Back to School Shopping Tips & Tools

Best Back-To-School Shopping Tips & Tools


According to The National Retail Foundation, parents expect to spend an average $603.63 on clothing, supplies and electronics for back-to-school. While this is the second biggest shopping period of the year, your back-to-school shopping list doesn't have to ring up in the hundreds of dollars.  Before joining the back-to-school frenzy, take a look at Credit Karma’s back-to-school shopping tips and tools to get an A+ on your savings.

Cool Tool: Let the sales come to you with Saleslocator.com, a nifty website that aggregates retail sales in your area. With a dedicated Back-to-School section, chart your shopping trip according to the sales and, with some smart planning, you won’t have to pay full price for anything.

Terrific Tip: Sign up for e-mail alerts from your favorite retail stores, especially for clothing. You’ll be the first to know when special one-day sales, online promotions, or daily deals are afoot, so work these special savings opportunities into your shopping game plan.

Cool Tool: Earn cash on back-to-school expenses by shopping with a cash back credit card. Earning 1-5% cash back on every purchase effectively shaves a few dollars off your bill, especially since you’re spending more than usual this time of year. Just make sure you pay the bill in full at the end of the month! A good choice for excellent credit is the Blue Cash Everyday from American Express; for fair credit, check out the Capital One No Cash Rewards Credit Card.

Terrific Tip: Follow stores on Facebook and Twitter, another great real-time source for the latest deals, especially for electronics like laptops, smartphones, and mp3 players. The key is to act as soon as you get word of the deal; these social media tips are great for significant savings on big-ticket items, but they sell out quick.

Cool Tool: Get an upper hand shopping in-store with your smartphone. Use price-comparison smartphone apps, like Compare Everywhere for Android, Red Laser for iPhone, or ShopSavvy for Android and iPhone, to swipe product bar codes and check for cheaper prices online and at other brick-and-mortar stores. You can check if your kid’s most-wanted Captain America backpack is cheaper a few blocks down.

Terrific Tip: Before hitting the mall, shop your own home first. You’d be surprised how many school supplies you already have tucked in drawers, closets, and under your kids’ beds. Take a full inventory of supplies, equipment and clothing that will work for the coming school year so you can cross a few things off your list before spending a penny.

“Split your back-to-school shopping list into two columns of needs and wants,” suggests Justine Rivero, Credit Advisor at Credit Karma. “This will help prioritize your spending and set aside the super-cool lunchbox your child wants (unless there is a great deal for it)."

First things first—shop smart on what you really need and avoid overspending.


Justine Rivero is the Credit Advisor and resident Credit Rockstar for Credit Karma, the pro-consumer credit advocate that helps more than 2.6 million consumers realize the everyday cost savings of having great credit health.  Credit Karma provided this useful article for me to share with my readers!

My semi-extreme Walgreens trip

Wanted to share, step by step, how I spent under $4 for almost $70 worth of products yesterday.  And to vent a little,too!

So first ~ I made my list Saturday night from http://www.southernsavers.com/ .  I wrote a small CVS list on one side of the paper, Wags on the other.  I used two envelopes - one for each store.  Each envelope held the coupons I needed for that store.  CVS was nothing special, spent under $3, got probably $20 worth of items.  

Drove 2 miles to the Wags in a nearby town, and was dismayed to see a LINE out front!! That's a first!!
I hurried inside with my coupon box, list, and Wags envelope.  Here's what I got:

First transaction:

1 box of Crackerfuls - they had a shelf full of these, yay! Got these for our vacation later this week. On sale for $2, used  $1.50 off coupon, got $2 RR back
2 boxes of Ecotrin (1 for hubby, 1 for my Nana), on sale for 99 c with Wags ad, used 2 $1.50 off coupons
1 pkg Poise pads for Nana -  $5.99, used $5 mfr coupon, plus $1 store coupon
2 6 pks Scott Paper Towels - on sale $3.99, used 2 $1 off coupons - for my stockpile
2 pk Walgreens Sunscreen lip balm $1.99 ( no coupon, need for the beach later this week!)
2 Dixie Bowls $2.99 each -  B1G1,  used $1 off 2 coupon - for vacation
Icy Hot - on sale for 99 cents, used $1 off coupon got 99 c RR back  - for my daughter who has started running!
BC Powder 6 ct - on sale $1.50, got $1.50 RR back - for my husband
4 Right Guard Deodorants on sale B1G1, used 2 B1G1 coupons - for my stockpile - will send to my 2 stepsons in a care pkg later this year
4 packages of candy (need more items to use last week's RR to pay) $1 each for 3 of them, 89 cents for the 4th.  These will be for our vacation!

