Back-to-school season is just around the corner, and if you’re already feeling the pressure of long supply lists and updating your child’s wardrobe, you’re not alone. Back-to-school season is notoriously known for being an expensive time of the year, but saving money during this busy time can be easier than you think with the right strategy and a little creativity.
Prioritize Planning Before Purchasing
Before hitting the stores or scrolling through online deals, take a moment to assess what you already have at home. Digging through drawers, closets, and last year’s backpacks might surprise you by how many things like folders, scissors, and pencil pouches are still perfectly usable.
Once you’ve taken inventory, sit down and create a shopping list based only on what’s still needed. From there, build a realistic budget; if your kids are old enough, involve them in the planning too as it’s a great way to introduce valuable financial literacy skills like goal setting and budgeting.
Add Personality Without Overspending
Believe it or not, ultra-affordable school supplies are still out there. You can still snag 50-cent folders and crayons at major retailers like Walmart, Office Depot, Dollar General, and Staples during back-to-school season. But what if your child wants something flashier to fit in with their peers?
A smart compromise can be to encourage them to personalize their supplies. With a few stickers, patches, or creative artwork, they can turn basic items into something customized without the extra price tag. This also gives them a fun reason to use those new markers or colored pencils in a meaningful way.
Shop Smart for Stylish Savings
Clothing can quickly become one of the largest back-to-school expenses, especially if your child is at an age where they want to stay on trend. One of the best ways to stretch your budget is to start with secondhand options. Local thrift shops and consignment stores often carry gently used, name-brand clothing that looks just as good as new for a fraction of the cost.
On the other hand, if you choose to shop for brand-new items, keep an eye on seasonal sales from retailers like Nike, Gap, Carhartt, Nordstrom, and Amazon. These stores often roll out significant discounts in the final weeks of summer which offers the perfect opportunity to save without sacrificing quality or style. Another way to save some money on your back-to-school shopping is to take advantage of Iowa’s tax-free weekend, which takes place every year on the first Friday and Saturday of August. Iowa’s sales tax is usually about 6-7%, so there is plenty of opportunity to get a good deal on clothes and school supplies!
Balance “Wants” with “Needs” & Plan for the Long Run
After the must-haves are covered, it’s okay to allow a little room for the “wants.” Setting a small budget for extras, like a fun backpack, a personalized water bottle, or trendy accessories, lets your child make choices and prioritize what matters most to them. It’s also a simple way to teach mindful spending.
At the same time, don’t stop planning once the first day of school arrives. Consider buying a few extra essentials now or buy your school supplies in bulk while prices are low. And, if you can, set aside a small savings fund for school-year costs that tend to sneak up later, like food service, club fees, or seasonal sports gear.
Ultimately, every season is a chance to make confident financial decisions. Back-to-school shopping doesn’t have to be a burden, and with some preparation and a bit of creativity, you can help your child start the year strong without breaking the bank or compromising on quality or fun. As with any annual expense, it’s smart to set a savings goal for next year now, based on a realistic target of what you expect to spend. Tracking your expenses this season will give you a clear picture of where your money went, making it easier to create an informed budget for next year’s shopping. SmartHER Money offers tools and resources to help you plan ahead and feel confident about your financial choices year after year.