Rockford Parents Can Save Big on Back-to-School Shopping With These Simple Tricks

Rockford parents looking to save money on back-to-school shopping this year will want to know about these simple ways to get everything their kids need without blowing the family budget.

Frustrated Rockton Mom Has Back To School Suggestion We All Need

The Worst Part Of Back-to-School Season

If there is one thing I am NOT looking forward to right now, it’s back-to-school shopping.

New shoes. New pants. Shirts. Shorts. Underwear. Socks. Backpacks. School supplies. Water bottles. Lunch boxes. Then you have to add in school and sports fees. It's a lot, and my wallet is currently crying.

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I love my kids dearly. I want them to have everything they need to start the school year feeling confident and ready to go, but when you have two daughters who seem to grow  three clothing sizes every year, the cost of new school clothes gets ridiculous FAST.

So, I'm thinking I need to change some things up this year to save money.

Don't Miss Free School Supplies at Fairgrounds Park on Friday, August 21

Ways to Save Money on Back-to-School Shopping

Recently, I came across a post shared by a local parent in the What's Happening In Rockford, IL Facebook group about a smart money-saving thing she does before every school year.

The post said:

For anyone that didn't know, the Salvation Army on 18th Ave sells clothing by the pound. I have 4 kids, and the only things I'll be buying new this year are  socks and underwear. The things I've come across you'd never know weren't new, some things even still have tags.

That sounds great for families with younger children, but my kids are entering their tween years and are becoming very particular about the clothes they wear. What can I do to save money?

KucherAV

More Back-to-School Money Saving Tips

A recent NerdWallet survey found that the average amount that parents will spend on back-to-school shopping this year is $611, and I about fell out of my chair after reading that.

The article went on to provide these tips for saving money on back-to-school shopping:

• Take an audit of what you already have in your house. From last year's school supplies to outfits that have been forgotten about in drawers and closets, you might have several of the items your kids need already in your home.
• Spread out your shopping. Kids aren't going to need a full new wardrobe at the beginning of the school year. Watch for sales and buy clothing throughout the year when kids need them.
• Utilize cash-back apps like Rakuten or Ibotta.
• Buy school supplies in bulk and split the costs with other families in your child’s class. This is a great idea for things like paper towels, sanitizer wipes, tissues, and plastic storage bags.

Here's hoping all kids have a great school year, and that mom and dad still have some money left come September!