September is synonymous with returning to class and lighter wallets. Among backpacks, notebooks, cases, physical education arts and equipment material, the list of school supplies seems endless. Although school manuals are free, the average material spend around 200 euros per student, a value that weighs in many Portuguese families. Knowing exactly what to buy and apply some savings strategies can make all the difference.
According to teachers contacted by the Ekonomist, there are indispensable articles in each teaching cycle, but also tricks to reduce expenses, avoid unnecessary purchases and fractionate spending throughout the school year.
The essential in the 1st cycle
From the 1st to the 4th year, the basic material includes pencils, ballpoints of various colors, rubber, reservoir, guided and checkered notebooks, ruler, compass, transferrner, scissors, glue, case and backpack. In music education, it adds its own notebook and the bevel flute, requested from the 3rd year. For Physical Education, you can not miss t-shirt, shorts or training fact, right shoes and bag for change of clothes.
What changes in the 2nd cycle
In the 5th and 6th years, the requirements increase: 45º Square, gouches, brushes, horse paper, A3 cover for drawings, file architecture and additional notebooks. According to the News to Minuto website, the extra weight of the backpack can be reduced if parents choose black cover notebooks used to two disciplines.
The 3rd cycle and the new expenses
In 7th to 9th grade, the list becomes more demanding. In addition to different types of pencils, ballpoints and notebooks, visual arts are required such as 50 cm ruler, X-ATO, horse paper blocks, gouches and pen drive. The obligation of the scientific calculator with trigonometric functions also arises.
Practical tips for spending less
Teachers and parental associations cited by the same source recommend starting with an organized list that helps resist impulse purchases. Reuse backpacks, cases and rulers from previous years can greatly reduce the expense.
Another advice is to avoid leaving purchases for the last minute. Those who buy calmly can compare prices on various commercial surfaces and save up to 50% on certain articles. Establishing a budget also helps maintain control.
According to the, a simple way to save goes through not bringing children to shopping. Natural enthusiasm and campaigns targeted at them make it harder to resist unnecessary articles.
Another strategy is to fractionate the purchase: Many materials are only accurate later, so the investment can be distributed in the first months of the school year.
An annual challenge
Return to school is a time of enthusiasm for the younger ones, but also a test of the organization of families. The key is to buy only essential school supplies, plan spending, and look for practical solutions that help reduce budget impact.
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