Back to school savings

With the beginning of another year of school around the corner, it’s a good idea to get an early start on back-to-school shopping.

• Buy a lunch box. Constantly buying brown paper bags is not only a waste of paper, it’s also a waste of money. Buy your child a lunch box and pack their lunches. For fun and easy bag lunch ideas, check the internet for sites like this.

• Start a “back-to-school” fund. Shopping for school supplies can be costly and seem like a big expense if taken all at once. Start a fund for next year’s supplies at the beginning of this school year. Next year, not only will you already have saved money, but by stashing it into a savings account, the interest might net you an extra notebook.

• Don’t waste leftovers. Check the unused supplies from the previous year. There might be extra notebooks, folders and pencils lying around the house.

• Check for coupons. Don’t underestimate the power of shopping early before the prices are increased for back-to-school items. Buy in bulk if you get a good deal—stored school supplies have a long shelf life. If you are shopping for clothing, always shop for the previous season once the new one starts.

• Forget about designer labels. This is true not only for clothing, but school supplies as well. There is always a generic version of an article of clothing or school supply that is much less expensive but just as good.

Visit www.FeedthePig.org for more money-saving tips