Key Takeaways

• • • • • • • • • • Plan for back-to-school shopping before you start.
                    
                  • Take advantage of sales, online tools for comparing prices and coupons.
                    
                  • Don’t forget what you already have on hand.

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  Even though school starts every year at the same time, back-to-school shopping can still derail a carefully planned budget. Last year, more than 60% of Americans said they expected to pay more for school supplies. And 36% said that covering the cost will be difficult.

  The following back-to-school shopping tips can help you save while you shop.

  1. Look at Home While You Plan

  Before you begin back-to-school shopping, create a detailed school supply list. Many schools provide one, but it’s helpful to review it alongside what you already have at home.

  Check for:
  • School supplies that are still usable from last year
  • Clothing and shoes that still fit
  • Backpacks and lunchboxes in good condition

  Starting with a clear shopping list keeps you focused and helps avoid duplicate purchases. It’s also a great opportunity to involve your kids in making financial decisions and sticking to a plan.

  2. Look for Sales

  Check for sales on school supplies in stores and online before you head out. Look at multiple stores for bargains, including:

  • Big box retailers
  • Office supply stores
  • Discount and dollar stores
  • Online retailers

  3. Join Forces with Other Parents

  Talk with other parents in your child’s class about buying in bulk and splitting the cost. You can save by combining purchases for some school supplies, like:

  • Tissues
  • Plastic bags
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Paper towels

  4. Technology is Your Friend

  You can find savings by using online tools and apps. Look for opportunities like these:

  • Try cash-back apps like Rakuten or Ibotta
  • Use tools like Google Shopping to compare prices, or browser extensions like the Camelizer to compare deals
  • Shop with a cash-back credit card, but beware of creating a big balance you can’t handle
  • Watch for coupons, either digital or paper, for items you need and retailers you use

  5. Shop Thrift and Vintage

  Vintage, secondhand and thrift stores are great sources for gently used clothing, and even school supplies. Savings at thrift stores are huge—most items are gently used with plenty of wear left in them.

  6. Spread out Your Back-to-School Shopping

  You don’t have to buy everything at once. Spreading out your purchases can be easier on your budget. Keep the following in mind:

  • Watch ads and online notices for current and upcoming sales
  • Wait to purchase clothes and shoes until school starts; your kids may want to check out what their friends are wearing before buying
  • Think about technology purchases, like smartphones; the very latest model isn’t essential

  As you spread out purchases, you can also build savings along the way. Tools like SpendSave in Lake City Bank Digital round up your debit card purchases and transfer the difference into savings automatically. It’s an easy way to set a little aside to help save for back-to-school shopping season.

  A little planning goes a long way. With the right approach, you can handle back-to-school shopping with confidence and keep your budget on track.