphone cord port, and a handle with reinforced hold on top.

This timeless water-resistant backpack is available in a huge range of colors and designs. The sturdy, highly durable backpack is designed to reliably last for many years. Consumer Search called this the best high school backpack. It has outstanding reviews online, including more than 1,600 five-star reviews on Amazon. It is also backed by a lifetime warranty. Consumer Search also recommends the classic JanSport T501 SuperBreak Backpack, while Wired recommends the JanSport Right Pack Backpack.

Currently $41.78 on Amazon

The North Face Unisex Borealis Backpack

The North Face Unisex Borealis Backpack has two large, spacious compartments, a padded, fleece-lined 15” laptop sleeve, a small external zippered compartment, a headphone port, and an exterior water bottle holder. The high-quality backpack has external mesh and a support band. It features a FlexVent suspension system, custom injection-molded shoulder straps, and a padded mesh back panel with a spine channel for maximum support, comfort, and ventilation. This versatile 28-liter backpack is suitable for daily life and for activities like hiking. It is water-resistant and has easy access to all the pockets to improve the usage.

This classic backpack is available in a wide range of colors and designs. It is durable and designed to last for years. Consumer Search calls this the best college backpack.

Currently $67.99 on Amazon

SwissGear Travel Gear ScanSmart Backpack

The SwissGear Travel Gear ScanSmart Backpack 1900 is constructed of dependable material and is ultra-roomy. It has an easy-access 17” laptop compartment, as well as endless compartments, pockets, and dividers, to help keep you organized. It also has extra padding on the bottom to better protect your laptop. The two zippers unzip 3/4 of the way so you have easy access to your belongings. It is TSA-friendly and will get you through airport security more quickly. There is also an airflow back system, headphone port, water bottle pocket, carry handle, attachable hook, and ergonomic padded shoulder straps to improve the usage.

This has outstanding online reviews, including more than 2,200 five-star reviews on Amazon. The SwissGear SA1908 Black TSA Friendly ScanSmart Laptop Computer Backpack is also commonly recommended.

Currently $64.99 on Amazon

High Sierra Loop Backpack

The High Sierra Loop Backpack works just as well as a school backpack as it does a camping and hiking backpack. It has plenty of compartments and pockets to help keep you organized. There is also a large hook on the front of the bag, bottom straps, and adjustable, padded side compression straps. It is comfortable, durable, and lightweight. The large design can hold all of your books and more.

This reliable backpack is available in a huge range of colors and designs. It is recommended by Good Housekeeping and has outstanding online reviews, including nearly 1,900 five-star reviews on Amazon. It is also backed by a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty.

Currently $29.99 on Amazon

Herschel Supply Co. Heritage Backpack

The high-quality Herschel Supply Co. Heritage Backpack features thick, durable material and a reinforced bottom and detailing. The simple, stylish design has a large capacity with a spacious main compartment, 15” laptop pocket, and front pocket with key clip.

This is available in a huge range of colors and designs. It has outstanding reviews online. Parenting.com and Forbes also recommend the Herschel Supply Co. Little America Backpack.

Currently $59.99 on Amazon

And those are our recommendations for the best backpacks. As always, be sure to check Wise Bread's Buying Calendar to learn when and how to buy just about anything!

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

9 Great Stocks for Back-to-School Time

Tim Lemke — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 09:00:08 +0000

The kids are heading back to school, which means there's plenty of money being spent on notebooks, computers, and three-ring binders.

The National Retail Federation reported that it expects $75.8 billion in back-to-school sales, up from $68 billion last year. That means many companies should see good revenue and share price performance this fall as a result of the back-to-school season, and there are several other companies that seem to have a knack for great returns in the fall.

Want to make a little bit of money as the weather cools? Here are some good back-to-school stocks for investors looking to cash in this autumn:

1. Wal-Mart [NYSE: WMT]

Rest assured that millions of families will head to the massive retailer for cheap prices on spiral notebooks, pens, and whatever else kids need in the classroom. The NRF projects that the average family will spend $673, up from $630 last year. Moreover, some analysts think that Walmart is due to get a boost from its big investments in employee training and e-commerce.

