Back-to-School Budget Tips for Parents

Latin female helping a little girl with her shopping in a school supplies store

Starting the school year off on the right foot often means having control over your finances. You've just been balancing work, camp, sports, travel, schedules, and more for three months. The last thing you want is to have to worry about how you're going to pay for the numerous back-to-school supplies your children need every year.

The list of school supplies can seem endless, ranging from backpacks and technology to pencils and notebooks. Regardless of what grade your children are in, it adds up quickly! 


Use these tips we’re going to highlight below to help save on back-to-school shopping this year.

1. How to Save on Tech and Gadgets

  • Always get device insurance

    • It might seem weird to urge you to spend money in order to save money, but when your school offers insurance for your child’s borrowed iPad, Chromebook, or other piece of technology, get it. It’ll be worth it every single time.

  • Get to know affordable tech brands

    • Consider companies that are known for providing high-quality technology at affordable costs. Reliable laptops, tablets, and accessories that are perfect for students without going over budget are frequently offered by companies like Acer, ASUS, and Lenovo. However, the majority of students in grades K–12 get their technology from their school district, so this will probably only apply to college-age students.

  • Consider refurbished or second-hand devices

    • Choosing refurbished or used devices might be a smart approach to save costs without compromising on quality. Refurbished devices are often available from reputable retailers, giving you peace of mind when you buy.

  • Research student discounts

    • Take advantage of student discounts provided by retailers and tech companies. These discounts can drastically lower the price of laptops, software, and accessories, whether they’re obtained directly from the retailer’s website or through online verification platforms like UNiDAYS.

  • Check for trade-in programs

    • Sometimes you can exchange your old devices for credit toward a new one through trade-in programs offered by manufacturers and retailers. This can help offset the cost of upgrading to new technology while also responsibly disposing of old electronics!

2. How to Save on Clothing and Uniforms

  • Organize a uniform swap

    • Get in touch with other parents or students at your child’s school to organize a uniform exchange. This promotes sustainable living and helps save money by allowing families to trade gently used uniforms that are no longer needed or no longer fit. If you’re worried about the appearance of setting up a uniform swap, focus on the sustainability benefits! That way, no one has to feel awkward about finances, and instead everyone can feel good about helping the environment.

  • Shop off-season for best prices

    • Take advantage of off-season bargains to save money on new clothing and uniforms. The end of the season is a great time to stock up on essentials for the next school year, because retailers frequently offer clearance sales. Plan ahead and buy things like summer outfits or winter outerwear when they’re on sale. It’s crucial to keep in mind that your children will probably experience one or two growth spurts throughout the year, so plan accordingly.

  • Explore second-hand options

    • Look for lightly used clothing and uniforms for a fraction of the price by shopping at thrift stores, consignment shops, or online marketplaces. You can often find high-quality items in good condition, allowing you to stretch your budget further without sacrificing style or durability.

3. How to Save on School Lunch

  • Know your local lunch legislation
    • Did you know children in Ohio can receive free school breakfasts and lunches if they meet federal income eligibility guidelines? That's not the case everywhere though, so it's important to check your local legislation.
  • Bulk buying and meal prepping

    • Prepare meals in advance and purchase lunch items in bulk to save time and money. Create a shopping list based on ingredients you already have, plan a weekly menu, and buy in bulk to take advantage of lower unit prices. You can spend a Saturday or Sunday afternoon (with your kids’ help) preparing lunches for the upcoming week, portioning out servings in reusable containers for convenient grab-and-go.

  • Utilize coupons and store deals

    • Look for store deals, discounts, and coupons that are specifically for lunchbox items. Sandwich bread, deli meats, cheese, and granola bars are just a few of the pantry staples, snacks, and lunch necessities that are frequently on sale. To get the most savings, use reward programs and cut coupons from newspapers or online sources.

  • Pack leftovers from dinner

    • Make tasty lunch choices the following day by repurposing dinner leftovers. Stir-fried veggies can be added to rice bowls, cooked pasta can be turned into pasta salad, and roasted chicken can be shredded and used in sandwiches or wraps! This not only eliminates food waste and saves money on ingredients, but it also makes a quick lunch that you already know your child will enjoy!

4. How to Save on Supplies

  • Shop end-of-season sales

    • As the back-to-school season draws to a close, retailers frequently offer significant markdowns on products like notebooks, pencils, and backpacks. Alternatively, you can wait until after school starts and things are really discounted to plan ahead for the next year.

  • Utilize price comparison tools

    • To compare costs from several retailers, use apps or online price comparison tools. This enables you to find the best prices on school supplies and make well-informed choices without having to spend hours looking through multiple stores.

  • Consider generic brands

    • Choose store-brand or generic school supplies over name-brand ones. These products frequently have similar quality but are less expensive, allowing you to save money without compromising durability or usefulness.

Back-to-school shopping is the perfect time to involve your kids in planning and budgeting. Depending on their age, they can help out in different ways, but this should help teach them how quickly the cost of individual products adds up and how they can use some of these tips to lower the total cost for back-to-school shopping.