Master the Art of Budgeting for Back-to-School Shopping

Parents are ready to spend a lot on back-to-school shopping. Almost 75% of caregivers surveyed mentioned that their school expenses have gone up this year.  For many, covering these costs is tough, with 43% of those surveyed saying they’ll have to cut back on other expenses or aren’t sure how they’ll pay for school supplies. Families are becoming more mindful of their spending on back-to-school items and education in general, according to experts. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all way to save money on back-to-school shopping, but parents can check out some strategies to keep more cash in their pockets.

Some Major Points

• Some parents are willing to go into debt for their kids’ social lives: The survey revealed that 42% of parents with K-12 or college kids would consider going into debt for back-to-school items that help their kids fit in. Over half (53%) of parents with school-aged or college kids said they’d take on debt for extracurricular activities their kids want to join.
• Some shoppers are making budgets and discussing them with their kids: More than a third (35%) of back-to-school shoppers plan to set a strict budget this year. Also, 31% have talked or plan to talk to their kids about the back-to-school shopping budget.
• Few say they’ll go into debt for back-to-school shopping, but their payment methods tell a different story: Even though just 10% of back-to-school shoppers say they’ll likely go into debt for school supplies this year, 20% plan to use “buy now, pay later” services. This, along with many shoppers using credit cards, suggests that people might not see short-term borrowing as actual debt.
• Debit and credit cards are the go-to payment methods for back-to-school shopping: The survey found that 60% of back-to-school shoppers will use a debit card, and 58% will opt for a credit card. Shoppers could select more than one payment method.

Back to school is a busy time for everyone. Kids are getting used to new teachers and classmates, while parents are rushing to gather the necessary clothes and supplies. The costs of preparing kids for the school year just add to the stress.

Adhere to Your List

Retailers often mark down items heavily to attract shoppers to their stores or websites. It can be tempting to grab things just because they’re on sale. But it’s best to resist that temptation, as those discounted items can pile up and strain your budget. Stick to what’s on your child’s teacher’s class list and avoid picking up extra stuff.

Keep Your Children at Home

Consider leaving your kids at home while you shop. This is especially wise if you have little ones who might not understand budgeting. Without distractions or requests for items not on the list, parents can focus better on comparing items and finding the best deals.

Get Your Kids in the Mix

Impulse buys from kids can really mess with your back-to-school budget. Keep those extra costs down by getting your kids involved in making a list and sticking to the budget. Don't let them hop in the car without a plan; if you ask them to come up with one, they probably will. Shopping for school can be a great chance to teach your kids about smart spending. Some parents give their kids a set amount of cash for supplies and clothes, letting them decide how to spend it.

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Look Out for Tax-Free Weekends  

If you live in a state with tax-free weekends, make the most of it for your shopping. If all school supplies are tax-free, stock up for the whole year since those supplies won’t go bad. Seventeen states had tax-free shopping in 2024, mostly in July or early August, but a few, like Connecticut, Maryland, and Massachusetts, have theirs in mid-to-late August.

Don't go for the Expensive Smartphone  

While some back-to-school tips might save you a few bucks, cutting out pricey tech can save you a lot. Parents of middle schoolers shouldn’t feel like their kid needs a smartphone right away. There's less pressure for a new phone when kids start middle school because many schools are starting to ban cellphones or even take them away during the day. Check with your child's school about their phone policy before buying one. If you think your kid needs a phone for after school, maybe consider getting a basic model instead of the latest smartphone.

Team Up for Bulk Buys with Other Parents  

Most people have friends in the same boat, and back-to-school shopping is a perfect time to team up with other parents. Pooling together for supplies can save you some cash. Buying a big pack of glue sticks, for example, can really lower the cost per item, but one family usually doesn't need that many. Several families can split bulk buys for savings. Notebooks, binders, crayons, and markers are common items you can find online in bulk.

Buy Secondhand Stuff  

You don’t always have to buy brand new items for your kids; gently used clothes and supplies can work just fine too. Shopping resale not only gives you some unique finds but can also save you up to 90% off retail prices, which means you can stretch your budget further. The selection and prices will vary by store, so it’s worth checking out thrift shops and resale stores for barely used notebooks, calculators, and bags of pens, pencils, markers, and crayons.

Use Deals Websites and Apps

Mix those sales with some of these:  

• Cash back sites and extensions: For online shopping, you could try cash back services like Rebates They give you rebates on purchases that you can cash out or turn into gift cards.  
• Cash back credit cards: Using a cash back credit card for back-to-school shopping can be a good idea, but make sure you pay off the balance when the bill comes. Otherwise, the interest could wipe out your savings. If you can manage that, a cash back card might save you between 1% and 6% on your shopping.  
• Various savings apps: Apps can help you get cash back and rebates by just uploading your receipts. These usually focus on groceries or beauty products, but you might spot cash back offers for school supplies in the summer.  
• Coupons: You can grab paper coupons for school supplies from newspapers or sales ads, and find digital coupons using a retailer’s loyalty app. If you’re shopping online, look for coupon codes on various sites.  

Search for Sales  

Once you’ve got your list and plan, start looking for stores with back-to-school discounts. This could be big box stores, office supply shops, or discount stores. There are back-to-school sales all summer long, but right now you can score some great deals at places like Target, Walmart, Staples, and Five Below. Hot deals include notebooks for 35 cents and crayons for 50 cents. Websites like The Krazy Coupon Lady gather deals and help shoppers see what's on sale at their favorite spots.  

Shop With Some Kind of Plan  

Before you hit the stores, check what you have and what you still need. This might mean having your kid try on clothes to see what fits, checking last year’s backpack for wear and tear, and testing pens and markers to see if they still work. Then, look over your child’s supply list from school and fill in any missing items. As you jot down what you need, think about which things are worth spending a bit more on. Do you really need the newest version, or can you go for the generic option? For example, while brand-name crayons and markers might be higher quality, younger kids who are still scribbling might do just fine with the cheaper ones.  

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Conclusion

Back-to-school shopping can feel overwhelming, but with some planning and budgeting, it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. By focusing on what you need instead of what you want, taking advantage of sales, using coupons, and spreading out purchases, families can keep their expenses in check. Plus, letting kids be part of the budgeting process teaches them important money lessons for the future. With the right mindset, back-to-school shopping can be a chance to gear up for the school year without stressing your wallet. Just remember, it’s not only about buying supplies—it’s about kicking off a positive new academic adventure.