Ways to Save Money While School Shopping

Back to school is always a crazy time to go shopping for supplies. I’m always surprised how quickly the items add up and having to fight the crowds can be stressful with a bunch of kids in tow. But at the end of the day I am more than happy to buy the supplies and even donate a few extra things to thank my kids teachers for doing what they do because teaching is HARD WORK!!!! Bless you teachers.

I’ve found over the years a few useful apps that help me save money and I thought I’d share. Let’s be honest, I don’t have time to coupon with all my littles around, but I love the idea of saving money! Next year we’ll have three kids in school so saving money is a big deal.

1. Walmart Savings Catcher

Not only is it amazing to order groceries online and pick them up in your car, (I’m usually still in pj’s) but don’t forget you can order your school supplies too. Once the receipt is emailed after picking up groceries or supplies, I copy the TC# at the bottom of the receipt and paste it into the savings catcher app and then sit back and wait to see if anything is price matched lower.  You can also scan in your regular receipts if you choose to go into the store to buy supplies. It’s not going to make me rich, but it’s easy to use and a few bucks every week buys me my chocolate fix so… it’s a win in my book.

2.  Flipp

I just discovered this app from Fun Cheap or Free on Instagram and so far it seems great!  You start by entering in your zip code and picking the stores you shop at most frequently. You then can enter in your list and it tells you where the best deals are on those items.  If you have the time to head to a few different places, this can save you the most money! Plus being able to enter in your list in one place and have it handy for any last minute trips to the store is always a good thing. 

3.  Ebates

Sometimes getting to the store with little kids seems impossible.  I love that I can shop from home and simplify my life. I use Ebates on a regular basis to get cash back while shopping online. 

Need new clothes for school?  Look up where you shop and see what cash back they offer.  I shop frequently at Old Navy and there is always cash back there. 

Need a backpack?  Go to Ebates first and type in the store and it will tell you if there is a cash back amount.  (Hint: Right now Lands End has 40% off their backpacks and 2% cash back)

Need supplies from Walmart online, Target or Amazon?  There is usually cash back options there too.

Then every quarter they send you what they call a BIG, FAT check.  You can also pick gift cards to receive instead. It’s an easy way to receive money back on purchases you would make anyway.  A lot of times they show you what sales are going on as well which is a bonus! (I always make a lot while Christmas shopping)

I have a few other apps I use to save money (looking at you Target), what apps do you use?