I was out at the Minnesota State Fair yesterday and had the opportunity to meet several college and school age kids excited about going back to school in another week. Their parents on the other hand are busy trying to figure out how and where to buy back-to-school supplies.
Some retailers are trying new things to entice parents to pick their stores. Sam’s Club is offering $15 gift cards to college students who buy an annual membership as well as a free additional card for a roommate.
OfficeMax is offering select school supplies for a penny.
Staples is giving away some freebies.
Wal-Mart is providing an opportunity to get your child a wake-up call from Hannah Montana.
Book Deals
In 2005 the Government Accounting Office investigated the cost of college textbooks. It found prices increased twice the rate of inflation over the last 20 years. It also found textbook prices nearly tripled from December 1986 to December 2004, while tuition and fees increased by 240 percent.
Needless to say there are lots of people looking to save money. One thing you can do is find out if the publisher offers an electronic version of the book. Two of the biggest publishers Pearson and McGraw-Hill Education have launched a site which offers e-versions that they say can cost half as much.
Here are a few other sites that do some comparison shopping for you:
Books price
Cheapest Textbooks
Big Words
One word of caution with these sites: make sure you are getting the correct edition of the book you need for class.
Got any back to school saving suggestions? Send me an e-mail so I can share your ideas with other viewers.
