There’s no getting around it – it’s time to gear up for back-to-school. That means making sure you’ve got #2 pencils, glue, and paper plus a new backpack, shoes, and clothes! Depending on the age of your student, you can expect to spend anywhere from $500 to $1,200 getting ready to start school.

We know this is a busy, stressful, and expensive time of year. Members Trust is ready to make the transition back to school smoother with these ideas.

6 Money-Saving Tips

1. Take advantage of shopping during the Texas Sales Tax Holiday on August 11 – 13, 2023. All taxpayers can save money on tax-free purchases of most clothing, footwear, school supplies, and backpacks (sold for less than $100) during the annual Tax-Free weekend.
2. Double up your savings by using your Members Trust Rewards Credit Card where you earn 1 point per $1 in purchases that you can redeem for cash back or travel perks.
3. Shop online first. Online sales launch online early plus you avoid the crowds. However, it’s important to watch out for red flags when shopping online. These can include:
   1. Unsecured or Suspicious URLs. If the web address doesn’t show a locked padlock icon, or if it starts with “HTTP” vs. “HTTPS,” scammers likely can see the information you enter on the site.
   2. Flashing alerts or exclamations? Your web browser’s trying to tell you something feels off. Close the website and start a new search.
   3. Weird Payment. Wire transfers, money orders, international funds transfers, pre-loaded cards, or Bitcoin are fishy payment requests. And NEVER give out online banking logins.
   4. No Contact Information. Be wary if there isn’t any customer support contact to answer your questions, or if contact info doesn’t seem to match up with other details on the site.
   5. Negative Reviews. Search the company’s name or check online social reviews to see what people say about it.
4. Look for coupons for added savings. Many retailers offer a discount if you sign up for their marketing emails.
5. Buy used items when possible. There are a lot of great online platforms to buy used clothes, but you can also visit thrift stores like Goodwill and Plato’s Closet for gently used clothing at low prices.
6. Shop without your kids! As we all know, kids have a lot of opinions when it comes to shopping for themselves, but their wish list may not line up with your budget. Going alone can alleviate some of the pressure and keep you within your budget.

It’s easy to buy an extra gadget or an overpriced backpack if don’t keep these money-saving tips in mind. Whether you’re just looking for new pens or shopping for an entirely new wardrobe, there are always ways to be more price-conscious and find better deals. By using these tips and tricks, you can avoid overspending this back-to-school season.