Guest blogger Merecia Smith works with families and individuals to help them with smart money management.

The start of a new school year is always a busy time, and as parents, our job is to be our children’s lifelong teachers. We don’t always have all the answers, but we can find inspiration to be creative with our own household solutions. This year, I’m focusing on some new back-to-school shopping strategies that will help me save time and money.

Smart Shopping Tips for Back-to-School Season

Here are a few tips I’m using to help tackle the back-to-school shopping list this year:

Compare Prices: I’ll be comparing prices at three or four different stores to find the best deals on school supplies.

Shop Early: Getting a head start on shopping before the rush begins ensures I can find everything on the list without the stress of picked-over shelves.

Check Online Inventory: I’ll be using websites to check what’s in stock before heading to the store. Amazon can be a great option for buying in bulk, though their selection might be limited.

Buy in Bulk for Big Savings: I plan on buying enough supplies to cover this school year and potentially the next. This strategy leads to big savings and a much smaller shopping list next year!

Shop During Tax-Free Weekend: Taking advantage of tax-free weekend for bigger purchases like backpacks, lunch boxes, and supplies for home is a great way to save a little extra.

Bonus Tip: I’m also adding a few supplies and snacks for the teachers to my shopping list. Teachers love it, and it’s a great way to start the school year on a good note!