Crazy for Coupons: How to Save Big on Back-to-School Shopping
Back-to-school shopping used to stress me out. I remember standing in the middle of a store aisle a few years ago, juggling a school supplies list, a budget scribbled on a Post-it note, and two impatient kids. We needed notebooks, pencils, clothes, and shoes—but I just couldn’t figure out how to make it all work without spending way too much. That’s when I decided enough was enough.
From then on, I vowed to become the king of back-to-school budgeting, and now, I’m here to share how you can do it too. With a little planning, the right tools, and some tried-and-true tricks, you’ll save big and start the school year off on the right foot.
Leverage Coupon Apps and Websites to Save Like a Pro
Did you know that around 60% of U.S. consumers use digital coupons, according to Statista? It’s no wonder they’re such a game-changer for saving money. For me, these little lifesavers have been like a secret weapon that quietly chips away at prices while I shop.
Over the years, I’ve mastered the art of saving with these incredible apps and websites. Want to know how I do it? Here are my favorite tools and tips for keeping more cash in your wallet while shopping smarter.
1. Honey
This is hands-down my favorite app. I love it because it automatically applies coupon codes for you at checkout. I once saved $27 on a laptop for my daughter, all because Honey popped up out of nowhere and found a discount code I didn’t even know existed. Plus, every purchase earns me points (Honey Gold) that I later redeem for gift cards.
2. RetailMeNot
If you’re shopping both online and in-store, this is an absolute must. I downloaded it after my sister-in-law mentioned she got cashback at her favorite shoe store. It’s packed with coupon options AND cashback offers. Pro tip? Sign up for deal alerts so you never miss a sale at your go-to stores.
3. Coupons.com
For those moments when you need something old-school, Coupons.com is a lifesaver. I’ve printed coupons from here for classroom supplies and even linked my grocery loyalty card for extra automatic discounts.
4. Rakuten (formerly Ebates)
A personal favorite of mine for cashback stacking—not only do I earn cashback on purchases, but when Rakuten runs a promotion, I double-down on savings. During last year’s back-to-school rush, I got over $50 back from buying supplies through their partner stores.
Integrate these apps into your routine. Trust me, once you see how much you save, you’ll wonder why you didn’t start sooner.
Dress Smart Without Overspending on Clothes and Shoes
Clothing and shoes were always my budget kryptonite. My oldest was constantly growing out of jeans, and my youngest has a "thing" for trendy sneakers. But over time, I learned some tricks that made the process painless and affordable.
1. Shop Off-Season
This was a game-changer for me. I learned to buy winter coats in March and summer clothes in late August. Stores are eager to clear out inventory, and you can snag items at 70% off or more. My closet now holds jackets I bought in spring sales for half the cost they’ll be come winter.
2. Clearance Racks Are Goldmines
Don’t underestimate the clearance section. I used to skip these racks because I thought they were full of leftover, outdated items—but boy, was I wrong! This summer, I scored my son three shirts for $15, thanks to additional discounts layered on top of clearance prices.
3. Secondhand for the Win
Thrift stores and consignment shops became my unexpected secret weapon. When my daughter wanted name-brand jeans, we found a barely-worn pair for $8 at our local thrift store. Bonus? Shopping secondhand means we’re doing a bit for the environment too.
4. Store Loyalty Pays Off
Joining loyalty programs at my kids’ favorite stores has been such a win. Not only did I save 20% just for signing up, but those reward points add up quickly. Some stores also send exclusive coupons to loyalty members.
Your kids can look great, and you won’t feel like you’re emptying your wallet each time they need a new outfit.
Plan Ahead and Rule the Back-to-School Chaos
One thing I’ve learned? Back-to-school prep is not something you can leave to the last minute. Whenever I wing it, I tend to overspend. Planning ahead saves time, stress, and tons of money.
1. Start with a List
I make a detailed list and stick to it, which prevents impulse purchases. Pro tip? Get your kids involved. My kids love turning our shopping trip into a scavenger hunt where they check off items as we find them.
2. Bulk is Better
For supplies like crayons, notebooks, and tissues, buying in bulk is always the better deal. Places like Costco are my go-to. One year, I teamed up with two other parents to split a giant pack of markers, and we each saved more than $20.
3. Shop Sales Year-Round
I used to limit back-to-school shopping to August, thinking that’s when the deals were best. But then I realized that stores have amazing sales throughout the year. Now, I grab deals in June for supplies, in July for clothes, and even in September for discounted backpacks.
With these strategies, the whole season becomes more manageable, and my wallet breathes a sigh of relief.
Maximize Tax-Free Weekends and Seasonal Deals
Tax-free weekends are my secret weapon. These days can feel chaotic, but if you come prepared, they’re worth it.
1. Know Your Dates
Research when tax-free weekends happen in your state. I mark it on my calendar and build my shopping list around it. Last year, I bought most of my kids’ school supplies tax-free in early August and saved nearly $20 in sales tax alone.
2. Shop with a Strategy
Combine the tax-free benefits with store sales and coupons. Double-dipping on discounts is how I’ve walked away with items practically for free.
3. Beat the Rush
I learned the hard way to go early. One year, I waited until midday and found the shelves wiped clean of the items we needed. Now, I get to the store as soon as it opens to grab the best deals.
When done right, these events are a back-to-school shopper’s dream.
Price Matching: The Smart Shopper’s Best Friend
When I discovered price matching, it was like unlocking a superpower. It takes a little work upfront, but the savings are worth it.
1. Understand the Rules
Every store handles price matching differently, so take a few minutes to read their policies. Target and Best Buy are great for this because they’ll match online prices from competitors.
2. Come Equipped
If you see a better price, grab a screenshot or print out the competitor’s deal before heading to the register. This is especially helpful during big sales seasons when prices can change daily.
3. Stay Polite
This might sound obvious, but being friendly goes a long way. Customer service reps deal with people all day. One shopping trip, a kind approach led to the sales associate honoring a discount even though I was missing part of the ad.
Price matching is such an easy way to get the best possible deal without running around town.
Speed Reads!
Here’s a quick breakdown of the tips to save you time and money on back-to-school shopping.
- Master the Apps: Download apps like Honey and Rakuten for instant savings and cashback perks.
- Off-Season Shopping: Buy clothes at the end-of-season sales for steep discounts on high-quality items.
- Plan and Stick to It: Write a detailed list and shop early to avoid impulse buys and out-of-stock items.
- Tax-Free Strategy: Combine tax-free shopping weekends with store sales to maximize every dollar.
- Price Match Hacks: Use price-matching policies wisely by researching and politely asking for adjustments.
Pencil It Down: You've Got This!
Back-to-school shopping doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive. With a little planning, the right tools, and these tips, you can save more, stress less, and even make it a fun family activity. Trust me, once you start seeing those savings roll in, you’ll feel like a total pro. Here’s to kicking off the school year smarter, not harder, and keeping those wallets happy!
