High School Survival Guide
Back to school: how to save money on school supplies
By Tammy Sofranic
It's that time of the year to prep and head back to school. Along with a change in routine and a busier schedule also comes shopping for supplies.
With many economic changes and instability in the last few years, everyone is looking for ways to cut back and save up. So, if you don't want to spend a fortune this year, keep reading to pick up a few hacks on saving a little money.
1. Pre-loved/second-hand
The most obvious way to save up is to look for pre-loved items at places such as Marketplace or vintage shops in your suburb. You’d be surprised to see how many things people sell, usually for half or more than half the price of new items. Often, the items can be in excellent condition, but they are significantly more affordable due to being used.
Otherwise, your older siblings or friends might have saved or kept their supplies in good condition and may not need them anymore. It’s good to give them a heads-up to look after their supplies and keep them in the best possible condition, but even if you didn’t do that, it’s worth asking and checking with them; you never know.
If you don’t have older siblings or friends, talk to someone from the upper class in your school and suss out their situation. You might find someone keen to sell and make a little money on the side.
2. Less is more
Before you buy anything, ask yourself – do I REALLY need this? With so much tech, what supplies are needed?
When you’re on a budget, the last thing you want is to buy supplies you won’t use. Instead, you want to be sure that if you invest, you will use that item.
So, asking yourself if you need it or asking older students what they used the most and the least can help you make wiser choices about what to buy and what not to buy.
3. Bargain hunt
Shop smart and watch for Black Friday, Boxing Day and EOFY sales. You can bulk shop or shop ahead of time, which saves you from shopping at the last minute when prices are hyper-inflated. Instead, you can get your staff and wait for the next term in peace, knowing you didn’t spend a fortune!
Another option is to check out Aldi’s specials or half-price items at Woollies or Coles; you may also find a few bargains there.
4. Get extra income
If you follow through with all the steps above and it’s still tough to purchase everything necessary, you might want to seek an additional job. It may sound like a big deal, but it might even help you in the long run and with other expenses.
If a job hunt seems daunting, no worries – you’re in the right place for that. Skillsroad is a leading early-careers platform in Australia, and we’ve got all the tools to help you get there.
To find out what careers best suit your skillset, take the 5-minute Career Quiz:
To find out your job readiness, take the 5-minute Job Fit Test:
You can download free resume templates here:
Finally, head to the Skillsroad Jobs Board and start applying:
5. Reach out to a charity
There is a charity called GIVIT. In addition to helping children in need with back-to-school supplies, GIVIT's Ready to Learn appeal also supports adults experiencing disadvantage with the things they need to further their education and improve their lives.
Read more tips & tricks on managing your finances:
