Back-to-school budgeting blues? Make a plan of action before buying supplies, clothes

Even though the temperatures are still soaring, the end of summer is the perfect time for parents to start budgeting for back-to-school shopping. Outside of the holidays, back-to-school shopping is often the most expensive time of the year..

CommunityAmerica can provide you with all the information and help you need to navigate the back-to-school season, including tips and tricks on how to save money on school supplies.

Shop your drawers first

There’s something about a fresh box of crayons that makes the start of another school year feel real. For some of your other supplies, it is important to take a hard look at what is necessary to purchase new, as many things can be reused. You probably have a drawer full of pens and pencils that can be carried over to next year, and the same goes for lightly used binders or notebooks.

While your child might want all-new, shiny supplies, you can save money by reusing certain items. Unless otherwise stated by the school, it’s not necessarily true that your kid needs a new backpack, calculator, or USB drive for the new school year, as these things can often last many years. This could also be a good time to teach your little ones a lesson in saving and taking care of their personal items throughout the year.

Budget first, buy second

There are plenty of things that can’t be reused and need to be purchased new. While many schools will send out school supply information as soon as they can, contact your child’s school and request a list of what your child will need ahead of time so you can start putting together a budget.

Once you have a good idea of how much you need to spend on school supplies and what will be purchased, start researching. You might find better deals online or at a bulk retailer for basic supplies like paper or pens, especially if you have multiple kids to provide for.

Dress to impress

A newly updated wardrobe is a must for many kids before they step back into the classroom, especially if they’ve hit a growth spurt. Late summer and early fall are great times to shop for those first-day-of-school outfits.

As quickly as kids grow, it might be tough for you to pull the trigger on new, brand-name clothing. Instead, hit your nearest thrift store before stopping by the mall, or even check out Walmart or Target. You can find great deals on brand-name clothes for your little ones, and you won’t feel like you’re wasting money since they’re going to outgrow them before the year is up anyway.

Back-to-school ads will flood your inbox soon, but don’t ignore them, along with other junk mail. Instead, use them to get an idea of current costs and start preparing your school supplies budget. Think of it as setting a good example for the kids: Even Mom and Dad must do homework.

If you have questions about creating a budget for back-to-school or your financial picture in general, make a free appointment with one of CommunityAmerica’s Financial Well-Being Coaches. You do not need to be a member to use their services.

A version of this helpful article ran in 2023.