From books to clothing to electronics, back-to-school shopping is around the corner for many families.
According to new survey data from the National Retail Federation, American families are expected to spend over $860 this year on school supplies. But with inflation hitting hard, parents are likely looking for a break wherever they can.
“We feel the squeeze like everybody else,” Lindsay Chamberlin, a mother of three in Florida, told Good Morning America. “Everything seems to be going up, but really the back-to-school deals have been really good.”
Seventeen states are now offering tax-free holidays for school supplies, cutting sales tax ahead of the start of school.
In Florida, where many schools begin in August, the sales tax holiday kicks off Monday and runs until August 7. In addition, Illinois is offering a reduced sales tax of 1.25% on school supplies from August 5 to 14. Other states joining in the tax-free holidays include Texas, Alabama, Massachusetts, Ohio, South Carolina, Virginia, Arkansas, Iowa, Maryland, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Tennessee and West Virginia.
For other ways to save, check cash-back apps such as Ibotta and Rakuten for deals. Those in search of computers and electronics can look for refurbished models, buy from certified sellers, check return policies and comparison shop.