The back-to-school season brings a flurry of excitement - and expenses. From new shoes to school supplies, registration fees to extracurricular costs, September can feel like a financial storm after the slower pace of summer. But with some careful planning and a bit of creativity, you can ease the financial burden while preparing your child for a successful year ahead.
Below are practical tips to help you budget wisely and save creatively during this busy season, along with a helpful checklist to keep you organized.
Tips for Budgeting for Back-to-School Expenses
1. Start with a Plan and Set a Budget
Begin by reviewing last year’s back-to-school expenses. Reflect on what was necessary and where you may have overspent. This will help you create a realistic budget that aligns with your family’s current financial goals. If this is your first year sending your child to school, take a look at prices online to get an idea of what you can anticipate.
Consider these categories:
- School supplies
- Clothing and footwear
- Technology (if needed)
- Extracurricular fees (sports, arts, clubs, etc.)
- Transportation (bus passes, fuel)
- Lunches/snacks
Set spending limits for each area. If possible, involve older children in these discussions so they learn about budgeting and financial priorities.
2. Take Inventory Before You Shop
Before you buy, take stock of what you already have. Leftover supplies from last year, outgrown but still usable clothes or uniforms from older siblings, or even partially used notebooks can reduce your shopping list significantly.
3. Spread Out the Spending
If possible, start early and spread the purchases over a few months. However, even if you’re shopping in late August or early September, stagger your purchases within pay periods to reduce strain on your cash flow. Prioritise essentials for the first weeks and delay less urgent purchases until October. Many school supplies go on clearance by the middle of September!
4. Shop Smart and Use Savings Strategies
- Comparison shop: Watch flyers and online deals, and don’t hesitate to price-match where stores allow it.
- Use loyalty points: Redeem points from grocery or drug store loyalty programs for supplies or snacks.
- Buy generic: Choose store brands or bulk supplies where quality isn’t compromised.
- Second-hand shops: Consider gently-used clothing and sports gear from thrift shops or online marketplaces.
- Swap with friends: Organise a swap with other parents for clothing, books, or even sports equipment.
Creative Ways to Save Money During September
September often brings hidden costs, particularly for extracurricular activities and the return of packed lunches. Here’s how to navigate these expenses without breaking your budget:
1. Meal Prep to Cut Costs
Avoid expensive cafeteria or takeout lunches. Instead, plan weekly menus and batch-prep simple, nutritious lunches. Getting kids involved in meal planning can help avoid waste and encourage healthy habits. Also beware of special lunch days at your child’s school – pizza day, sub day, taco day – they can really add up, particularly if you have multiple children at the school.
2. Pause Non-Essential Spending
Consider a “no-spend” challenge for non-essential items during September. Channel any savings directly into covering school-related costs.
3. Re-evaluate Activities
Rather than signing up for multiple activities all at once, prioritise one or two that align with your child’s interests and your budget. Some activities offer payment plans or financial assistance - don’t hesitate to ask.
4. Delay Major Purchases
If your child needs a laptop or other big-ticket item, look for sales later in the year (Black Friday, for example). If you can make do in the meantime, the savings can be substantial.
Checklist: Preparing for Back-to-School
Staying organised can help reduce last-minute spending and forgotten tasks. Use this checklist to guide your preparations:
◻ Review School Communications
- Confirm supply lists
- Put any important dates on your calendar
- Note fees for extracurriculars, transportation, or lunches
◻ Organise Medical and Safety Needs
- Update school medical forms
- Refill prescriptions if necessary
- Arrange for doctor’s and dentist’s appointments for the year
- Book appointments for any needed vaccines
◻ Sort Clothing and Supplies
- Inventory last year’s items
- Create a shopping list for necessities
- Label clothing and supplies
◻ Plan for Technology Needs
- Confirm tech requirements (laptop, calculator, etc.)
- Back up data from any devices being replaced
- Install necessary software in advance
◻ Prepare Schedules
- Finalise extracurricular activities and associated costs
- Update family calendars with school and activity schedules
- Arrange transportation plans
◻ Talk About Money with Your Kids
- Discuss budgeting and needs vs. wants
- Involve older children in comparison shopping or price tracking
Final Thought: Make it a Family Effort
Approach back-to-school budgeting as a family project. Teaching children about responsible spending, saving, and stewardship not only lightens your financial load but also sets them up with valuable life skills. Remember, it's not about having the latest or most expensive items - it's about setting your child up for a positive, productive year, while practising wise and thoughtful money management.
If you find this season financially overwhelming, don't hesitate to speak with one our team members about budgeting tools or resources that can help you stay on track. At Kindred, we’re here to support you in stewarding your resources well - in every season.