Here
are 6 handy tips to help you save money before the school year starts.
1). Use and reuse
The size of the inventory list can be pretty daunting at the beginning
of the year. Thankfully, not all items have to be brand new. You’d be surprised
at how much can be reused for the following year, when given some care and
attention. Try giving any lunchboxes or pencil cases a good clean, for example.
You can even get the little ones involved, and get creative to redesign any old
equipment with a little paint and PVA glue – and hey presto! Good as new.
2.) Shop local
where possible
When shopping around for school supplies, it can sometimes pay to go
off the beaten track. The multi-national chain stores and supermarkets can be
expensive, so try looking in places you wouldn’t usually think. Local
businesses such as the Yorkshire Trading Co can be great for bargains, and you
can even try online too - many web-based retailers offer exclusive discounts
for new customers – so be sure to shop around.
3). Take advantage of loyalty schemes
This is less of a money
saver, and more one for the long-term. If you tend to do most of your shopping
in supermarkets, make sure to sign up for their loyalty scheme programmes.
Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, and Morrisons, all offer loyalty points for customers,
so that you can gradually build up in-store credit. If you happen to be an
Engage Card customer with us, you can earn cashback rewards at many different
stores – including Asda and Sainsburys. Click here for a full list of reward partners - think of it as a way to stock up
on discount – ready for when the next school year comes around.
4). Where possible, buy in bulk
For things that aren’t likely to expire in the short-term, try to buy
in larger amounts if you can. Notepads, folders, and pens all become cheaper if
you buy in bulk. This makes extra sense if you have a number of children in
school or college at the same time, too. Try places like Costco and other wholesale
suppliers to try and make savings on your school shop.
5). Use student discount where possible
Lots of places offer exclusive student discount – from electronics and
clothes to stationery and sports kit – many retailers offer between 10-20% for
college and University students. This is particularly useful if you’re looking
at making a large purchase, such as a laptop or tablet for the new school year.
6). Finally – speak to your credit union!
Last, but most definitely not least, speak to your credit union for
guidance with budgeting ahead of the school year - ask in branch for one of our
free Budget Planners. If you need to spread the cost, our Child Benefit Loan
and Savings Plan could be the ideal answer. We offer low interest rates on
loans up to £500, which you can repay directly using your Child Benefit
payments. You’ll also add to your savings each time you make a repayment – a
perfect way to build up your own nest egg or save for your child’s future.
Remember, if you have any queries about managing the cost of sending
the children back to school, pop into one of our branches, call us on 01482 778
753, or email info@hullandeycu.co.uk and
we’ll be happy to help.
While you’re here, have you entered out competition
yet?!
Have you heard? We’re
giving away £150 to one of our lucky members, every 2 weeks! All you need to do
is be a member, and head to our Facebook page and tag 3 friends. Hurry – winner
announced every other Friday!
Thanks again for your
continued support,
John
CEO, HEY Credit Union
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