How to Save on Back-To-School Expenses

As summer comes to an end, parents are gearing up for back-to-school shopping, one of the biggest spending seasons of the year. From school supplies and new clothes to laptops and extracurricular activities, education-related expenses can quickly add up. With a little planning and smart budgeting, you can significantly reduce expenses while also teaching children valuable money management skills.

Start with a School Shopping Strategy

Before heading to the store, take inventory of what you already have at home. Many families discover extra notebooks, folders, pencils, backpacks or calculators tucked away from previous school years. From there, create a shopping list of what you need and stick to it. This helps avoid impulse purchases and keeps spending under control.

Make the most of seasonal sales.

Many retailers offer back-to-school promotions throughout the summer. Check weekly ads and retailer apps, then compare each sale price with at least one other store. Use sites like Google Shopping to compare the same brand, size, model and package count across multiple retailers. Remember to include shipping or pickup costs when determining the lowest total price. Google also allows you to track prices and receive notifications when the price drops.

Buy in bulk for frequently used items.

A larger package is not always the better deal. Check the unit price or divide the total price by the number of items in the package to see how much each item costs. Buying in bulk may make sense for supplies your family will use throughout the year, such as pencils, paper, tissues and glue sticks. It may not save money if the extras go unused.

Consider store brands instead of name brands.

Store-brand notebooks, folders, pencils and paper may cost less than name-brand alternatives. Before making a substitution, check the school-supply list for required sizes, colors or brands. This is especially important for calculators, art supplies and other classroom tools that may need to meet specific requirements.

Purchase gently used uniforms, sports equipment or electronics.

School uniform exchanges, nonprofit thrift stores and reputable resale programs may offer gently used uniforms, sports equipment, calculators or electronics at lower prices. Families who need help purchasing school uniforms can also explore St. Vincent de Paul Baton Rouge’s Uniforms for Kids program. Registration is required and uniforms are available while supplies last.

A little research before shopping can lead to big savings, especially for families with multiple children.

Save Money on back-to-school technology.

Technology is often one of the largest back-to-school expenses. Many students need laptops, tablets, headphones, or graphing calculators for coursework.

To lower technology costs:

• Consider certified refurbished devices
• Watch for student discounts
• Compare retailer promotions
• Purchase only the features your student truly needs
• Spread large purchases over several months when possible

Planning ahead can help families avoid expensive last-minute purchases.

Plan throughout the year.

Many parents focus only on initial back-to-school shopping but forget about expenses that occur later in the year. 

Common ongoing costs include:

• Field trips
• School pictures
• Sports fees
• Fundraisers
• Club memberships
• Special projects and supplies

Setting aside a small amount each month can help prevent these expenses from becoming financial surprises later in the school year.

Focus on needs before wants.

Children, like adults, are often drawn to trendy backpacks, designer clothing, and the latest gadgets. While it’s okay to budget for a few special items, prioritize necessities first.

Talk with your children about the difference between needs and wants. A simple conversation can help them make better spending decisions both now and in the future.

Consider setting a spending limit and allowing older children to make choices within that budget. They may realize that choosing a premium item in one category means less money is available for other purchases.