The Ultimate Back-to-School Budget Hack
It’s June again, and that means it’s a brand new school year! For many families and students, this time of year often comes with a long list of expenses: from new uniforms and shoes to stacks of notebooks and textbooks.
You know that these costs can add up quickly. However, shopping for school supplies and everything you need to have this season does not have to break the bank. With the right strategy, you can turn your essential purchases into significant savings.
SMAC definitely makes it easier for budget-conscious shoppers to manage their school expenses more efficiently. By using your SMAC at SM Store and other SM Retail partners, you can transform every trip to the mall into a more rewarding experience.
Here are four practical tips to help you master your back-to-school shopping this year:
1. Look for Bundled Deals
One of the easiest ways to make back-to-school shopping feel more manageable is by picking up essentials in bundles. At SM Stationery, notebooks, pens, pencils, markers, and other everyday school must-haves are available in ready-to-go sets that make it easier to check off your list in one trip. It’s a practical way to stock up on your supplies that can last throughout the school year, and possibly even the next. For students juggling both handwritten notes and digital tasks, the gadget area also offers handy finds like calculators, earbuds, powerbanks, and other computer accessories that fit seamlessly into everyday school life. These little conveniences help make preparing for the new school year feel less stressful and more exciting.
2. Time Your Shopping with Sales
Keep an eye out for seasonal promos and store-wide sales, especially SM Store’s 3-Day Sale that happens every month. Timing your big-ticket purchases, such as school shoes or bags, even uniforms and portable Wi-Fi hotspots for internet needs, during these events can lead to huge discounts. SMAC members get an additional 10% off during the 3-Day Sale, while SMAC Prestige members enjoy early access to the sale.
3. Earn Points on Every Purchase
Every time you shop at SM Retail partners for your school needs, whether it’s lunchbox favorites for the kids’ baon at SM Markets or school bags at SM Store, remember to use your SMAC. From school essentials to snacks, every purchase helps you earn SMAC points that can quickly add up and be used for your future shopping needs.
4. Pay with Points to Offset Costs
When you do finally have SMAC Points to use, don’t just let them sit there! These points are just like cash, as 1 SMAC point = 1 Peso, and you can pay for your current purchases with points at SM Store, SM Markets, and select partners. It’s a great way to lower your total bill at the checkout counter.
Make those school purchases count with your own SMAC
Not yet a member? You can get your very own SMAC for only P200 for a 5-year membership. Once you have your card, be sure to link it to the SMAC&SHOP app so you can maximize every purchase and enjoy additional discounts.
Moreover, download and sign up on the SMAC&SHOP app to earn and pay with points using your SMAC QR, check your points balance, enjoy app-exclusive offers, and shop your favorite SM brands online.
SMAC is also the leading retail loyalty program in the Philippines with over 4,000 partner stores nationwide. To know more about where you can use your SMAC, visit https://digiweb.smac.ph/partners
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For more information about SMAC and its partners, visit https://digiweb.smac.ph/partners.