2. Target [NYSE: TGT]

With nearly 1,800 retail locations, you can bet that when it comes to back-to-school sales, Target will get a good chunk of whatever Walmart fails to grab. Shares of Target fell sharply over the spring after disappointing earnings results, and from a loss of revenue following the sale of its pharmacy to CVS. But all that means is that there is potential for share growth if the company rebounds with a strong back-to-school season.

3. Staples [NASDAQ: SPLS]

There was a lot of buzz around Staples earlier in the year after it sought to buy Office Depot/OfficeMax, but the merger got shot down by regulators. Still, the retailer intends to be a major player at back-to-school time. Staples is the third-largest online retailer, so it will land its share of e-commerce sales, but it also has physical stores that Amazon can't boast. Staples, which began its back-to-school marketing before summer vacation even got underway, is trading at just above $9, close to its 52-week low, so investors may find a bargain here.

4. Seagate Technology [NYSE: STX]

This maker of hard drives and other data storage products has been one of the market's best performers during the fall in recent years. While 2015 saw a down autumn, the previous five fall seasons saw 25% share growth, on average. While overall sales of external hard drives have been on the decline due to the growth of cloud-based solutions, Seagate still has about a 40% market share. Portable hard drives remain necessary back-to-school tools for college students.

5. Gannett [NYSE: GCI ]

It's not so much back-to-school sales that will help Gannett, but the race to decide the next U.S. President. As Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump enter the home stretch toward the November election, they'll be spending money on advertising. And companies like Gannett, which operates more than 100 newspapers and other media properties, stand to benefit from that. Between 2009 and 2013, Gannett saw an average share price increase of 24% in the fall. Shares are trading near a 52-week low, so you may get a bargain. To be clear, Gannett may not make a great long-term investment, as newspapers have really taken a beating in recent years. But for a short-term play, this is not a bad bet.

6. Amazon [NASDAQ: AMZN]

Those who want to avoid the brick-and-mortar world at back-to-school time will likely head to the world's top online retailer. Customer Growth Partners reported that e-commerce sales between July and September will rise 11% this year, so expect Amazon to get a significant chunk of that. Amazon shares are not cheap, but it seems like every time analysts predict a fall, they go even higher.

7. TJX Companies [NYSE: TJX]

The NRF reports that 61% of families will do their back-to-school shopping at a discount retailer. This bodes will for companies like TJX, the owner of TJ Maxx and Marshalls stores. TJX has had a strong year, with 7% year-over-year sales growth in the most recent quarter, and investors will also benefit from a recent increase in the company's dividend.

8. VF Corp. [NYSE: VFC]

This company owns some of the most recognizable retail brands, including Vans, North Face and Wrangler. You can expect a strong quarter from VF, but more importantly, it's a steady stock to own anytime, as it's consistently paid and increased its dividend each year for more than four decades. VF's current price-to-earnings ratio suggests it's a better deal than many of its competitors.

9. Under Armour [NYSE: UA]

Under Armour got some great exposure during coverage of the 2016 Summer Olympics, as it was the designer of several team uniforms and boasted a number of high-profile brand ambassadors, including swimmer Michael Phelps. Under Armour has been one of the market's biggest growth stories in recent years, with 25 straight quarters of 20% revenue growth. High-schoolers and college kids love Under Armour gear, and will buy it as they head back to class.

Are you adding any fall performers to your stock-pile?

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: 47 Best Back-to-School Shopping Hacks Ever

Chrissa Hardy — Fri, 05 Aug 2016 10:00:07 +0000

As soon as the lattes go from iced to hot and pumpkin spice-flavored, you know it's time to load up on school supplies. But back-to-school shopping doesn't need to be a pricey excursion. You just need to head to the pen aisle armed with a plan, and some clever tricks of the shopping trade. Here are the 47 best back-to-school shopping hacks we've ever shared.

