How Families Can Save Money This Back-to-School Season

The excitement of a new school year is often overshadowed by the stress of rising costs. From uniforms and laptops to notebooks and sneakers, families are finding that back-to-school shopping has become one of the year’s biggest financial hurdles.

According to a recent survey, American parents expect to spend an average of $570 per student this season, while nearly half admit they may take on debt to cover expenses. In the UK, Canada, and Australia, families are grappling with similar pressures as inflation pushes everyday necessities higher.

But while the numbers look daunting, there are smart, practical strategies that can ease the financial burden. Here’s how families can stretch their budgets, shop strategically, and even turn back-to-school stress into an opportunity to teach children about money management.

Track Tax Holidays and Seasonal Discounts

One of the most overlooked ways to save is timing. In the United States, 17 states are offering back-to-school sales tax holidays this summer. These windows can shave off anywhere from 4% to 7% in taxes on items like clothing, supplies, and sometimes electronics.

• Know your state’s dates: They vary by region, so checking your state’s calendar is crucial.
• Combine with sales: Retailers often stack discounts during these tax-free weekends.
• Plan big-ticket buys: Items like laptops or tablets are best purchased when both sales and tax breaks align.

For families outside the US, timing is still key. In the UK, “Back-to-School” promotions at major retailers typically peak in late August, while Australia’s largest markdowns often come in January, coinciding with the start of the school year there.

Make a Master List and Stick to It

Impulse purchases are the silent budget killer. The best defense? A comprehensive shopping list.

• Take inventory at home first. Many families already have leftover supplies from the previous year—half-used notebooks, packs of pencils, or backpacks that only need a quick clean.
• Involve your children. Sit down together and write the list. This not only curbs unnecessary spending but also makes kids feel engaged in the process.
• Prioritize essentials. Separate must-haves (uniforms, calculators, notebooks) from nice-to-haves (designer pencil cases, trendy shoes).

By sticking to the list, families can avoid being swayed by flashy store displays or last-minute “extras” that add up fast.

Buy Secondhand Without the Stigma

For many parents, the idea of secondhand still carries a stigma. But thrift shopping has had a cultural reset. Resale apps, online marketplaces, and local consignment shops offer nearly-new clothing, sports gear, and even electronics at a fraction of retail prices.

• Uniform swaps: Many schools run uniform exchanges where parents can donate and pick up gently used clothing.
• Tech refurb deals: Certified refurbished laptops or tablets often come with warranties, offering peace of mind at half the cost.
• Sports equipment: Cleats, hockey pads, or tennis rackets rarely get worn out in a single season. Local community boards or Facebook groups are often treasure troves.

Not only does secondhand save money, it’s also sustainable—a value many young students are eager to embrace.

Use Loyalty Programs and Cashback Apps

Retail loyalty programs have quietly become one of the most effective ways to save. Whether through points, cash rewards, or exclusive discounts, signing up before you shop can cut costs significantly.

• Cashback apps like Rakuten or Honey give back a percentage of what you spend online.
• Grocery loyalty cards often apply to school snacks and lunchbox staples.
• Student discounts at major retailers like Apple, Nike, or Microsoft can extend savings beyond parents to older children.

A smart strategy is stacking—combining loyalty rewards with credit card cashback and seasonal discounts. A $500 haul can easily shrink by 15–20% with layered savings.

Spread Out Purchases Instead of All at Once

The cultural expectation to “get it all done” in one weekend often leads to overspending. In reality, not every item needs to be purchased before the first day of school.

• Start with essentials: Supplies, uniforms, and daily shoes.
• Delay non-urgent items: Winter coats, sports gear, and optional accessories can wait until they’re truly needed—or when sales arrive later in the season.
• Budget monthly: Spreading purchases across a few paychecks helps prevent credit card debt.

This staggered approach reduces financial pressure and creates opportunities to snag deals throughout the semester.

A Mother’s Story: Choosing Between Groceries and School Shoes

For many parents, these aren’t just abstract savings strategies—they’re survival tactics.

Last year, Melissa Johnson, a single mother in Toronto, faced a heartbreaking choice: should she cut her grocery bill for the week or buy her daughter the shoes required by her school?

“I stood in the aisle for almost twenty minutes, staring at the sneakers,” she recalled. “My daughter needed them. But it meant I’d have to say no to some food at checkout. I felt like I was failing her.”

Melissa eventually turned to a local community exchange group and found a gently used pair for free. “They weren’t brand new, but she loved them. I realized then that pride can get in the way of savings. There’s no shame in finding help.”

Her story reflects the reality for thousands of families this season—balancing dignity with necessity, and discovering resilience along the way.

Shop Online—but Compare Smartly

Online shopping can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it allows parents to compare prices instantly. On the other, it encourages impulse buying with endless “related items.”

To shop smarter:

• Use comparison tools: Browser extensions can automatically flag cheaper options.
• Look at shipping costs: A $5 deal is no bargain if shipping adds $10.
• Set a cart timer: Waiting 24 hours before checkout helps avoid impulse buys.

Many retailers also offer exclusive online-only bundles for school supplies, which can save families both money and time.

Teach Kids About Money in the Process

Back-to-school season is also a prime opportunity to teach financial literacy. Children who understand the value of money are less likely to pressure parents for unnecessary extras.

• Give them a budget: Allow older kids a fixed amount to shop for clothing or supplies.
• Encourage trade-offs: If they want a more expensive backpack, it may mean fewer new clothes.
• Talk openly about costs: Transparency helps children understand why certain items are prioritized over others.

These conversations not only save money now but instill habits that last well into adulthood.

Conclusion: Turning Stress Into Strategy

Back-to-school shopping will always bring some level of stress, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. By timing purchases, leveraging tax breaks, embracing secondhand, and teaching kids to prioritize, families can weather rising costs without sacrificing essentials.

More importantly, this season offers a chance to reframe spending as a lesson in resilience and creativity. As Melissa Johnson discovered, sometimes the greatest gift we can give our children isn’t the newest pair of sneakers—it’s the wisdom to navigate life’s challenges with confidence.

FAQs

1. When is the best time to shop for back-to-school deals?
Late July through mid-August tends to bring the deepest discounts, though waiting until after school starts can uncover clearance bargains.

2. Are refurbished laptops safe for students?
Yes. Certified refurbished models often come with warranties and undergo rigorous testing, making them reliable and budget-friendly.

3. How can I save on uniforms?
Check if your school offers a uniform exchange, explore secondhand shops, and buy slightly larger sizes so children can grow into them.

4. Should I buy supplies in bulk?
Yes—if you have storage space. Bulk packs of pens, paper, and folders often cost less per unit and can last the whole year.

5. How can I involve my kids in saving money?
Give them a set budget for part of their shopping list and encourage them to make trade-offs. It’s a hands-on way to learn about financial responsibility.