Paid $2.60 out of pocket after using $13 in RR from last week!

Let 2 people go ahead here - not fair to hold up the line for multiple transactions - couponing etiquette 101!

2nd transaction:
Ritz Crackerfuls - sale $2, used $1.50 coupon, got $2 RR back - for stockpile
Icy Hot 99 c on sale, used $1 off coupon - for my Nana
paid 59 cents out of pocket  
saved $4.99

3rd transaction:
Ritz Crackerfuls - sale $2, used $1.50 coupon, got $2 RR back - for vacation

Icy Hot 99 c on sale, used $1 off coupon - for my Mom
paid 59 cents out of pocket
saved $4.99

Let one person go ahead here.

4th transaction: 
Icy Hot  99c on sale, she adjusted coupon to 99 c (can't have overage)  - for my stockpile
paid .06 (tax)
saved $1.99

total spent out of pocket:
$3.84
total saved:
appx $68
RR for next week:
$21.50 (includes some leftover from last week's Advil purchases)

I'm really happy with what I spent, and what I have for next week!

Here's my vent:
To the woman who felt the need to empty the shelves completely of at least 20 - 30 bottles of the Right Guard body wash, and same with the deodorant - left only 10 or so of those - wow - you must have a stinky family.  Several of us (other shoppers) asked her if there were any left, and she laughed and said no.  Wow.
She also took several *hundred* of the BC powders, (took the entire cardboard display boxes off the shelf - wow!) I asked if I could get ONE 6 ct package, and she did give one up. She also took most of the Ecotrins after I got my 2, she just knocked them into her cart off the shelf. Grrr.

I asked the clerk for help in locating the Icy Hot, it was in a weird place.  I took two from the shelf, and when she found more in the back later during my trip, two more. They are small, and I'm sharing them!  Yep, Mrs. Extreme Couponer took the rest.  Such a great example of what not to be.  Then she did 8 transactions with huge lines behind her.  The cashiers were super-annoyed with all of the couponers after that, and it was not a fun trip.  There were other new couponers there and we were all chatting in line, sharing tips and coupons. That was nice, but the shelf-clearer was the main topic of conversation.  She took almost all of the sale items.  We were all annoyed - we all got there at the store's opening time, but still had a hard time getting the items we needed. (Several of them had the B1G1 Right Guard coupons and wanted the bodywash, like me, but couldn't get it) The BC was another hot product - they all had coupons for it (I didn't, darn it!) and they wanted a couple packs for free, but Mrs. Extreme wouldn't give it up. 

When I got home, I told my husband that when it stops being a fun way to save money, I'll quit.  If I run into more of these obnoxious tv-wannabe Extreme couponers, I'll be quitting sooner rather than later.  At least til the tv show goes away and that kind of shopper goes back home.  I do this to build a SMALL stockpile (no more than 6 -8 of any item) for our family, not to get on tv, or to "win" at being the best shopper of the day.  I don't rush through the store knocking things off shelves into carts! I don't leave empty shelves - I'll go to another store before I do that!  I do my semi-extreme couponing to help stretch our budget, and to keep us supplied with quality products at rock-bottom prices when I find them.  Again, not years worth of products, but a few weeks or  months, tops.   

To hoard is to be greedy, and the hoarders out there are starting to really tick me off! Also - I'll consider that maybe she is donating it, but is it right to take all of a store's stock of something to donate?  I don't think so!  Before I quit my weekend drugstore shopping, I am going to find a new store to shop in.  The one in our area is becoming an extreme shopper's dream store, and I'm not going to go through another trip like this one.  It was stressful and not fun! 

