With summer winding down and school bells on the horizon, the back-to-school rush is upon us. It’s a time of excitement for both kids and parents, but it can also feel overwhelming on your wallet! Don’t worry, we are here with some tips to help make this year’s shopping experience smooth and stress-free, all while keeping your budget in mind.

By planning your shopping trip early, you can focus on smart shopping strategies. For example, did you know August is a prime time to find deals on everything from backpacks to laptops? Many retailers offer discounts, coupons, and clearance sales to entice early shoppers. This is the perfect opportunity to stretch your budget and avoid last-minute price hikes. Another strategy is to do a quick inventory of what you already have, before diving into new purchases. You might be surprised by the usable notebooks, binders, and art supplies from past years.

To stretch your school budget even further, you can create a detailed list of your child’s needs and set a realistic budget for each category. Sticking to the list will help you avoid impulse buys. You can also consider gently used clothing and backpacks. Consignment shops and online marketplaces offer fantastic deals on quality items. Finally, get crafty and involve your children! Cover notebooks with personalized fabric or decorate binders. Instead of buying a new water bottle, consider customizing an old, reusable one to create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. These simple DIY projects can add a personal touch while saving you money.

If you have implemented a financially sound shopping strategy but are still feeling the financial pinch, we can help. With our Visa Rewards credit card, you have all the purchasing power you need, with the freedom to use it anywhere to maximize your budget. Enjoy low minimum payments, no annual fees, no cash advance fees, and a free balance transfer program, plus 24/7 fraud protection and online account management for added peace of mind. And of course, you can always manage your card from our convenient mobile app.

As an added benefit this month, from August 1st through the 31st, your Visa Rewards credit card earns you two points for every dollar you spend on clothes, shoes, school supplies, and more. Imagine receiving rewards just for using your Visa to make purchases. That’s like having money back in your pocket! Visit scorecardrewards.com for a complete list of rewards and the many ways to redeem your points for items like merchandise, travel, gift cards, Cedar Point passes and Kalahari gift cards, or for cash back.

Don’t wait until the last minute to tackle your back-to-school shopping list. Visit us today to explore our wide selection of products and knowledgeable staff ready to assist you at one of our five convenient locations. Apply for our Visa Rewards credit card today and get rewarded for making those early purchases in August.