6 Ways to Rock Back-to-School Shopping on a Budget

The seasons are changing, and the first day of school is just around the corner. While this is a very exciting time for kids, parents may be watching their account balances diminish because school supply costs are rocketing. In fact, the National Retail Federation says families with school-aged children will average more than $848 on supplies in the 2022-2023 school year, and the total back-to-school spending will be $37.1 billion. Wow, that's a lot of zeroes.

Plus, when you add the price of sports and activities, as well as purchases for multiple children, it's no wonder the start of school can be stressful for parents and guardians. But, if you take a smart and savvy approach to back-to-school shopping, you could have some money left over.

Here are 6 (and a bonus tip!) ways to save on back-to-school shopping, so you can start making smart money moves.

1. See what you already have in your home

While shiny and new can be fun, buying new supplies every year can put a dent in your budget. Start by looking around your house for school supplies you already have. Got six boxes of crayons hanging around in a desk drawer? Cross those right off your list. What about all those black and white notebooks? Can you tear out the three scribbled on pages and reuse? You could even make it fun for the whole family by doing a scavenger hunt around your home.

Let's not forget about clothing. When it comes to updating sizes in the closet, older siblings can pass down gently worn clothes. Sneakers may not last more than a year per child, but items such as cleats are worn for only a season and could be handed down. Also, consider going BIG! It's cost effective if you are buying new clothing to size up for longer usage into spring and summer.

2. Create a budget and stick to it

A few weeks before school starts, start adding up your expenses to give you an idea of what your supplies budget will be. You'll then know how much you'll have left over after paying for essentials such as utility bills, groceries, rent, and car payments. There are great tools online to use to create your back-to-school shopping budget, or you can simply create your own:

You may also consider having a currency conversation with your family before you leave the house.  Talk to your child or teen about the budget and how much can be spent instead of leaving it open-ended, to help minimize any impulse buys.  Deciding which items to put more of your allotted budget toward and which to save on can be a tricky tightrope to walk. You also might get a lot of, ahem, "input" from the child you're shopping for. Consider lasting quality over a lower price to save money in the long run. Something that is used every single day, like a backpack, might be worth spending more money on. Especially if it can be recycled for the next year or gifted to a younger sibling. On the other hand, items such as pencils, paper and other cheap school supplies don't need to be a well-known brand.

3. Research credit cards that can help you save and earn rewards

When planning for back-to-school shopping, consider options that help you manage your spending and rewards. Some credit cards offer cash back or point(s) towards various reward options. If managing costs is a priority, you might also look for cards with as little as 0% APR on purchases or balance transfers for a certain period to help you handle expenses more effectively. And if you shop online or at specific retailers, check whether certain cards provide extra rewards in those categories. A sign-up bonus can also give you a head start on earning perks while you stock up on essentials.

4. Find out if a sales tax holiday is coming up

A sales tax holiday is a day when a state allows sales tax to be waived or reduced on categories of items from laptops to clothing. They're often busy shopping days, so you'll want to get ahead of the crowd. Of course, the savings amount varies by state. While pencils and paper won't save you all that much cash, larger ticket items such as laptops and other electronic accessories can really make a difference when you can drop the tax from the total cost.

5. Team up to buy school supplies in bulk

Got any neighbors or friends with kids or teens around the same age? Ask if they want to purchase some back-to-school supplies together in bulk.  You could either go to a wholesale store or big box retailer together to save money and ease the stress of doing it all yourself. Items such as tissues and paper can be bought in large quantities, and then simply split the cost up per family. If you pool your resources, you might just come out ahead.

6. Consider holding off on some purchases

Many schools have teamed up with national companies that provide students and teachers with all the supplies necessary, so when your child arrives on the first day, there's a box waiting for them at their desk. Keep in mind there is a convenience factor here, especially if the pricing is on par with national averages.

It's also possible you could wait to buy some of the items. Consider reaching out to your child's teacher and asking if certain supplies are crucial at this time, or if others can wait for when the flurry of back-to-school shopping has calmed down and the sales have begun. For instance, your child may have a lined paper notebook on their list, but they're not beginning a writing unit until spring.

Bonus Tip: Save year-round with reusable lunch containers

Consider reusable metal or plastic containers, or bento boxes that come with neat little compartments to hold different food items. While these containers might give you sticker shock at first, keep in mind they usually last a year or longer and are dishwasher safe, so you're both helping the planet and not dealing with messy plastic bags.

Also, buy snacks in bulk rather than individually sized snacks, as they're both cost-effective and you won't have to make so many trips to the store.

Ready to save on back-to-school shopping?

Learning about personal finance by budgeting with the whole family can ensure your child has what they need for an excellent school year. Best of all? Whichever tips you choose to try, you've already earned an "A+" in finance this year. Review the credit card options from Citizens to determine which card makes sense for your financial situation and goals.