MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Melissa Cohen, lecturer in the Department of Economics and Finance in the Jones College of Business at Middle Tennessee State University, offers valuable insights on how families can save money as the new school year approaches.

Drawing on her expertise in finance, Cohen provided five practical tips for budget-conscious parents gearing up for back-to-school shopping during her appearance on the “MTSU on 2” segment from the studios of WKRN-TV News 2, the ABC affiliate in Nashville.

“I know firsthand how back-to-school shopping costs can quickly add up. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to save without cutting corners,” said Cohen, a mother of twins.

5 tips to save on school supplies

1. Start with the teacher’s list so you know what you actually need. 
2. Buy generics or store brands (with a few exceptions!)
3. Re-use supplies.
4. Take advantage of Tax-Free Weekend on July 26-28.
5. Buy later during clearance sales.

You can watch the segment, part of the station’s Local on 2 programming, with program co-host and producer Laura Schweizer below.

Cohen’s recommendations include to start early by using teachers’ supply lists to anticipate needs and track prices. She advises shoppers take advantage of current sales at major retailers like Target and Staples, where discounts on essential items like notebooks and crayons are already available.

“For those looking to maximize savings, buying store-brand generics can offer substantial discounts without sacrificing quality,” notes Cohen. She also suggests reusing items from previous school years, such as backpacks and calculators to further reduce costs. Purchasing quality items with warranties can save also money in the long run.

“Mark your calendars for Tennessee’s Tax-Free Weekend from July 26-28,” said Cohen.

During this period, shoppers can purchase school supplies, clothing, and even computers without paying sales tax, making it an ideal time to stock up on essentials. Clothing and school supplies must cost less than $100 an item and computers are limited to $1,500 or less.

“Lastly, consider waiting for clearance sales to buy non-immediate necessities like backpacks and extra supplies,” suggests Cohen. By planning purchases strategically, families can save significantly on back-to-school expenses.

To learn more about the undergraduate programs offered in the MTSU Department of Economics and Finance in the Jones College of Business, visit https://jones.mtsu.edu/.

— Darby Campbell-Firkus (Darby.Campbell@mtsu.edu)