We can’t cut it: it’s back to school. For those who are on the Daron side of the Force and who have a child making it to school, the supply lists provided by schools can give the start of an ulcer. Apart from the fact that finding small square notebooks in 29.5×3 format and only in magenta can make any parent want to stick their heads in their buttocks, all these things have a cost, and it is not negligible.
With current inflation and the cost of supplies having risen by 11% this year – including 14% for stationery – perhaps we would like to find some advice on how not to end up with straw from 5 September. So yes, there are no miraculous solutions, let’s be clear: prices are going up everywhere. But these three tips can help you relax a bit.
Recycling and second hand
To lighten the budget it can be convenient to go hunting and get out of the supermarkets. The second hand also exists for school supplies, and you can find calculators, rulers and other compasses in perfect condition on online resale sites such as Le Bon Coin or Vinted, and associated shops such as Emmaüs or La Croix rouge. There are also, everywhere in France, for more modest families, numerous recycling centers or associations which allow you to fill your backpack (and even find one) at low prices. Without forgetting Geev, the application dedicated to the donation of objects between private individuals!
Sort your things before refueling
Each school year we may tend to follow the supply list without necessarily looking at what we already have in stock. However, even if you notice that you need three packets of small square perforated paper, this does not mean that you have to buy brand new packets: you can even run out of last year’s ones, and buy new ones when we run out. Spreading it out over the year, rather than buying it all at once, is a bit of a relief. No need to buy new tires, kits or binders if last year’s can still do the job! Reducing consumption is good for your bank account and for the planet, killing two birds with one stone.
Government aid
Aside from these tips, you probably already know that the state can help more modest families through the back-to-school allowance. This year, for the parents concerned, the payment was made on August 16th. As for its amount, it is 398.09 euros for a child aged 6 to 10, 420.05 euros for a child aged 11 to 14 and 434.61 euros for a child aged 15 to 18. Three million families benefit from it, and the disbursement takes place without any intervention by all those who have a beneficiary number.
Look for the cheapest brands and promotions
As you can imagine, not all stores charge the same prices. A pen bought from Monoprix does not have the same price as another – but of the same brand – from Leclerc or Lidl. Before you dive into the sweet world of back to school shopping, take a quick look at the different stores around you and compare prices as much as possible. Not to mention that some distributors organize promotions on lots, and this helps a lot. Not sure what these 4 packs of double copies bought for the price of one will be for? Well, you can stock up for the year and next year, there will be less and less to spend for the next school year. Even on the Internet you can find good deals, not to be overlooked, especially in times of crisis.
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Source: Madmoizelle
Mary Crossley is an author at “The Fashion Vibes”. She is a seasoned journalist who is dedicated to delivering the latest news to her readers. With a keen sense of what’s important, Mary covers a wide range of topics, from politics to lifestyle and everything in between.
