The back-to-school season can be an exciting time for families, but it can also put a strain on the budget, especially with the challenges of inflation. In Salem, Oregon, there are several savvy ways to save money while preparing your school-aged children for the upcoming academic year. Let’s explore the top five strategies that can help you make the most of your budget without sacrificing quality or style.
Create a Budget and Stick to It
Before hitting the stores, sit down with your family and establish a clear budget for back-to-school expenses. Consider all the necessary items such as clothing, school supplies, and accessories. By setting a spending limit, you’ll be able to prioritize your purchases and avoid impulse buying. You can also start teaching your kids the value of money. Stores in Salem like Fred Meyer, Target, and Walmart offer a wide range of products at various price points, making it easier to stay within your budget.
Take Advantage of Sales and Deals
Salem is home to many stores that frequently offer sales and deals on back-to-school items. Keep an eye on Facebook ads, mailers and online flyers, and social media announcements from retailers like Office Depot, Staples, and WinCo Foods (for back-to-school lunches). Planning your shopping trips around these promotions can lead to some serious savings.
Additionally, check out discount stores like Ross Dress for Less, TJ Maxx, and Sierra Trading Post for clothes, shoes, backpacks, and more!
Check Thrift Stores and Secondhand Shops
Consider exploring thrift stores and secondhand shops in Salem for clothing and accessories. Stores like Once Upon a Child, the St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store, The Maze, The Union Gospel Mission Store, and Goodwill offer gently used items at a fraction of the cost of new ones. You might find unique and stylish pieces that fit your children’s personalities while keeping your budget intact.
Utilize Online Marketplaces
Online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, and Craigslist can be excellent resources for finding back-to-school essentials at reduced prices. Families in Salem often list items such as backpacks, electronics, and sports equipment that their children have outgrown.
Be sure to meet in safe, public locations and thoroughly inspect items and ask questions before making a purchase. Additionally, be wary of scams and do not share private bank information or sensitive personal information to submit a payment.
Swap or Trade with Other Families
Consider organizing a back-to-school item swap or trade event with friends, neighbors, or fellow parents from your child’s school. This can be a fun and eco-friendly way to acquire items your children need without spending money. You might have items that others are looking for, and vice versa. Local community centers, libraries, Facebook groups, or school bulletin boards may also promote other events already happening in your area.
Also, consider joining your neighborhood’s “Buy Nothing” group—a project that operates on the main rule that everything is free. You can find these groups on Facebook or download the Buy Nothing app. There are active groups for every corner of Salem!
Navigating back-to-school shopping on a tight budget in Salem, Oregon, requires strategic planning and a bit of creativity. By following these five money-saving strategies – creating a budget, capitalizing on sales, exploring thrift stores, using online marketplaces, and participating in item swaps – you can ensure your children have everything they need for a successful school year without breaking the bank. Salem’s variety of local stores and resources offer many opportunities to find affordable and high-quality items for your school-aged children.
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Oct. 5th, 2023