But at the end of the day,  I did get a few items for our trip, a couple of items my Nana needs, and a few items to restock our stockpile (especially the 12 rolls of paper towels - we were down to 3 rolls I think!)  And I spent less than $4 to do so!  That's a great trip, in my book.  Yes,  I probably could have spent even less, but this made me HAPPY.  I don't care about getting it all for free, I just want to save big when  I can, where I can, while restocking our little stockpile.  

**And yes, if I don't like your comment, I will probably delete it.  This is *my* happy place on the web, and I don't have to keep comments that are snarky.  Why are you here if you don't like what I write?!**

 Y'all have a blessed Memorial Day. I'm remembering my Papa and my Grandaddy ~ both in heaven ~ who served our country and make me proud!! God Bless our military and their families for their service and sacrifice!! 

Organizing Your Coupons

Almost every time I shop, someone stops me to look at my coupon box! So I thought it was about time to share my coupon box here so I can refer fellow shoppers right to my blog! : )

I start with these supplies:

photo storage box from Michael's (but don't forget to buy it on sale, or with one of their 40% off coupons from the paper or email!) Will cost under $3 this way.  I buy two at a time, I replace mine every 3 months or so - they get a lot of wear!!  Plus, I like to change up my box for a new color/pattern - I get bored!!

1 box of small envelopes from the dollar store (you'll replace these once or twice a year probably)

4 or 5 vinyl pocket folders from Walmart, various colors.  (when they go on sale later this summer for back to school, plan to buy a bunch for cheap!!) You can use 3x5 index cards until then - that's what I started with, but you have to replace them often - that's why I love the plastic ones I made!

I traced a 3x5 index card onto every available inch of the vinyl folders.  Cut them all out, set aside.

Open the flaps on envelopes, cut them off. 

Place a plastic (or index card) divider vertically in each envelope.  Label  (using a sharpie) with categories you want to use. (see list below of my categories for inspiration!)

Place envelopes in the box and fill those suckers up with all of your coupons!!

When I cut my coupons, I open all the inserts, then layer like insert pages together, so I am only cutting each coupon once.  Then when you file them in the envelopes, they'll be together.  

Go through your coupons once a month (end of month is best) to clear out the expired coupons, plus you'll remind yourself of what you have to use!

Here are my coupon categories ~ personalize this list to work for your family!

Air Freshener/Candles

Baking

Beverages

Bread & Rolls

Biscuit/Cookie Dough

Boxed Meals/International Foods

Breakfast Baking

Candy/Gum

Cereal/Grits/Oatmeal

Cheese & Eggs

Cleaning - Bath

Cleaning

Cleaning - Floor

Crackers/Cookies

Deli & Meats

Eye & Ear Care

Feminine Products

Frozen Breads/Breakfast

Frozen Appetizers/Entrees

Frozen Fruit/Ice Cream/Dessert

Frozen Pizza

Frozen Veggies

Fruits - Canned, Snacks, Dried

Granola Bars, Protein/Diet Bars

Hair Care

Home Items - Bug Repellent, Light Bulbs, Office Supplies

Jellies/Peanut Butter/Ice Cream Toppings

Laundry

Make-Up

Medicine - Cold, Flu, Allergy

Medicine - Kids

Medicine - Misc (1st aid, stomach, etc)

Medicine - Pain

Milk & Dairy

Milks (canned, boxed),oils, syrups (corn, waffle, etc)

Paper Goods

Pasta & Rice

Personal Care - Body

Personal Care - Face

Produce

Razors

Salad Dressings, Croutons, Pickles, Olives

Sauces, Seasonings, Marinades

Soap, Body Wash, Deodorant

Snacks - Chips, Nuts, Popcorn

Soup, Canned Chili, Tuna

Toothpaste/Toothbrushes

Veggies - Canned

Vitamins & Supplements

Yogurt

I also have store envelopes behind the category envelopes  - In these envelopes I keep store coupons, rainchecks, etc

CVS

Walgreens

Publix

Kroger

Target

Michaels/Hobby Lobby

Local Stores/Deals

Restaurants 

In the side of the box next to the envelopes I keep some small coupon books - my P & G one, a Target one, and the current Wags store booklet.

