2 The QUEE NS Courier • kids & education • july 31, 2014 or breaking news visit www.queenscourier.com Back-to-school money -saving tips to help you As summer winds down, many are heading into a busy buying season with Labor Day soirees and preparing for backto s kids & education school. With the average family expected to spend an average of $634.78 on backto school shopping this year, according to the National Retail Federation, consumers are seeking cost saving strategies to ensure they are getting the most bang for the buck. With more access to information thanks to online resources and smartphones, the power is in purchasers’ hands. Other ways people are cashing in on the savings is going back to the tried and true - bulk shopping. Expert couponer Kelly Snyder of Kansas City Mamas, says volume buying and storing goods correctly has made a positive impact on her family’s finances. However, one important thing to keep in mind is what to do with all those purchases you bring home. “The right storage is essential when purchasing in bulk,” said Snyder. “Make sure you have enough storage space and invest in products and appliances that keep you organized and help preserve the integrity of your purchases.” Snyder along with fellow top savings bloggers Briana Carter, of Bargain Briana, and Lauren Ortiz of Saving Addiction, offer their top tips to help shoppers best navigate through the sea of savings. • Don’t bypass a budget. Know how much you’ve spent in order to see your savings. By keeping a monthly budget, you’ll never pay too much. • Don’t create a storage war. Being organized will help keep track of what you have and prevent wasting food or needless purchases. For perishables, dedicate one shelf each in your refrigerator for beverages, produce and leftovers. A large refrigerator, like the Kenmore Elite with large freezer capacity, allows you to stock up on items on sale. • Get rewarded for loyalty. Join loyalty programs of establishments you frequent the most. Eventually your purchasing power will return major perks. • Tracking gets you a treat. Create a price book to record costs for items over a six-week period. Make a purchase only when prices hit their low. You’ll optimize savings and often won’t need a coupon. • Increase your buying IQ with a smartphone. Download money-saving and grocery coupon apps like SavingStar and Coupons.com, as well as apps for rewards programs like Shop Your Way. • Remember coupons are king. While many still enjoy clipping paper coupons, downloadable eCoupons are more popular than ever. Now, eCoupons are more sophisticated by pushing savings based on style and shopping habits like those from ShopYourWay. com. Sears is the first retailer to offer eCoupons that are redeemable in-store, online and from a mobile device. In addition, they are redeemable both in-store and online. This will not only save money, but save time too. • Go generic or store brands. It’s always better to go with a store brand if you don’t have a coupon for a name-brand item. While these versions are cheaper, they often offer similar quality. • Serve what’s on sale. Buying sale items in bulk allow you to pre-cook meals in one day to be served over the week. Courtesy BPT FREE Eye Exam WITH PURCHASE OF COMPLETE PAIR OF GLASSES OR EYE EXAM ONLY – $25 (REG. $85) COMPETITIVE PRICES with • Personalized Service & Attention • Our Professionally Trained Staff Will Give You A Careful Fit • Newest Styles • No Gimmicks 20% OFF ALL PURCHASES not to be combined with any other offer Varilux no-line bifocals progessive lenses w/plastic or metal frames Choose From Over 300 Frames $170 Some restrictions may apply. 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