Summer's almost over and that can mean only one thing for families with school-age kids.
It's time for back to school sales!
Usually, you'll begin to see circulars hit the local papers in early August, but lately that's changed as back to school sales now happen frequently right after the July 4 holiday.
As with any big sales season, timing is everything. Along with watching store shelves and printed announcements (in store or online) also be aware of special back to school sales tax weekends when you can save even more.
2024 back to school sales tax holidays:
Just up ahead, see if your state government participates in annual Back to School Tax Holiday Weekends in late July or August. And, in Maryland, it's an entire week! This program gives parents a tax break on certain items, usually with a price tag of $100 or less.
Before you shop, check with local discount and department stores to see what's covered under the sales tax holiday. Usually, its exactly what you're looking for: back-to-school clothes, shoes, backpacks, school supplies and school art supplies. Calculators, computers and software may also be exempt in some areas.
2023 back to school sales tax holidays dates by U.S. state
clothing - $100
computers - $1,500
school supplies - $50
August 2-4, 2024
New Jersey
computers with a sales price of less than $3,000 per item
school computer supplies less than $1,000 per item
school supplies
school art supplies
school instructional materials
sport or recreational equipment
Shopping online? Amazon and other e-commerce stores also happily subtract tax charges during state tax holidays depending upon when you shop, what you buy, and where you designate delivery.
First, a word about quality. Not every sale is a bargain, especially when it comes to back to school supplies. Poorly made backpacks will tear, cheap pens will leak, and discount crayons usually fall apart more quickly. Spend a little more on these items, and then save big on other items such as cheap printer paper, folders, erasers, rulers or compasses.
As every parent knows, back to school clothes take a different sort of strategy, meaning the kids have to tag along to get the right fit and fashion sense. Discuss with kids beforehand what's on the shopping list as well as budget limitations. If possible, avoid more expensive fall fashion and opt for end of season sales on summer clothing. Same goes for laptops and computers which will be far cheaper come November during Black Friday sales.
Getting through it all with your sanity intact? Try including a fast food break -- or a trip to a local ice cream shop -- for a much-needed break for all of you.
Starting early on your back to school bargain hunt is key. But if you've waited to the last minute, no worries. Stay watchful for money saving 2024 Labor Day sales at stores such as H&M, Old Navy, Kohl's, and other large retailers to keep the bargains coming well into September.
Happy shopping!
More about back to school sales around the Web:
Back to School 2024 Sales & Deals - Check out the latest and greatest sales on back to school clothing, shoes, sneakers, backpacks, school supplies and more from department stores and online shops courtesy of Offers.com.
Back to School Coupons and Promo Codes - Save even more with discount codes and coupons from major retailers with updated deals and savings for back to school.