The 8 Best Ways to Save on Back-to-School Supplies Right NOW — The back-to-school sales have just begun, so make sure you take advantage of the deals going on now. Because the closer we get to September, you run the risk of the best supplies going out of stock.

How to Find the Best Back to School Sales — Not all sales are going to be worth your time, so it's important to know which stores to shop in person, and which sales to shop online. This guide will serve as your back-to-school map for success!

8 Ways Everybody Saves During Back-to-School — Just because you're no longer in school doesn't mean you don't need new supplies in the fall. So here are eight ways to maximize your back-to-school shopping, grownup-style.

5 Best Credit Cards for Back to School Shopping — Shopping is fun, but getting money back after a shopping trip is even better. Use the right credit card (like any of the ones here) and you can actually end up with money back in your wallet after your shopping trip.

6 Back-to-School Shopping Hacks for Big Savings — Believe it or not, you can save mega bucks by shopping alone, avoiding ™ cartoon characters, price matching advertised deals, and more!

12 Back-to-School Shopping Tips for the Busy Parent — It's hard to find the time for back-to-school shopping when you're a busy parent. But these tips will help you make the most of your time, and get everything you need, also at the right price for your budget!

What are some other back-to-school shopping hacks? Share with us!

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:

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:

How to Find the Best Back to School Sales

Ashley Eneriz — Fri, 22 Jul 2016 09:00:11 +0000

It seems that just as you settle into your summer routine, the school supply signage and setups hit the stores. Every year the back-to-school supply lists seem to get longer, and that doesn't even include all of the new clothes and shoes you have to buy.

Here are eight tips on how to find the best back-to-school sales. (See also: 23 Relaxing Ways to Enjoy Your Kid's First Day at School)

1. Let Other Sites Do the Work for You

You are only one person, so it will take you quite a while to track down the best deals from all local stores. Save yourself some time and sanity and rely on the expertise from other websites. Here are just a few to put on your radar.

Passion for Savings: This site puts a lot of effort into collecting and laying out all of the back to school deals each week. There is even a free app that will keep you up to date on the sales.
SlickDeals: Just search "back to school" in the SlickDeals search bar for the best and latest deals.
Flipp App: The Flipp app has all of your local ads in one place. Flipp will also match up any coupon offers available. If your local Walmart or Target allow price matching of digital ads, the Flipp app will make price matching simple.
AFullCup: This savings forum has many postings on deals, coupon matchups, clearance finds, and more for many popular stores.

2. Don't Do All of Your Shopping in One Place

Many parents will make the mistake of hitting up one store for a few loss leaders and then finish up their back-to-school shopping at that same store. School sales generally go on four to six weeks before most schools get back in session. This gives you multiple opportunities to shop just the loss leaders of most stores.

3. Max Out on Discounted Items

If one store has pencil boxes for a penny with a buy limit of four, then buy all four. Save supplies for the middle of the school year. Usually five months into the school year, school supplies could use a refresher. Replacing school items in December or January is a lot costlier, since there are no amazing sales.

You can also donate extra school supplies to teachers, back-to-school drives, and even international charities. Inexpensive art supplies can be given as Christmas gifts or birthday gifts later in the year.

4. Price Match

Walmart and Target will price match most store competitors. Depending on your local Walmart or Target, you might need the store's physical ad to price match. Both stores will only price match items of the same name brand and the same quantity. For example, Walmart will not price match a deal on Target's Up & Up glue nor will they price match a deal on a two pack of Sharpies if Walmart only carries Sharpies in a three pack. Walmart will also not price match rebates.

Price matching at Walmart can help eliminate excessive trips to several stores. If you need a lot of a deal, you can also use Walmart to double or triple your deal. For example, if Staples has Kleenex on sale, and you want to stock up, you can get the maximum deal at Staples, and then price match the deal at Walmart to get even more. Since many cities have more than one Walmart nearby, you can even price match the same deal at a different Walmart.

