Reduce The Back-To-School Budget Strain

From AAA East Central, East Penn Region, 1020 W. Hamilton St., Allentown:

According to the National Retail Federation, families with children in grades kindergarten through 12 will spend an average of $603.63 back-to-school items including apparel, school supplies and electronics, and a college student can expect to spend $808.71.

Preparing students for the school year can be very costly, but smart shoppers will take advantage of discounts to stretch back-to-school budgets.

AAA members shopping with Show Your Card & Save partners can save on everything from crayons to dorm room décor, as well as clothing and prescription eye glasses.

AAA’s Back-to-School Sweepstakes offers a chance to win an iPad 2 or one of thousands of $10 gift cards. 

“Getting ready for the new school year can put a strain on household budgets,” said Theresa Podguski, director of public affairs, AAA East Central, East Penn Region. “AAA is pleased to offer its members many great ways to save on everything needed for a successful academic year.” 

AAA members can save on back-to-school shopping at many retailers including:

• Gap Outlet and : 10 percent off purchases

• Barnes & Noble.com: 10 percent off and free shipping on qualifying orders of $25 or more

• DELL: Up to 30 percent or more  on select items

• Sprint:  10 percent off a monthly service plan and waived activation fee on all new line activations on select plans

• Shoes.com: 20 percent off most brand name shoes, including sale and clearance items

• Payless ShoeSource: 10 percent off regularly priced shoes and accessories

• Sylvan Learning: 50 percent off Sylvan Skills Assessment, 15 percent off tuition of a Sylvan program and one month free subscription to SylvanMathPrep.com

• LensCrafters, Pearle Vision, Sears Optical, Target Optical: members receive 30 percent off complete pairs of eyewear, sunglasses and accessories 

Additionally, Show Your Card & Save discounts are available at popular outlets including Tanger Outlet Centers, Reebok and Rockport Outlet Stores.

AAA.com/specialoffers also includes a five percent discount and free shipping for online orders more than $50 at OfficeMax.com and 15 percent off online orders over $100 at Kohls.com.

Learn more at www.AAA.com/specialoffers.