Ways to Help Pay for Back to School Expenses

As Summer winds down and the school supplies fill the shelves, you might wonder how to pay for all those back to school expenses. Since we homeschool and hubby is no longer in college we can keep our Back to School list short and sweet, or go BIG and crazy. I am a frugal shopper and WILL NOT PAY full price for anything I know will be discounted or free after rebate. I know that sometimes patience wins out during all these weeks of Back to School sales. I have a file cabinet drawer of school supplies to prove it.

This year is a little strange with the local public schools heading back to class early around August 18! I just hope all the national chain’s are aware of the trend to start a week earlier then normal. Keeping my fingers crossed for free or nearly free paper at Staples like last 2 years!

The following are ways we use to keep our expenses down or ways we earn money through our affiliates. Links to our affiliates will help us fund our Back to School expenses without costing you extra. Thank you for taking the time to check them out.
1. Keep an eye on the weekly sales ads. For some reason this year’s ads aren’t as easy to come by ahead of time. The past few year’s I was able to view lists or ad scans 3-4 weeks ahead but now that I want to share deals with my reader’s it’s been much harder. I will still try to share some deals from Staples, Target, etc. Just to help you out. Remember to check to see if your State offers Tax-Free Shopping Weekend.
2. Earn Swagbucks for Amazon expenses. I use to use Swagbucks all the time for searching but since I got a smartphone I use SBTV at night while the phone is charging to rack up Swagbucks.

3. Shop via Ebates when shopping online. Right now Ebates partners are offering EXTRA Ebates which makes shopping via Ebates just that much sweeter! Some stores offering Back to School bonuses are Amazon, Kohl’s, Staples, and Ulta. Head on over for a complete list of stores offering bonus Ebates.

4. Peruse Currclick for deals and free curriculum. Currclick is a company for homeschoolers with most of it’s curriculum created by homeschool families. What better way to save money and support other’s within the homeschool community!

5. Look at Educents for free printables and educational discounts. Each week there seems to be something free if not multiple downloads each week. I’ve had my eye on a few Math and Science products that went on sale recently through Educents.

 

6. Check out deals on Groupon. You never know what kind of deal you might find. I bought my husband a pair of wireless headphones he has had his eye on for months. I was able to save $30! I went back and checked local deals and found an indoor waterpark day pass for 50% off. Sounds like we will have a cheap one-day getaway once school starts and the crowds are down. Here’s an offer that might make a good teacher present:
Starbucks – $5 for $10 Starbucks Card eGift

Want to head out for some last minute Summer fun as a family? Check out deals below:


If you like to buy bulk or just love those big warehouse shopping deals check this out: $45 for a Sam’s Club Savings Membership package with a $20 gift card and four fresh-food vouchers.

7. Register for conferences as early as possible. This allows you to get Early Bird discounts such the Great Homeschool Convention. Remember to print your free ID’s for each of your child via Homeschool Buyer’s Co-op. See how to wear them or what info to include by reading Conferences and Child Safety.