Back-to-School Savings: 5 Budget Hacks Every Family Can Use This Year

As the start of the school year draws near, many parents are bracing for one of the most expensive times on the calendar. Between new clothes, school supplies, tech upgrades, and lunch prep, it’s easy to see your budget spiral. But with a few smart strategies, you can reduce back-to-school costs significantly, without cutting corners.

Here are five simple but effective hacks to stretch your family’s school budget further this year.

Create a Master Checklist Before You Shop

Start by reviewing what your child needs versus what they already have. Too often, families buy duplicates of items hiding in closets and drawers. Build a checklist based on school supply lists, required uniforms, and classroom needs, but take inventory at home first. This small step can save you hundreds before you even step foot in a store.

Pro Tip: Involve your kids in this process to teach them about budgeting and reduce impulse buys when you’re shopping together.

 

Use Cashback Apps and Price Match Tools

Leverage modern tech to save. Apps like Rakuten, Honey, and Ibotta offer cashback on purchases at popular retailers, while browser extensions automatically search for promo codes. Some stores like Target and Walmart also offer price matching if you find the same item for less elsewhere.

Pro Tip: Stack rewards; use a store loyalty program and a cashback app for double the savings.

Buy in Bulk (Then Split With Friends)

Items like pencils, glue sticks, tissue boxes, and even snacks are much cheaper in bulk. Consider teaming up with another family or a group of parents from your child’s class to split bulk purchases. Everyone saves, and no one ends up with a mountain of excess supplies.

Pro Tip: This works great for reusable lunch items too, like water bottles or Tupperware.

Time Your Purchases for Maximum Savings

Retailers offer different discounts at different times. Early August brings clothing sales, while post-Labor Day often has markdowns on leftover supplies. If something isn’t urgently needed the first week of school, hold off until prices drop.

Pro Tip: Sign up for store newsletters or SMS alerts to get notified of flash sales or coupon drops.

Set a Back-to-School Budget and Stick to It

A solid spending plan is the most powerful hack of all. Set a total budget for back-to-school expenses, then break it down by category: supplies, clothing, tech, lunches. Tracking your spending helps you stay in control and avoid racking up debt for short-term needs.

Pro Tip: Use a budgeting app like YNAB or Mint to monitor your spending in real-time.

Final Thoughts

Back-to-school doesn’t have to break the bank. With the right planning and a few money-saving hacks, you can tackle this season confidently and keep your family’s finances on track. The key is to stay organised, stay disciplined, and look for savings in every step of the process.