Feeling the Back-to-School Budget Squeeze?
With school supply prices headed up and tariffs tightening wallets, getting your kids ready for fall can feel a little like weathering a storm. But here’s the surprise: dusty old credit card points and loyalty rewards—often forgotten—are your secret weapon. Use them right, and they can help you slash costs before August hits. This checklist will walk you through exactly how to make those points count, fast—no matter where you shop or what your budget looks like.
1. Audit Your Points—Now, Not Later
Unredeemed points and rewards might be sitting in your accounts, quietly losing power as expiration dates (and school deadlines) creep closer. Ignoring them costs money you already earned.
“Target is keeping 2024 prices on key back-to-school supplies, and some loyalty rewards expire before fall.” (Target Corporate)
Bold takeaway: Dig up your forgotten points—many have use-it-or-lose-it deadlines in July and August.
- Log into every major credit card and retailer account (like Target Circle, Walmart Rewards, or your bank card’s rewards page).
- Make a list of points, cash-back dollars, and special offers—note expiration dates.
- Set a reminder for deals disappearing before August ends.
Start your audit tonight, and post your top reward finds on the fridge to stay reminded.
2. Stack Your Redemptions with July & August Discounts
Back-to-school is the season of stacking deals. Some stores—like Target and Walmart—roll out their juiciest offers in July and August, and you can double up by combining points with these sales.
“Walmart’s Back-to-School Sale: Supplies as low as $0.25. Target’s Circle Week (July 6-12) brings major deals for members.” (The Krazy Coupon Lady)
Bold takeaway: Redeem points during a sale—or on top of a storewide event—to triple your savings in one go.
- Check for stackable deals—like Walmart’s $0.25 supplies or Target’s Circle Week—then redeem rewards or points at checkout.
- Combine your rewards with store coupons or cashback apps for extra discount.
- If you’re a verified student or teacher, apply extra discounts: Target’s 20% off student/teacher deals run June 29–August 30.
This week is prime time—circle sale dates and mark which points you’ll use, so you don’t miss the best shot.
3. Don’t Overlook Local and State Tax-Free Deals
A lot of states boost families with tax-free weekends, chopping another 5% to 10% off your bill. Layer those savings with points redemptions for a real dent in supply costs.
“Mississippi’s tax-free weekend is July 11–13. You pay zero state sales tax on clothes and school supplies.” (Kiplinger)
Bold takeaway: Double up by spending your points during tax-free weekends—every dollar counts when you skip sales tax.
- Look up your state’s back-to-school tax-free event (usually in July or August).
- Plan to redeem your loyalty or credit card points during those dates for maximum benefit.
- Even a $5 rewards redemption stretches further when you’re not paying tax.
Write your local tax-free weekend in bold on your calendar and plan your big shop for those days!
4. Activate Bonus Offers or Early Access Events
Sometimes loyalty programs quietly offer bonus point multipliers or members-only early shopping windows (like Target Circle Week’s early entry for Circle 360 members). These give you more for the same spend—and sometimes let you grab deals before they sell out.
“Target Circle 360 members get early access to Circle Week’s deals starting July 5.” (Target Corporate)
Bold takeaway: Don’t just redeem—boost your earning, or shop with early access to snag the best picks at the lowest prices.
- Log in and activate any bonus multiplier or flash deal offers in your credit card or store accounts (often only visible online).
- Sign up for store loyalty programs ahead of time—so you don’t miss out when deals drop.
- Check for member-only time windows before public sales begin.
Share any bonus codes with friends or family—sometimes multiple redemptions are allowed per household.
Don’t Let Your Points Go to Waste—Stormproof Your Back-to-School Spending
Ready to turn forgotten points into cash savings? First, list your available credit card and loyalty rewards. Next, line them up with July and August’s biggest sales—and don’t skip state tax-free weekends. Activate every bonus you find, and put those points to work before prices (and your expenses) go any higher. Start tonight by auditing your points and setting reminders for the best sale dates—your back-to-school budget will thank you.