5. Combine Coupons and Rebates

Check Coupons.com and Target's coupons for coupons on school supplies. You might even be able to combine Target's printable coupons with a Cartwheel offer or gift card offer.

Don't forget to check out rebate apps such as Ibotta and Checkout 51. When the back-to-school sales start, many bigger brands want to boost sales through rebates. (See also:8 Apps That Actually Pay You to Shop)

6. Back-to-School Sales Are Not Just for Students

Even if you don't have students to shop for, the back-to-school sales are a great time to score deals on household items. Usually printer paper is inexpensive or free after a rebate. Many household cleaners and products are also highly discounted.

7. Don't Forget eBay

While eBay shouldn't be your first stop for pencils and glue, it can be a great way to save on expensive calculators and laptops. A new graphing calculator can cost over $100 in the store, but you can find that same calculator used for $40–$50 on eBay.

8. Hold Out for Clearance

After the back-to-school buying rush is over, stores are quick to put merchandise on clearance to make room for holiday items. Now is your chance to score character items or higher end items at a greater discount. You might even be able to score your child's wardrobe on clearance, since many stores will want to make room for winter gear.

When your child is begging for the Avengers backpack or the Dory lunch box, tell them to wait and hopefully their favorite characters will be discounted a few weeks into September.

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

The 8 Best Ways to Save on Back-to-School Supplies Right NOW

Kyle James — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 09:30:40 +0000

I realize summer vacation is still in full swing in many parts of the country and most parents have yet to think for a single second about back-to-school supplies. But if you can start your planning now, you can save a lot of money on your purchases. Using time to your advantage gives you the ability to buy when the price is right, and you won't be tempted to buy things at full price simply to cross them off your list. Here are eight ways to save on everything from pencils to a new laptop. (See also: The 6 Shopping Mistakes Keeping You From a Great Deal)

1. Always Shop Your Child's Backpack First

Before you stock-up on any school supplies for the upcoming school year, always pull out your child's backpack and empty it out. You'll be happily surprised how many items you'll discover that still have plenty of life left. By doing so, you'll avoid the sickening feeling of buying things like erasers, staplers, glue sticks, and notebooks only to discover perfectly acceptable versions in their backpack.

2. Set Price Alerts on Expensive Items

If you have a new laptop, scientific calculator, or other expensive tech item on your wish list, use time to your advantage and set up price alerts now so you buy only when the price is at its lowest point. If you're an Amazon loyalist, I recommend CamelCamelCamel.com as an easy way to track price fluctuations. You simply sign-up for free, create price alerts for any product, and receive an email when the price is right. They also have a free browser extension available which gives you instant access to the price history of items sold by Amazon. This is worth examining before you set up your price alerts so you know what price point to aim for.

3. Don't Buy All Supplies From One Store

The best way to guarantee you'll pay more than you should on back-to-school supplies is to walk into a single store and buy every item on your shopping list. Even if you shop at Wal-Mart, you'll still end up buying many items at full price. Instead, check out the sales fliers from all stores and plan your shopping accordingly. By having ample time on your hands to find the best deals, you'll be able to pick up items as you find them on sale. For example, you can pick up paper and pencils from Wal-Mart, but then stock up on the binders and backpacks on sale from Target.

4. Don't Neglect Office Supply Stores

Last year, some of the absolute best deals on back-to-school items were not found at the usual suspects like Wal-Mart, Target, and Kmart. Instead they were found at office supply stores like Staples, OfficeMax, and Office Depot. There were some amazing deals, like one-cent pencils, five-cent glue sticks, 10-cent folders, and five-cent erasers. The caveat is that many office supply stores carry a very limited supply, so keep a keen eye on sales fliers and pounce when the deals become available.

5. Always Price-Match Sold Out Items

When you visit a store like Staples and they've sold all of their one-cent pencils or 10-cent folders, don't despair. Instead, take their sales flyer into your lock Wal-Mart or Target and they'll match the price as long as they carry the same brand. Or better yet, simply start your shopping at Wal-Mart or Target and bring along the office supply store ads with you and just match their prices. Keep in mind that when getting your price match, it doesn't matter if the office supply store has actually sold out of the item. This is a terrific way to be able to shop at a single store and get the best price in town on school supplies.