I carry my coupon box into the store every time I shop - you never know what you'll find on clearance to match up with your coupons! Sit in the cart seat sideways - it fits perfectly! I prefer this to the binder system, but everyone has their way of organizing - use what works for you!

How to shop at CVS for free (or almost free!)

This year I have spent VERY little out of pocket at CVS.  I would say under $26 total since January.  Most of that is tax on my freebies each week! Here's how I do it. 

Each week, I look at the items they are selling that will give me Extra care bucks (Like CVS money) back.  Then I look at my coupons, and match up the best deals.  Of course, if it is something I don't need or use, unless it will cost me 0, I won't get it. But if we need it - I buy it.

For example: last week's sale featured Right Guard bodywash for $3.88 - and they would give you back $3 in ECB.  I had a B1G1 coupon, so I could get 2, use ECB from a previous trip to pay the $3.88 that would be due, then get $3 back.   You do this every week or other week, and you'll build up a "bank" of ECBs to spend when there are things you want and need! They usually are good for 3 weeks or so
before they expire - so keep an eye on the expiration dates of your ECBs!

Another tip - scan your CVS card at the red kiosk every time you go in the store and you'll get some great CVS store coupons! Today I got a $5 off 2 Revlon cosmetics which helped a lot on my Revlon purchase! CVS doesn't double manufacture coupons, but they will let you stack their store coupons with your manufacturer coupons!

This week I had my best CVS trip ever!

Bought 3 Airwick Ultra kits $6 on sale - used 3 $4 coupons

Bought 1 Neutra Air $2.50 on sale - used $1.50 coupon
Bought 2 Biore poducts - 1 strips, 1 cleanser - 2 for $15 on sale, used buy strips get cleanser free coupon
Bought 2 Revlon lipglosses $7.99 each, on sale for B1g1 50% off - used $5 off 2 CVS coupon, 2 $1 coupons
bought 1 Russell Stover egg - 74 cents on sale
bought 1 Gain dishwashing liquid 97 cents on sale  used $1 off coupon
bought CVS contact lens drops on sale for $2.99

Then it was time to pay.  I used these ECBs from previous trips: $8.99 ECB, $2.50 ECB, $3 ECB, and paid balance with my FSA card - it actually covered 2 items - the Biore cleanser (which was free with the coupon!) and the eye drops. My balance was zero.  (I consider items I buy with the FSA card to be free since the money for the card comes out of DH's paycheck - it isn't out of my grocery/drugstore budget at all).   Total saved on this trip? $79!

I got back $10 in ECB for spending $20 on the Airwick & neutra air, $5 back for the 2 Biore products, and 74 cents back for the candy egg!! And I still have some ECB I didn't use today! : ) LOVE CVS!!! (Don't forget to take your own bag, then scan your green tag - every 4th trip you will make $1 in ECB too!)

If you have questions about shopping CVS, please let me know, and I'll do my best to answer them! It's like a game ~ they pay you CVS monopoly money, and you use those with coupons to get items for practically free!!

Savings today

This morning I was feeling awful after a night of no sleep. Allergies are kicking my butt!! I tried to go to sleep after the kids were at school, but I couldn't. So I went to southernsavers dot com and made a few quick lists.
First: Walgreens ~
3 packs of Halls cough drops $1.99 e
used a Walgreen's coupon that made each one 99 cents, and stacked 3 $1 manufacturer coupons - all 3 FREE!
Simply Saline Allergy Relief. I was desperate - I don't usually use this kind of stuff. It was $7.99, used a $1 off coupon, and surprised to get a $7 RR back.
Dentek floss was on sale for $2, used a $1 off coupon, got $2 RR back. Also got Katie 2 things for her Easter basket ~ Stride React Gum 99 c, and a pink glitter nail polish - $2.99, used a 50c coupon. Total spent out of pocket was $11.38 and some change, received $9 RR back. $6.57 was put on our FSA (medical spending) debit, and the difference of $4.80 was paid with the $5 on my paypal from swagbucks this month! Total savings on receipts: $12.98

