Back-to-school shoppers guide to cost cutting with planning and strategy
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- As families prepare for the new school year, experts say budgeting, comparison shopping and avoiding impulse purchases can help reduce back-to-school expenses.
According to the National Retail Federation, families plan to spend about $800 this year on back-to-school purchases. Those expenses can include basic school supplies, new clothing, and technology items for students.
Chip Lupo of WalletHub said creating a dedicated spending plan is one of the most important steps shoppers can take before heading to stores.
"Most importantly is stick to a budget, create a separate back-to-school budget, write it out and make sure you have in front of you how much you're willing to spend. Avoid impulse buys, especially if you're shopping with your children. They're going to say, I want this, I want this, I want this," Lupo said.
Lupo also encouraged shoppers to compare prices before making purchases. "Always comparison shop regardless of what it is," he said. Consumers who find an item in a store may want to check the online price before buying, as it can sometimes be lower. If a lower online price is available, shoppers can ask whether the retailer will honor that price.
Safety while shopping
Experts also advise caution when shopping online, particularly when responding to advertisements on social media. Shoppers should research retailers to confirm they are legitimate before making a purchase.
"You just never actually know where that social media ad is going to take you. A large number of social media ads are actually fake. So you may not even get the item, or the item that you receive is not what you actually were expecting," Alyssa Parker with the Better Business Bureau of Eastern Carolinas said.
Another recommendation is to use a credit card when making purchases because of its fraud protection benefits.
Shoppers may also be able to save money by checking supplies already available at home, as some items purchased for the previous school year may have gone unused.
With back-to-school spending season underway, experts say a budget, careful price comparisons and attention to online scams can help families make the most of their money.
