Save Money Back To School

Top 10 Ways to Save Money for Back to School: Smart Tips for Parents on a Budget

The back-to-school season is an exciting time—but it can also be one of the most expensive. Between school supplies, new clothes, tech gadgets, and extracurricular fees, costs can pile up quickly. According to the National Retail Federation, families spend an average of $800 per student each year on back-to-school shopping. The good news? There are plenty of ways to save without cutting corners.

Whether you’re shopping for a kindergartener or a college freshman, this guide outlines the top 10 ways to save money for back to school—helping you stay within budget and stress-free.

---

1. Create a Back-to-School Budget

Before you spend a dollar, set a realistic budget. List all possible expenses including school supplies, clothing, shoes, backpacks, electronics, lunch gear, and activity fees. Divide this list into “essentials” and “nice-to-haves.” Knowing how much you can afford helps you prioritize and avoid impulse buys.

Tip: Use budget tracking apps like EveryDollar or Goodbudget to plan and monitor your spending.

---

2. Take Inventory at Home

You might be surprised by what you already have. Check closets, drawers, and old school boxes for:

• Unused notebooks and pencils

• Backpacks in good condition

• Clothing that still fits

• Reusable lunchboxes or water bottles

Doing an inventory can prevent duplicate purchases and significantly reduce your shopping list.

---

3. Shop with a List (And Stick to It!)

Retailers are designed to encourage overspending—especially during back-to-school season. Avoid being lured by colorful displays or trendy items by shopping with a list and sticking to it. Whether you’re shopping online or in-store, a strict list helps eliminate unnecessary purchases.

Pro Tip: Some schools provide a detailed supply list for each grade—use that as your guide.

---

4. Buy in Bulk and Split the Cost

Buying supplies like pencils, paper, and glue in bulk can lead to big savings—especially if you have multiple kids. For even greater value, consider teaming up with other parents and splitting the cost of large purchases from warehouse stores like Costco or Sam’s Club.

This method works especially well for shared classroom items or recurring needs throughout the year.

---

5. Take Advantage of Tax-Free Shopping Days

Many states in the U.S. offer tax-free weekends in late summer specifically for back-to-school shopping. During this period, you can buy school supplies, clothes, and sometimes electronics without paying sales tax.

How much can you save? Depending on your state’s tax rate, savings can range from 5% to 10% or more.

---

6. Use Coupons, Cashback, and Apps

Before you hit “checkout,” search for promo codes and coupons. Sites like RetailMeNot, Rakuten, and Honey automatically apply discount codes at checkout or offer cashback on qualifying purchases.

Also check store loyalty programs and apps like:

• Target Circle

• Walmart Savings Catcher (if available)

• Amazon’s “Back to School” deals

• Ibotta for cash-back offers

Using just one or two of these tools can make a meaningful dent in your total bill.

---

7. Buy Used or Refurbished Items

Not everything needs to be brand new. Look for gently used:

• Backpacks and lunch boxes (often sold in local Facebook groups or thrift stores)

• School uniforms and clothing

• Graphing calculators

• Tablets or laptops (check manufacturer-certified refurbished options)

Thrift shops, eBay, and local buy/sell groups can be goldmines for budget-friendly finds.

---

8. Delay Non-Essential Purchases

Not everything needs to be purchased before the first day. For example:

• Some school supplies may not be used until later in the semester.

• Kids might need different shoes or clothes after a few weeks of growth or changing weather.

• Tech gadgets might go on sale later in the season.

Waiting until after the back-to-school rush can lead to clearance deals and better informed decisions.

---

9. Plan School Lunches in Advance

Packing lunch is one of the easiest ways to save money during the school year. A little prep time each week can cut food costs dramatically versus buying cafeteria meals every day.

Here’s how to save:

• Buy reusable containers to reduce waste

• Shop for snacks in bulk

• Prepare meals in advance (meal prep Sundays!)

• Involve your kids in making lunches to avoid food waste

Bonus: Homemade lunches are often healthier, too.

---

10. Teach Kids About Budgeting

Back-to-school shopping is a great opportunity to teach kids about budgeting and smart spending. Give older children a spending limit for clothes or supplies and let them make decisions. This helps them learn the value of money, comparison shopping, and prioritizing needs over wants.

You might be surprised how mindful and resourceful kids can be when they’re in control of their own mini budget.

---

Final Thoughts

Preparing for back to school doesn’t have to strain your finances. With a little planning, smart shopping, and the right mindset, you can significantly cut costs while still setting your children up for a successful school year.

These top 10 ways to save money for back to school not only help your wallet but also teach your family valuable lessons about budgeting, responsibility, and intentional spending. If you need extra cash for back to school visit https://wefixmoneynow.com.

---

Quick Recap: Top 10 Back-to-School Savings Tips