Next to Publix ~
2 Tropicana Orange Juice 64 oz $2.50 each - used BOGO coupon
2 Bird's Eye Steamfresh Veggies - on sale 50% off, used $1 off 2 coupon
1 Ore Ida Stean n Mash - on sale $2, used $1 off coupon
2 Slimfast 6 pack bar boxes - $2.99 each, used 2 $1.25 off mfr coupons, and 2 $1 off store coupons, so paid about 75 cents each box!
3 Hallmark 99 cent cards - used a $2 off 3 cards store coupon
1 Chocolate Cheerios $2 off, used a 55 cent off mfr coupon, and a $1 off store coupon - 45 cents for the box!
used my $7 RR from Walgreens too (it's considered a competitor's coupon at our Publix) and spent $1.31 out of pocket!
Savings on receipt: $30.51

Last stop: CVS ~
3 2 liter Diet Cokes - 99 cents each, and used a $1 off 2 coupon from one of the bottles
2 Oral B Advantage toothbrushes - $2.99 each, used a BOGO coupon
1 Lysol No-Touch hand soap system - on sale $9.99, used $5 off coupon
1 8 pack Sparkle Paper Towels - on sale $4.99, used 50 c off coupon

used 3 ECB's I had saved for a total of $13.99, paid $1.80 out of pocket!
Savings on receipt: $37.65

Still have $2 RR left, and $10 in ECB's left for next time!
Spent $7.91 out of pocket (not counting the medical spending $)
Total savings - appx $80!

Couponing this week

So this week, I had a couple small trips to the store for things that went on sale. The best trip was to Publix on Friday - I had two bags full of groceries - total before coupons was $31 and change, but went down to $11.15 - then I used my $10 Register Rewards from Walgreens (my Publix accepts them as competitor's coupons!) and I paid $1.15 out of pocket. This morning, we went back for the 1/2 price cereal sale - bought 2 boxes of Rice Krispies (used a $1 off 2 mfr coupon, and 2 store coupons for 55 cents off each box), then 2 boxes of Kellogg's Heart Smart Cereal for $1.99 e using 2 $1 off coupons....plus a double Sunday Atlanta Journal for coupons, and a donut for David - was $20.01 before coupons, after coupons & a $2 Register Reward I paid $5.91 out of pocket. So the kids are set for a while on cereal, and so am I! :o)

My best coupon tips ~

I check Southernsavers.com on a daily basis (several times, actually!) for freebies, coupons to print, and other good things.

I have the Sunday paper delivered, and also buy a double paper every weekend so I have 3 copies of the coupon inserts. There are some weeks I'll buy more if it is a really good week! :o)

I check CVS's cosmetic section often - they have a great clearance sale when they need to make room for new stuff. Combine 75% off with coupons and you can literally get makeup for $1 or much less! I snagged some $16 foundation for $2 a jar back in January this way, and some Loreal and Revlon eyeshadows for 24 cents each!

Use upromise coupons - they will deposit money from the coupon into savings for your kids, grandkids, a friend, you get to choose!

cellfire.com has ecoupons that can be loaded onto a KrogerPlus card to combine with mfr coupons.

My goal is to have a fully stocked pantry by the end of this year, so that I only have to shop once a week for dairy and fresh produce. Right now, I'm getting stocked up on medicines, toothpaste, and paper goods, as well as some canned items. It's going to take a while! Every 2 weeks I make 2 "big" trips to Publix and Kroger for each store's best deals with my coupons. Our budget is about $100 - $120 a week for groceries.

Always check out the printable coupon sites: I think the best ones are Allyou.com, Smartsource.com and Redplum.com - then print anything you might buy - because they all have a limited # that can print of each coupon and once they are gone, they are gone! I try to print a couple of each when it will let me, but you can usually only use one printed coupon at each store per day.

Can't think of much else to add, but I will add more to this as I think of things! Honestly, if you are in the South, Southernsavers.com is the BEST site for learning to be a coupon queen! I'm sure there are other good ones for each part of the country. And coupondivas.com is good too! :o)