Why School Purchases Are More Expensive This Year (and How to Spend Less)
Welcome parents, looks like you’ll need to leave even more room for school supplies in your budget this year: According to the National Retail Federation , households will spend an average of $ 849 on supplies in 2021, an increase of $ 59. than last year. due to supply chain problems associated with the pandemic. Here’s what you can expect and ways to save on supplies.
Supply chain problems drive up the cost of school supplies
According to Money.com , retailers like Walmart and Amazon are vying for space on shipping containers and in some cases paying for air travel, which is much more expensive. For this reason, basic supplies such as pencils and paper are likely to be marketed at a projected average cost of $ 849. (For college students, that’s $ 1,050.) There is also a microchip shortage that affects laptops and other electronics, so you might see prices going up there – or at least fewer deals.
How to save on school supplies
- Start shopping now: beat the buzz at the end of August and look for deals now while you have more time to shop. Most major retailers have newsletters or alerts that you can subscribe to that will inform you of any discounts or coupons.
- Buy as needed: Many supplies such as folders, rulers, or pens can be recycled year after year, so take a look around your home and see what you already have, then go shopping.
- Find consumables on reseller sites like Craigslist: The people on these sites sell things like backpacks or pencils for almost nothing. Just make sure you meet with these sellers somewhere half-public, like in the lobby of their building, and only pay them after seeing the goods in person.
- Check if your school district offers free supplies: As the Verywell Family points out , in some states, school districts require school districts to provide free supplies to children as needed. Check with your local school district to see if they can help you.
- Contact local charities and other nonprofits: If you just don’t have the money, contact The Salvation Army, local churches, or nonprofits near you as they can provide donated materials. Here’s a list by state to help you get started.