2023-08-31 17:23:45
Summer is a time of year when expenses inevitably skyrocket. However, when this comes to an end, it is time to tighten your belt and prepare for the slope of September. Families with children will have to face the extraordinary expense of going back to school that easily exceeds thousands of euros. So much so, that last year households spent an average of 2,186 euros per child in the school year, according to estimates by the Organization of Consumers and Users (OCU). In the case of those children who went to a public center, the cost was 1,001 euros, while this amounted to 2,975 euros in the case of going to a concerted center or up to 6,900 euros for those who went to a private one.
Back to school can be an exciting time for students and parents, but it also puts some pressure on family pockets. Materials, uniforms or textbooks are just some of the many products that are part of the shopping list. “With careful planning and smart strategies, it is possible to reduce the financial impact of going back to school,” they explain from the Fotocasa real estate portal. Therefore, they share a series of tips to save with the return to school without sacrificing education:
Reuse and recycle: before buying, you should check the material you have at home to be able to reuse it for the following school year. Advance planning: planning to save when going back to school is essential. Therefore, a list should be created with the items that are needed and those that you already have at home, in order to take advantage of all the material. Smart purchase of supplies: compare prices in different stores –both physical and online– before buying. Practical and economical uniforms: if it is mandatory to wear a uniform at the school our children attend, they should look for economical options such as second-hand stores or sales of used uniforms organized by the school. You should opt for durable garments that can be combined in different ways to maximize their use. Technological purchase: In the event that it is necessary to buy electronic devices, look for models that are affordable and functional. “On the other hand, take into account the place where these devices are going to be used within the home, both for a matter of space and comfort,” they explain from Fotocasa. Smart textbooks: families can explore options for rent , look for digital books or buy used, since these are cheaper than new books. Homemade lunches: preparing lunches and snacks at home instead of buying food at school can mean significant savings during the year. Efficient transportation: parents can consider using public transport or carpooling to take the little ones to school . “This not only saves money in your home, but it can also be more environmentally friendly,” says the real estate portal. Priority expenses: a list should be made of the most important expenses for going back to school and thus avoid those that are unnecessary.Flexible budget: a part of the budget dedicated to back to school should be reserved for the future in case additional expenses arise during the course and, in this way, the household finances can be kept in order.
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