Back to school expenses can be pricey and the season can come up fast. I’m from the Midwest where schools usually start back up after August 20th. But when we moved to the South, we realized our summers were shorter since schools start the first week of August here.
Nevertheless, if you have kids who are school-age, you will need to plan and prepare for back to school expenses sooner or later. Budgeting for school clothes, supplies, and other materials can seem daunting where you have one child or several. Here are some practical yet actionable tips to help you plan your finances accordingly and still obtain everything you need without overspending.
Budgeting For Back to School Expenses: 3 Options to Consider
Plan All Year-Round
One of the best ways to ease the financial burden of back-to-school shopping is to plan all year-round. By spreading out purchases over several months, you can avoid the stress of last-minute shopping and large expenses.
Start by setting aside a small amount of money each month specifically for back-to-school needs. This way, when the time comes, you already have a budget allocated. Additionally, you can take advantage of sales throughout the year. Items like notebooks, pens, and even clothing often go on sale outside of the typical back-to-school season.
Don’t forget to keep a list of what you’ll need so that you can buy items when they’re at their cheapest price. This proactive approach will help you save money and reduce stress when the new school year rolls around.
Start Planning a Few Weeks Out
If planning all year-round isn’t feasible, starting a few weeks out can still make a significant difference. Begin by assessing what your child will need for the upcoming school year and create a list of specific back-to-school expenses. This list will help you stay organized and focused while shopping.
Once you have your list, set a realistic budget. Determine how much you can afford to spend on each category, such as clothing, supplies, and extracurricular activities. Having a budget in place will prevent overspending and ensure you stay on track.
Take advantage of back-to-school sales and discounts by keeping an eye on flyers and online promotions. Many stores offer special deals in the weeks leading up to the start of the school year, so be sure to shop around for the best prices.
Choose a Specific Time of Year to Save
Another effective strategy is to choose a specific time of year to save for back to school expenses. For example, you could start setting aside money after the holiday season or once you receive your tax refund. This approach allows you to take advantage of slower or less busy seasons of life and allocate funds when you have extra money available.
Create a dedicated savings account for back to school expenses and set up automatic transfers to ensure you consistently save throughout the year. This way, you’ll have a lump sum ready when it’s time to shop.
Tips to Budget For Back to School Shopping
Now that you’ve chosen a budgeting strategy, let’s explore some practical tips to help you maintain your budget for back-to-school expenses and make the most of your back-to-school shopping.
Create Specific Budget Categories and Estimate Costs
Creating specific budget categories is a crucial step in managing your back to school expenses. Break down your budget into categories such as clothing, school supplies, electronics, and extracurricular activities. This will help you allocate funds more effectively and ensure you don’t overspend in any one area.
Once you have your categories, estimate the costs for each. Research prices online or check previous receipts to get a realistic idea of how much you’ll need to spend. Be sure to leave some wiggle room in your budget for unexpected expenses.
See What You Already Have and Make a List
Before you start shopping, take inventory of what you already have at home. You might be surprised to find that you already have some school supplies or clothing items that can be reused. This step can significantly reduce your expenses and prevent unnecessary purchases.
Once you’ve assessed what you have, make a list of the items you still need. Having a list will keep you focused while shopping and prevent impulse buys. Stick to your list as much as possible to stay within your budget.
Shop For Sales
One of the best ways to save money on back-to-school expenses is to take advantage of sales and discounts. Keep an eye on store flyers, online promotions, and coupon websites to find the best deals on the items you need.
Many stores offer back-to-school sales in the weeks leading up to the start of the school year. Shoes can be expensive so we live to look for BOGO deals on shoes as well even if it’s ‘buy one get one 50% off’. Plan your shopping trips around these sales to maximize your savings. Additionally, consider using cash back apps or rewards programs to earn money back on your purchases.
Consider Free Giveaway Events
Some communities and organizations host free giveaway events where you can receive school supplies and other essentials for free. While these events can be a great way to save money, it’s important not to rely solely on them since supplies could run out of event details can change.
Use free giveaway events as a supplement to your back-to-school budget. Attend these events if they are available in your area, but be prepared to purchase any remaining items on your list.
Prioritize What to Get and When
Finally, prioritize your purchases based on immediate needs and availability. Not everything needs to be bought at once. For example, focus on essential items like uniforms, backpacks, and notebooks first. You can always buy additional clothing or specialty items later in the year.
By prioritizing your purchases, you can spread out your expenses and avoid the financial strain of buying everything at once. This approach also allows you to take advantage of sales and discounts as they become available throughout the school year.
Summary: Prepare For Back to School Expenses Wisely
Budgeting for back-to-school shopping doesn’t have to be overwhelming or cause financial strain. Remember to choose a budgeting strategy that works best for your family, whether it’s planning all year-round, starting a few weeks out, or saving during a specific time of year. Use the practical tips provided to create a budget, make a list, and prioritize your purchases.
