EDIT to previous post...

Many of you have emailed me regarding my last post about saving money on school supplies. I thank you not only for reading my blog, but for taking the time to email me, FB me, or comment on the blog! One thing I heard repeatedly was that I wasn't giving myself proper credit. It was brought to my attention, that the $45 school supply kit DOES NOT include a backpack. So...if I take the $6 backpack we bought out of my final spending, then technically I completed back to school shopping for a MERE $14 and change!!!

Several people also asked me whether the time I spent was worth the money I saved...and I have to say YES, YES, YES! The shopping was done in only 3 shopping trips, 2 of which were unaccompanied by children! The shopping was done at 3 stores; Walmart, CVS and Target.

The last question I was asked was HOW I accomplished these savings. Here are my tips for you...

* print out (or have a copy of) the school supply list

* look at the newspaper ads with the list next to you

* jot down on the list which stores you notice have a "good deal" on a particular item(s)

* check for online coupons and/or coupons you have on hand already

* only buy what is on sale or a "good deal" that week (keep in mind, I was able to do this b/c I started shopping weeks ago)...other items will go on sale at another time

* DON'T STRESS about getting the best deal...if you overpay on an item for sake of convenience, just try to make up for it by spending less on another item.

Hope this info helps...and THANKS again for reading and commenting on my blog!

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Back to School...An experiment in saving money

One of my FAVORITE things growing up was BACK TO SCHOOL SHOPPING...and I was SO excited to pass this excitement on to Andrew as he will be entering Kindergarten in just a few weeks! At the Open House a few months ago, we were given the option to pre-order the supply kit for $45. To me, that seemed crazy...not only did I think I could pay WAY LESS for school supplies, but I also thought it was taking the FUN out of shopping for that fresh new notebook...AHHHH! So...I made it my little experiment to see just how much I would spend on Andrew's school supplies...and whether or not I would still say that B2S shopping is fun, after all the bargain hunting.

I just completed the shopping today and here it is...A GRAND TOTAL OF $20.12!!!!

· 2 Boxes Crayola crayons (24 pack) $.25 each = $.50

· 18 Small Elmer’s glue sticks $.25/2 = $2.25

· 1 Pair of Fiskars scissors – Blunt Tip $1.50

· 1 Plain Red Pocket Folders – Plastic with Brads $.75

· 1 Composition book (black & white marbled) for word study $.25

· 2 Bottles Elmer’s liquid glue – 4oz. $.25 each = $.50

· 4 Pack of Expo Dry Erase Markers (Thick) FREE USING CVS REWARDS

· 1 Crayola Watercolors paint set (8 colors with brush) $1.97

· 1 Three ring zippered pencil pouch (clear plastic) $.40

· 1 Box of tissues (name brand preferred) FREE USING CVS REWARDS

· 1 Container of Hand Sanitizer Gel FREE - had in the house from previous freebie!

· 1 Box baby wipes (unscented) FREE - had in the house from previous freebie!

· 1 Box gallon size slide-lock storage bags $2

· 1 Box quart size slide-lock storage bags $2

· 1 Beach towel or blanket for quiet time FREE - seriously...don't buy a new one...use one your child already knows and loves!

· 1 Full-sized, 2-strap backpack (no wheels) $6 - we weren't even going to buy a new one, but when I saw this one on clearance, I couldn't resist!

1 Box Crayola Washable Classic Color Markers (Thick) $2

I will admit that I definitely could've found a few things even cheaper, but as the weeks went by, I just wanted to get it done! I am proud to say that not only did I SAVE MONEY, but it was FUN!!!

Hope you all enjoy your adventures in B2S shopping....be they frugal or not!

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