Back-to-School Budgeting: How to Save on Supplies, Clothes, and More

It’s that time of year again. The smell of freshly sharpened pencils, the excitement of new clothes, and the chaos of last-minute shopping trips — back-to-school season is here. But along with the excitement often comes the stress of spending.

If you’ve ever looked at your bank account after a “quick” school shopping trip and wondered where the money went, you’re not alone. Back-to-school spending can easily spiral out of control without a plan. This year, let’s change that.

In this post, I’ll share practical, real-life tips to save money on supplies, clothes, and everything in between — without sacrificing quality or your sanity.

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1. Start with a List (and Stick to It!)

Impulse shopping is the #1 budget buster during back-to-school season. Before you head out, get the official supply list from your child’s school and check off what you already have at home.

• You might find unused pencils, notebooks, or backpacks from last year.
• This quick step can save you $20–$50 before you even shop.

💡 Pro Tip: Keep your list on your phone so you can easily check items off and avoid “just in case” purchases.

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2. Shop Your Home First

Take inventory of leftover supplies, sports gear, or clothing from last year.

• That “barely used” lunchbox? It’s still perfectly good.
• A hoodie your child wore once? Wash it and make it part of the school wardrobe.

This is one of the fastest ways to cut costs without your kids feeling like they’re missing out.

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3. Time Your Purchases

Not everything needs to be bought before the first day.

• Buy essentials (notebooks, pens, pencils, basic outfits) before school starts.
• Wait until later in September for items like trendy clothing or extra shoes — you’ll find better clearance deals once the rush is over.

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4. Embrace Sales and Coupons

Between late July and mid-August, stores compete for your business with back-to-school deals.

• Follow your favorite stores on social media for flash sales.
• Use coupon apps like Rakuten, Honey, or Ibotta for extra cashback.
• Check office supply stores — they often have “penny deals” on basics like folders and glue sticks.

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5. Buy Quality Where It Counts

While it’s tempting to grab the cheapest backpack or shoes, sometimes it pays to invest in higher quality for items that get daily wear and tear.

• A $40 sturdy backpack may last for 3 years.
• Cheap shoes might need replacing mid-year, costing you more in the long run.

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6. Get Your Kids Involved

Teaching your children about budgeting early is one of the best gifts you can give them.

• Set a spending limit for clothes and let them choose how to spend it.
• Show them the difference between needs and wants.

Not only will they appreciate their items more, but they’ll also learn valuable money skills.

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7. Consider Secondhand & Thrift

Consignment shops, thrift stores, and online marketplaces (like Facebook Marketplace) are gold mines for lightly used clothing and gear.

• Many items look brand new — at half the price.
• Some stores even offer trade-in discounts if you bring in clothes your kids have outgrown.

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8. Plan for Next Year — Now

Back-to-school shopping is easier when you’re prepared year-round.

• After this year’s rush, shop clearance sections for next year’s supplies and store them away.
• Keep an ongoing “school budget” sinking fund so next August doesn’t catch you off guard.

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Final Thoughts

Back-to-school season doesn’t have to drain your wallet. With a little planning, patience, and creativity, you can save money while still sending your kids to school with everything they need to succeed.

📌 Take Action Today:
Download my FREE Back-to-School Savings Checklist to help you plan your shopping and stay on budget.
Back2School Budgeting Checklist

Or, if you’re ready to get serious about taking control of your finances year-round, send a message below, and let’s create a personalized money plan for your family.