How to save on back-to-school shopping
Back-to-school costs add up quickly, but a plan and a few tactics keep the spending in check.
Key takeaways
- Shop your home first and buy only what's on the school list.
- Store-brand supplies and tax-free weekends cut costs.
- Ask about fee waivers and free supply programs.
Back-to-school season pressures budgets with supplies, clothes, and fees all at once. A little planning keeps it affordable.
- Shop your home first — reuse last year's backpacks, supplies, and clothes that still fit
- Get the school's supply list before buying, so you only get what's needed
- Buy generic/store-brand supplies, which are just as good for far less
- Shop tax-free weekends if your state has one
- Spread purchases out and buy in bulk with other families for deals
- Buy clothes off-season and secondhand, and wait on some items until after school starts when prices drop
Also ask the school about fee waivers, free supply programs, and assistance for families who need it — many schools and nonprofits run back-to-school drives. You don't have to buy everything at once or brand-new. Focusing on needs first and spreading out the rest keeps the season from becoming a financial strain.
What this is
Why it matters
What you can do next
Related FAQs
Common questions about this topic, answered simply.
How can I cut back-to-school costs?
Reuse supplies and clothes you already have, buy only what's on the official list, choose store brands, shop tax-free weekends, and buy some items secondhand or after school starts when prices drop.
Is there help for school supplies?
Yes. Many schools offer fee waivers and free supplies for families who qualify, and nonprofits run back-to-school drives. Ask the school office or call 211 to find local programs.
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