Iowa’s tax free weekend for back-to-school shopping begins at midnight.
This comes as the National Retail Federation reports inflation worries and supply chain issues are adding up to increased costs for families.
Sifting through a box of gently used school supplies, mother of four Jessie Todd is looking to repurpose as much as she can.
“This isn’t my first rodeo,” Todd said. “I know what the kids are going to need. I know what’s expected at school so if I find a great deal in November, I’m going to grab it.”
As a teacher herself, Todd knows some costs are unavoidable.
“I look at my bill and I’m like did I really just spend $27 on pencils? You know, some of those things really do add up,” Todd said.
One survey found parents are spending about 32% more on back-to-school shopping this year. The National Retail Federation expects families with children in elementary through high school to spend about $849 on average.
“You can’t believe you live in a world where you have to spend that much on your kids shoes, pencils or clothes,” Todd said.
Iowa’s tax free holiday Friday and Saturday is meant to help with those costs. It specifically includes clothing and footwear.
In Todd’s house, each kid gets to pick out one special school item.
“Instead of getting whole new wardrobe or all new clothes, they pick out one thing that they’re really excited about that they’d love for school and that saves a ton of money,” Todd said.
Todd also suggests the following:
- If the shoe fits? Wear it! No need to buy new shoes for the school year if they’re not needed.
- Hand me down clothes, just like gently used supplies, are big cost savers.
- Make the most out of already used notebooks if they haven’t been filled.
The first lesson of the year is to remember what’s important.
“It’s about who’s on the porch, not what they’re wearing. Not what’s in their backpacks. I’m so thankful that I get to send four kids off to school that I’m not going to worry if their shirt matches their shoes or if their shoes have scuffs on them,” Todd said.
Jessie is going to share more tips for back-to-school shopping on the Des Moines’ Mom’s blog in the coming weeks.
If you have questions about the tax free holiday, head to the Iowa Department of Revenue’s website.