6. Avoid Cartoon Characters

A great way to overpay during back-to-school shopping is to fall for the cute cartoon characters that adorn items like pencils, backpacks, lunch bags, binders, and notepads. They're typically 20%-30% more expensive than items with no characters on them. If your child absolutely has to have Dory on her new lunch bag or backpack, buy some stickers and let them decorate it themselves.

7. Consider Shopping Solo

An easy way to avoid the temptation of buying pricey Disney items is to leave the kids at home altogether. Not only will it allow you to easily stick to your shopping list, but by shopping alone, the kids won't be able to throw you off your mission of finding and buying the best values. I love the idea of getting kids involved in back-to-school shopping, as it often increases their excitement about the upcoming year. I have found that a great way to do this is when you get home from your shopping trip, not during. Once you return, get them involved in the sorting and organizing of all the stuff you bought, and they will typically get all fired up about school.

8. Find Great Tech Deals Online

When it comes to finding online tech deals for items like laptops, desktops, and tablets, there are three sources you should definitely have bookmarked.

Dell University: When shopping online for a PC, Dell University has some excellent discounts exclusively for students. To take advantage, all you need to do is register for the free Dell Advantage program and provide the name of your school.

Apple Education Pricing: If an Apple computer is in your future, you'd be wise to check out their Educational Pricing page and save up to 25% off a new MacBook or iMac.

Best Buy College Student Deals: Once you've created a Best Buy account, you can sign-up for exclusive college student deals for computers, small appliances, and accessories like external hard drives and software. Current examples include $100 off a MacBook or iMac, $30 off a Keurig Brewer, and 20% off Samsung and LG microwave ovens.

By using these three little-known programs, you'll be able to get all of your tech needs at prices far below retail in many cases.

How do you save money when buying back-to-school supplies for yourself or your kids? Share with us!

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:

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:

12 Unique Ways to Use School Supplies

Ashley Marcin — Wed, 17 Sep 2014 17:00:06 +0000

I love finding dual purposes for everyday items. It's a sneaky way of getting more bang for my buck. And — chances are — if anyone in your family is in school, you have quite a collection of school and office supplies handy. (See also: 18 Awesome, Practically Free Upcycled Craft Projects)

Break out your pencil boxes and your craft paper and let's get started!

1. Pencil Eraser Designs

For a custom stamped shirt, use your eraser. Cut out a simple shape or design using freezer paper, place it on a clean cotton shirt, and then dip an unused pencil eraser in fabric paint and get creative.

2. Large Eraser Stamps

For those bigger erasers, carve out a design and make a smart stamp for personalizing stationery or just plain fun. Don't forget: If you're going to use lettering, you'll need to write it backwards to make sense once stamped.

3. Pencil Beads

For a cute back-to-school accessory, look no farther than your pencil box. Colored pencils make wonderful, vibrant beads that can be drilled for use in necklaces, bracelets, brooches, and more.

4. Mega-Crayons

Turn those old crayon bits into a great gift or party favor. Simply take off any leftover paper, place remnant into a silicone mold, and bake at around 200 degrees for just five minutes (baking time will vary depending on your oven). Let cool before packaging.

5. Paper Clip Ornaments

For a super frugal way to decorate your tree this year, try these paper clip ornaments. All you need are butterfly flips, a bit of ribbon, and pearl beads. Once you get the hang, you can make dozens an hour for stocking stuffers!

6. Post-It Planner

I'm a big fan of Post-It notes, and I love this idea to use those little squares in a big way. Turn yours into a wall planning system by arranging each square like a box on a calendar.

7. Three Ring Genius

Use a three ring binder to organize more than just class notes. You can use a variety of plastic inserts and baggies to hold your memory cards, jump drives, etc. I use a similar method to organize my coupons, store punch cards, gift cards, and more.

