Save on Back-to-School Supplies in the Tri-Cities

It may seem a little early to shop for back to school supplies, but frugal deal lovers should know that the best deals (and the best selection) are to be had right now, some literally for pennies.

At office supply stores, July is their Christmas, and the stores plan all year how to come up with the best deals to get you through the doors.

Want to walk out of Target with a pack of Bic pens for 4 cents? It can easily be done with a few savvy tips.

You don’t need to be an extreme couponer to reap serious savings.

General Savings Tips

• The biggest deals come when you can combine a store-run special with another coupon, and in some cases also with store discount cards and/or rebates. Check the stores’ weekly sales circulars for items you want and check if you have a coupon to “stack” on top. I like to check these sites for good general coupons:
  • http://www.coupons.com/
  • http://smartsource.com/
  • http://www.redplum.com/
• Tip: Sign up for deal and coupon emails with a separate email account you use just for this purpose (to cut down on emails to your primary account), and be more efficient in time spent deal hunting.
• If you have a favorite brand you use regularly, and you use Facebook, “like” their fan page, and often you’ll find exclusive coupons there.
• Don’t have the time, energy or interest to track deals? There are several great bloggers who do the job for you. Two of my go-to resources are Money Saving Mom and Coupon Cravings.

Grab your school supply lists and coupons and head to these local stores to grab some back-to-school deals and check them off the to-do list:

• Target, 400 Newpark Mall, Newark, 510-744-1790. (This week: sale on all kinds of school supplies, including kid-friendly backpacks and clothes. Also check out their coupons for all kinds of school supplies.)
• WalMart, 30600 Dyer St., Union City, 510-475-5915, or 40580 Albrae St., Fremont, 510-440-8060. (This week: Offering a study desk for as little as $49).
• Staples: 43484 Boscell Rd., Fremont, 510-979-0511. (This week: offering a free five-pack of highlighters, and other deals for as little as 50 cents.)