Getting ready for school shouldn’t mean falling deeper into debt. But between all the tissue boxes and new school shoes, it’s easy to overspend on the essentials (and the extras).
If you’re working with a tight budget — or already juggling debt — there are still ways to start the new school year off on the right foot.
Stick to a List
Stores — and kids themselves — will push “must-haves” that don’t really live up to the label. These represent a hurdle to making through back-to-school shopping with your financial health intact. Counter the kids’ pleas for a souped-up backpack and store-pushed premium materials by making a list of exactly what your kids need.
How to Make a Back-to-School Shopping List
Step 1: Get the Right List
Be sure to check any communications from your school and teacher to see the actual necessities, not the ones social media tells you you’ll need. Then make a list of the clothing, sports equipment or other materials your kids might need for extra-curricular activities.
Step 2: See What You Already Have
Take your list and check to see what you’ve already got on hand. This is a good moment to audit your kids’ clothes and find what actually needs to be added or replaced in their wardrobe. Make a point of repairing and cleaning what can be reused, and remember to lean on warranties for high-wear items, like backpacks.
Step 3: Revise and Condense
Now that you know what you need, what you have and what’s missing, you can rewrite your shopping list and trust that you’re only looking for essential items. You’re already on track to save more, thanks to your sleuthing!
How to Save on Back-to-School Shopping
Find Low- or No-Cost Options
Depending upon your community, there may be way more back-to-school aid than you’d expect. Check your local library, non-profit organizations and school groups to find free or low-cost backpacks, clothes and school supplies. Local buy-nothing groups can be a wealth of information — and goodies — as well!
Set a Hard Spending Cap
Before you shop, pick a total number you can actually afford and stick to it. Try paying in cash, breaking shopping into smaller trips and buying used where possible. Remember: That spending cap is your safety net — it keeps back-to-school from turning into back-in-debt.
Bring Your Kids Into the Process
Explaining budget limits to your kids can feel hard , but it doesn’t have to be negative. Use the moment to teach them something valuable about money and budgeting. Talk about the difference between “needs” and “wants,” give them a budget and let them stick to it and help them start looking past branding to seeing signs of quality.
This helps your child understand spending choices and see value in being prepared, not flashy.
When It Still Feels Too Tight
Even smart planning can fall short if you’re carrying high-interest debt. When too many payments eat into your budget, back-to-school costs just add to the pressure. If that’s your situation, debt consolidation might help by lowering your eligible monthly debt payments by 40% or more and helping you get debt-free in as little as 24-48 months.