COLUMBIA, S.C. — … And just like that, it’s time for kids to head back to school.
As summer break winds down and parents prepare to send their children back to school, it’s a good time to remind ourselves of the risks that children face and the resources available to help. News19 This Morning is airing a month-long back to school series where we are focusing on different topics that most impact you and your child.
This week we are focusing on money saving tips.
Back-to-School Shopping Deals
American families with kids from elementary to high school are expected to spend an average of $875 on back-to-school items, according to the National Retail Federation's annual back-to-school survey.
The high price tag for new clothes, laptops and pencils can be challenging, especially with inflation.
Jenny Martin with "Southern Savers" breaks down ways you can save money when shopping for back to school items.
Back-To-School Scams
With the start of the school year, social media platforms are buzzing with adorable back-to-school photos.
These images often feature children holding signs with basic information such as their name, grade, and school. Scammers can use this information to hack into your accounts or steal your child's identity.
Before joining the trend, parents are advised to take precautions and be mindful of the information they share online.
Check out these tips here.
Tips on How to Pay for College
With costs for basic necessities on the rise heading into the fall semester, there's an extra strain on college students and their parents. In South Carolina, the average in-state cost of attendance is about $14,000 for tuition and fees. It's around $29,000 when you count room and board as well. There are programs and resources that can help so you're not paying for it later with so many student loans. Financial expert Neil Brown stopped by News19 This Morning with some money saving resources.
Budget Friendly Snacks
EFNEP Nutrition Educators Dianna Richardson and Kayla Scarborough from Clemson University's Extension Office stopped by News19 This Morning to discuss ways you can make your child's lunch without spending too much money. We also discussed some of the germs that attached to your child's school lunches if not properly stored.
Back-To-School Fashion Tips
As the school year approaches, parents and students start the hunt for school clothes that are stylish, durable, and, most importantly, affordable. Juliette Muller, the CEO of Columbia Fashion Week, stopped by News19 This Morning with ways you can dress to impress without hurting your wallet.
Tax-Free Weekend
With back-to-school season underway, South Carolina retailers and parents are preparing for the sales tax holiday weekend. Beginning Friday, August 2 through Sunday, August 4, certain back-to-school purchases like clothing, school supplies, computers and many other items will be exempt from sales tax.
“The state sales tax across the board is 6%, on all purchases. That sales tax goes to the State Department of Revenue. But local municipality and counties can implement their own increased sales tax for their own use. Whether it's for schools or special projects. That could be anywhere from half a percent, on up,” says Krista Hinson with SC Retail Association.
More on the local sales tax can be found here.
“Stretch your money and make it go a little bit further as you prepare for all the needed items with back to school because those costs really do add up this time of year,” says Hinson.
The Department of Revenue separates the tax-free items into four different categories: School Supplies, Clothing and Shoes, Bed and Bath items, and Computers and Accessories.
A more in-depth list of tax-free items can be found here.
“Last year, during tax free weekend, South Carolina shoppers bought about $30.4 million worth of tax-exempt items, which translates to about $1.8 million that was saved in sales tax,” says Rob Walden with SCDOR.
Many discount stores are advertising the tax-free deals both in-store and online.
If your child doesn’t need some of the items you already bought, Hinson is reminding customers about the return policy across the state.
“Items purchased during tax free weekend and was purchased during the tax-free period are exempt from taxes if they were returned. For store credit, anything bought with that credit after tax free weekend, unfortunately does not get the tax-free discount,” says Hinson.