8. Upcycled Hooks

Or you can use that old binder's insides for a quick hook system. Once you get the metal out of the plastic cover, use screws to fasten the hooks to a wall or fence for instant hanging.

9. Rubber Band Remedy

Need to dry your makeup brushes? Try tethering them to a towel rod using rubber bands. No towel rod? Easy — just use a hanger for the same purpose.

10. Clipboard Decor

Arrange various sizes and styles of clipboards into a gorgeous wall of art with these free printables. You could also clip photos, your child's artwork, and even use this trick to organize an office the chic way with important documents and to-do lists.

11. Clip Cord Holder

If you've ever tried charging your devices at your desk, only to have all those cords fall straight to the floor — this trick is for you. Loop the end of your computer or phone charger cords through binder clips and clamp onto your table or desk to hold steady.

12. Sharpie China

To upgrade basic dinnerware into something beautiful, try drawing geometric designs with Sharpie markers. To set, just bake the dish for 30 minutes at 300 degrees Fahrenheit. This projects lets you freshen your kitchen for less or give great gifts on the cheap.

How do you upcycle school and office supplies into cool tools and decor? Please share in comments!

Like this article? Pin it!

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

12 Back-to-School Shopping Tips for the Busy Parent

Sarah Winfrey — Wed, 27 Aug 2014 11:00:03 +0000

Shopping for everything on the back-to-school list can be a real pain. Not only do those $0.75 highlighters add up (especially if you have several children), but it's easy to feel overwhelmed when you're adding that shopping on top of everything else you have to do to prepare for the coming season. (See also: Back-to-School: Saving on College Textbooks)

While there's usually not one place where you can consistently go to get the best deals, it is possible to make the whole back-to-school shopping process easier. Here are some ideas that should help you lift the overwhelm and even enjoy the chance to spend some time with your kids.

1. Take Your Kids One at a Time

Instead of hauling everyone on a massive back-to-school shopping trip, try taking each of your kids separately. This isn't the most efficient way to do things, but it almost always makes for a more peaceful, enjoyable experience. If you don't have someone who can watch the ones who aren't going with you, see if you can drop them off at a pay-by-the hour daycare for a little while.

2. Break It Up

The shopping feels overwhelming when you try to do it all at once, so why not purchase things as you see them on sale. This requires you to keep an eye on where you might get the best prices for different items, but it often saves you money and stress. Just carry a copy of the list with you and cross off the items as you buy them.

3. Price Match for the Best Deal

If you only want to visit one store, choose one with a good price matching policy. Most office supply stores, drug stores, and stores like Target and Walmart will match a competitor's deals, but some of them are stricter with these policies than others, and these policies can vary by location. In general, you will need proof of a lower price elsewhere, and that deal will need to be current when you shop.

4. Keep an Eye Out for Insane Deals

There are usually one or two extremely good deals every year. For instance, one year OfficeMax sold backpacks for a penny. To find these deals, read the ads that show up in your mailbox, buy a Sunday paper, and search online for "back-to-school" deals. Be ready to jump on a deal as soon as you see it, though, because supplies don't usually last very long.

5. Find Coupons Online

Websites like Coupons.com often collect as many back-to-school deals as they can find, all in one place. While these often won't apply to classroom items (though some sales do!), they will help you figure out where to shop for school clothes in a way that doesn't break the bank.

6. Start Early

Back-to-school shopping tends to get put off simply because it feels like such a frustrating and expensive task. However, many of the best discounts start as early as mid-July, so find out what you need (or make an educated guess) so that you can take advantage of these deals. It's an awesome feeling to be done before everyone else has started.

7. Shop Your Home

Even if you don't think you have much in the way of school supplies at your house, check anyway. You may have a spare eraser sitting around, and maybe a tissue box and some glue. If you are extra motivated, start storing the school supplies that come your way. If you buy a bottle of glue for a project and use two dabs, you can store it and send it with your kid in the fall. This can be an easy way to collect things like pens and pencils, too, which always seem to be appearing and disappearing.

