GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. - The calendar says July but stores are already screaming "back to school."
Aisles are packed with school supplies already and whether your kids like it or not, getting a jump on shopping may be a good thing at least for your pocketbook.
Carrie Rocha from pocketyourdollars.com visited KARE 11 Sunrise, with some insight into why now may be the time to score the best deals.
When is the best time to buy back-to-school supplies?
School supplies. More than 90% of the lowest prices we saw on school supplies last year happened in July. If you wait until August you'll pay more.
How do I get the best deals without investing a lot of time?
Use the price comparison chart Carrie puts together each week.
It lays out prices for 40+ common items at 10 national retailers (CVS, Walgreens, Target, OfficeMax, etc.).
It includes:
Lowest priced items this week highlighted in green
Lowest price we've seen so far this year
Lowest price we saw last year
3-Ring Binders
Highest price this week: $3.99
Lowest price this week: $0.92
Savings: $3.07 per binder
Elmer's Glue Sticks
Highest price this week: $2.00
Lowest price this week: $0.10
Savings: $1.90 per glue stick
What should I do right now to get my kids ready?
Get their school supply list.
Pick up a few of the best-priced supplies each week when you're out running errands
Buy enough to last throughout the entire year. Buying crayons mid-year will cost a whole lot more.
Back-to-school clothes
How to get the best deals?
Figure out which clothes each kid needs to get through the year and in which sizes
Right now spring/summer clothes are on final clearance most everywhere.
Head out and start shopping now for short-sleeved shirts and other lighter weight clothes.
Plus, you still have time to garage sale some good deals
Buy discounted gift cards for clothing retailers like Target, Kohls, Old Navy, JC Penney at a site like PlasticJungle.com.
You can save 3-30% on gift cards
Their all legit and their value has been verified
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