Back to School period in the middle of the summer is one of the biggest shopping days with kids getting a lot of stuff. All that stuff, starting with new clothes and ending with glue, does not have to cost an arm and a leg. It often does though if you don’t watch your budget and are not sure how to get the best deals. With those shopping sprees right around the corner we would like to show you how to get everything you need at Macy’s and save in the process:

• How to earn and redeem Macy’s Money?

You might be more familiar with Kohl’s Cash, but Macy’s Money also works the same way – you will get $10 for every $50 spent to be used for later. Unlike Kohl’s, Macy’s doesn’t offer this all the time, but during select sales events only. Macy’s Money can be used on all brands online and in-store. Always check the date because those rewards expire fast and are valid on certain dates only.

• Can you stack coupons at Macy’s?

Coupons can’t be stacked at Macy’s, but coupons can be combined with Macy’s Money. If you are a big Macy’s spender and have some gift cards accumulated, you can use up to 5 per purchase.

Follow Macy’s coupon offers on their Coupon page.

See Macys Coupons:

• Extra 20% OFF Sale & Clearance Items
• 85% OFF with Back-To-School Pop Up Sale
• Free Shipping on $75 Order

• How should you treat large purchases?

If you are buying more than $250 worth of goods, you would be better off splitting your purchase to get more Macy’s Money because the maximum reward per one purchase is $40. Thanks to those reward cards you can get free clothes for your kids later.

• What is Deal Alert all about?

If you don’t want to miss any deals, you should set a Deal Alert. This way you will be notified about all the most popular offers and will never miss great savings.

• Does Star Rewards program help with saving?

If you love Macy’s and shop there more than once a year, definitely sign up for this loyalty program. Bronze level is free to join and gives you points and rewards for shopping – $10 Macy’s Money for 1,000 points. You can receive points during Star Money Days. Keep in mind that Macy’s Money can be used on all brands, even those that never have sales or coupons.

• Should you get Macy’s credit card?

All cardholders become Star Rewards program members, get points, and many other perks. Based on spending patterns there are three tiers of membership: silver, gold, and platinum. Gold and Platinum members get free shipping always and without minimum purchases, Platinum members also enjoy 5% cash back in rewards.

• What is Star Pass?

Star Pass is a deal that Silver, Gold, and Platinum members get to take 25% off purchases on any day of their choice, including major sales holidays.

• How can you save on kid’s shoes?

The best way to save the most is shop during special sales events. For example, you can get 30% off one pair or 40% off two pairs of kids’ shoes during the Great Shoe Sale that happens very often.

Another great time to shop is during monthly One Day Sale that lasts 48 hours. Finally, save 30% off during semiannual Friend and Family Sale in April and December.

• How can you get 25% off?

All you have to do is sign up for Macy’s emails and texts and you will be awarded one-time 25% discount on your next purchase. You will get another 25% off for downloading the store’s app.

The app is a great way to find out about special discounts and manage your Star Rewards.

• How can you save for college essentials?

It might sound strange, but consider creating a wedding registry and putting college items on it for great discounts. You can get 25% off home essentials, 15% off small appliances, and 10% off furniture, mattresses, and rugs. Apparel, shoes, and jewelry receive two 25% off coupons.

• Does Macy’s participate in price adjustments?

Yes, they do, but you don’t have to manually track current prices any more. You can use Paribus from Capital One and monitor price changes as compared with your online orders automatically. Paribus will even file a claim for you when it notices the difference.

• How much can you save by shopping off-season styles?

The best savings are going to be had for items that are limited-time specials, clearance, closeouts, and Last Act. You can save up to 80% on off-season items if you find them marked-down.

• How to save on school uniforms and active wear?

The best time to shop for both of these is during Black Friday in July Sale. Many items can be discounted as high as 60% during that time. To be safe, shop around at Gap, Old Navy, JC Penney, and Kohl’s before committing.

• What are the best ways to avoid shipping charges?

While shopping for back to school you can easily surpass the $75 free shipping threshold, but if you are placing a smaller order, consider store pick-up to avoid shipping. Black Friday and July offers free shipping on all orders without a minimum purchase.