Save on Back-to-School Shopping with These Simple Steps
December 15, 2023
With some strategic planning and savvy shopping, you can navigate the back-to-school shopping season without breaking the bank.
Here are some smart strategies to help you save.
Create a Budget
Before you even step foot in a store or start browsing online, it's crucial to establish a budget. Take inventory of what your child already has and make a list of the essential items they'll need for the upcoming school year. Assign a realistic budget to each category, such as school supplies, clothing and electronics. Having a clear budget will help you stay focused and avoid unnecessary impulse purchases.
Take Advantage of Sales and Discounts
Back-to-school sales are a staple of the season, so keep an eye out for promotional events and discounts offered by retailers. Additionally, be on the lookout for tax-free weekends in your state, where you can purchase qualifying items without paying sales tax, providing an extra layer of savings.
Comparison Shop
Before making any purchases, do your homework and compare prices across different retailers. Online shopping makes this process easier than ever, allowing you to quickly check multiple stores for the best deals. Don't forget to explore both physical and online retailers, as well as discount stores, to find the most cost-effective options for the items on your list.
Buy in Bulk
Consider purchasing school supplies in bulk to take advantage of lower per-unit costs. Items like notebooks, pencils and glue are often available in larger quantities at discounted prices. Pooling resources with other parents or coordinating bulk purchases with classmates can further maximize savings.
Reuse and Recycle
Take stock of what your child already has from the previous school year. Many items, such as backpacks, lunchboxes and even clothing, can be reused if they are still in good condition. By embracing the concept of "reduce, reuse, recycle," you not only save money but also contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle.
Embrace Secondhand Shopping
Explore secondhand stores, thrift shops and online marketplaces for gently used clothing and school supplies. Children grow quickly, and it's not uncommon to find quality items that have only been lightly used. Thrift shopping not only saves money but also adds a unique touch to your child's wardrobe.
Utilize Cashback and Rewards Programs
Take advantage of cashback and rewards programs offered by credit cards or dedicated shopping apps. These programs can provide you with cash back, discounts or loyalty points that can be redeemed for future purchases . Just be sure to pay off your credit card balance promptly to avoid accruing interest.
Back-to-school shopping doesn't have to be a financial burden. With mindful planning, budgeting and strategic shopping, you can save money while ensuring your child is well-equipped for the upcoming school year. From taking advantage of sales and discounts to embracing secondhand shopping, these smart strategies will help you navigate the back-to-school season with your budget intact. By adopting a mindful approach to your shopping, you can set the stage for a successful and cost-effective school year.
As we move into the second quarter of another exciting year, I want to take a moment to reflect on our accomplishments and share some of the new initiatives we are implementing in the realms of sales, marketing and community engagement. Over the past year, GBU Life has reached significant milestones thanks to the dedication and hard work of our team and the trust and support of our members. Our sales department has exceeded targets, and we have expanded our reach to more communities than ever before. We have launched several successful marketing campaigns that have not only increased our visibility but have also strengthened our brand's presence in the industry. For this year, our focus will be educating potential new members on the importance of securing their financial futures through life insurance and annuity products while serving their communities as part of our great Society. Looking ahead, we are committed to enhancing our sales strategies to better serve you. We are introducing some tools for our agents to enhance our products. One new tool is our Defined Benefit Annuity program which combines the Future Flex Fixed Index Annuity (FIA) with a software tool that can help determine retirement savings needs and break them down into contributions over time to help you meet your retirement goals. Be sure to keep in touch with your GBU agent to review your plans and products to see how adding an FIA to your retirement planning can help boost your savings efforts
GBU members between the ages of three and nine years old can enter their colored page in this year's contest, which is themed Pawprints on My Heart. Three age categories will be judged as follows: Category I: Ages three and four Category II: Ages five and six Category III: Ages seven, eight and nine Entrants may use crayons, colored pencils, markers or watercolor paints. Entries will be accepted through Monday, August 18, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. EST. The picture on the next page can be reproduced, or copies can be obtained by calling the Community Engagement Team at the GBU Home Office (800-765-4428) or by printing the image above. Cash Prizes for Each Category First prize: $75 Second prize: $50 Third prize: $30 How to Enter Send the three- to nine-year-old GBU member's coloring contest entry with their name and address on the colored page to: GBU Life ATTN: Member Benefits 4254 Saw Mill Run Boulevard Pittsburgh, PA 15227-3394. Or email contest@gbu.org with "Coloring Contest Entry” as the subject line. General Information Judges reserve the right to accept or reject any or all entries. Their decisions will be final. Artwork will be handled at the GBU Home Office with the utmost care. GBU reserves the right to reproduce entries for whatever use it wishes, provided proper credit is given. Permission does not include the sale of such work.
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