8. Compare Prices While Shopping

If you have a smartphone, apps like ShopSavvy can help you make sure you're getting the best deal. Just scan the barcode of the item you're looking at, and the app will tell you if you can find it cheaper somewhere else. This isn't foolproof, but it does work the majority of the time and it can help you feel confident about the purchases you're making.

9. Consider the Warranty

If you're purchasing a large item like a backpack or winter snow gear, think about the warranty. It's probably worth spending a bit more at a store that offers a lifetime warranty, rather than purchasing a cheap item and then having to buy another new one next year. If your child is helping to choose the item, make sure he or she knows that this is intended to last for years.

10. Track How Much You Spend

There's no doubt that back-to-school shopping is expensive, but you will feel better about it if you know that your spending this year is comparable to what you spent last year, or that you spent more but it was because you had to replace a major item (like a backpack). Note how much you spend on your phone or in a notebook, then tally the amount when you're done and put it in a place where you'll be able to find it next year.

11. Buy In Bulk

If you know that your kids will need to replace certain items throughout the year, or you know that they will need the same items from year to year, consider buying those things in bulk. Do make sure that the bulk price is lower than the sale price at a regular store. This also means that you won't end up running to the store at 10 p.m. because your child forgot she needs more pens or paper or whatever.

12. Take a List

This may seem obvious, but it's important to know what you need and how many. If your child wants more of a certain item and doesn't have a good reason for that, you'll be able to say, "No" because you'll know, absolutely for certain, how many of the item the schools says they need. If you have more than one child and you're doing all the shopping together, tally the lists before you leave. That way, you'll be able to buy pencils for Sally and Joe together, instead of chasing them down twice.

Have you finished your back-to-school shopping? What did you do to make the process easier this year?

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

school supplies

6 Back-to-School Items You Can Sell For Extra Cash

1. Supply bundles

2. Music and sports equipment

3. Fancy calculators

4. Devices and accessories

5. Clothing

6. Backpacks

Like this article? Pin it!

14 Dorm Essentials That Make Student Life Easier

1. Oscillating fan

2. Earplugs

3. Blackout curtains

4. Microwave and mini-fridge

5. Stainless steel flatware

6. Shower caddy

7. Antimicrobial flip-flops

8. First aid kit

9. Clip-on light

10. Desktop organizer

11. Bed risers

12. Over-the-door shoe organizer

13. Flexible furniture

14. Cleaning kit

Like this article? Pin it!

6 Back-to-School Items You Can Buy Used

1. Refurbished tech toys

2. Textbooks and other books

3. Uniforms

4. Sports equipment

5. Musical equipment

6. Basic supplies

Like this article? Pin it!

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

Best Money Tips: How to Save Money on School Supplies

Top 5 Articles

Other Essential Reading

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!

The 5 Best Backpacks

What Is a Backpack?

Top 5 Backpacks

JanSport Big Student Classics Series Daypack

The North Face Unisex Borealis Backpack

SwissGear Travel Gear ScanSmart Backpack

High Sierra Loop Backpack

Herschel Supply Co. Heritage Backpack

9 Great Stocks for Back-to-School Time

1. Wal-Mart [NYSE: WMT]

2. Target [NYSE: TGT]

3. Staples [NASDAQ: SPLS]

4. Seagate Technology [NYSE: STX]

5. Gannett [NYSE: GCI ]

6. Amazon [NASDAQ: AMZN]

7. TJX Companies [NYSE: TJX]

8. VF Corp. [NYSE: VFC]

9. Under Armour [NYSE: UA]

Flashback Friday: 47 Best Back-to-School Shopping Hacks Ever

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

How to Find the Best Back to School Sales

1. Let Other Sites Do the Work for You

2. Don't Do All of Your Shopping in One Place

3. Max Out on Discounted Items

4. Price Match

5. Combine Coupons and Rebates

6. Back-to-School Sales Are Not Just for Students