The dog days of summer are officially here. I used to dread this time of year as a kid because I knew that the start of a new school year was sure to follow. I always hated kissing summer goodbye, but at least I got to go back-to-school shopping.
I've always been a shopper, so my favorite part of heading back to school was shopping for new clothes, shoes, and supplies. Growing up in a small town in Virginia, we didn't have many retail stores to get the things we needed, so we always came to the beach for our big back-to-school shopping trip. If she could, my mom always tried to plan our trip on tax-free weekend.
This year, tax-free weekend is August 6th-8th. If you're planning to shop, check out my blog post from last year's tax-free weekend for a few pro tips.
With the start of a new school year right around the corner, its time to start filling up the cart with back-to-school items. If the rows and rows of school supplies at Walmart and Target haven't already sucked you in, then Tax-Free Weekend is the perfect time to grab some of the key items that may be on your list.
What is Tax-Free Weekend?
If you're not familiar with Tax-Free Weekend, now is the perfect time to jump on the band wagon. From August 7th-9th, the state of South Carolina has a tax holiday that allows resident and nonresident shoppers to purchase certain items tax-free. Remember, eligible items are still tax-free if you shop online, so check with your local retailer to see if they offer online shopping, delivery, or curbside pick-up.
What Items Are Included In Tax-Free Weekend?
The tax holiday applies to certain items such as school supplies used for school assignments, apparel, electronics, and bed and bath items. Click here for a full list of all things that will be tax-exempt.
How to Shop Like A Pro
Although Tax-Free Weekend is a great time to get deals on some of the back-to-school items that you'll need, there are a few things you'll want to keep in mind to get the most bang for your buck.
1. Make a List
If you're like me, it's sometimes easy to get carried away when you know you're getting a good deal. If you don't come prepared, you may end up spending more than you intended. Since the tax-free exemption is limited to specific items, make a list of qualifying items that you need, and limit yourself to only buying those.
2. Arrive Early
Like you, most other shoppers will be using Tax-Free Weekend as a time to stock up on exempt items. Try to get to your favorite stores early to ensure that the things that you want to purchase are still in stock.
3. Price Match
If you don't want the hassle of going from store to store, try price matching. Price Matching can cut your shopping time down and help you get everything you need in one place! Click here for a list of major retailers who will price match competitors.
4. Think of Things You'll Need In the Future
Remember, Tax-Free Weekend doesn't have to be just for back-to-school items. Plan ahead and purchase other tax-exempt items that you know you will need during the year. Items like linens and home office supplies are great purchases for tax-free weekend. Why not go ahead and grab them while you can get them on sale?
5. Stock Up for the Year, Not Just the First Day
Of course, everyone looks forward to a new outfit on the first day of school, but take time to shop for all kinds of clothing necessities. Think of clothing items you may need throughout the year (pajamas, rain boots, winter coats, etc.) and grab them while they're tax-free.
