Smart Back-to-School Money Saving Tips for Parents

Starting the school year off on the right foot often means having a handle on the financial side of things. Let’s be honest with ourselves, though — it’s hard. Like, really hard. You’ve just spent three months juggling schedules, work, camp, sports, trips, and beyond. The last thing you want is to now have to worry about how you’re going to afford the piles of back-to-school items your kids need each year.

From pencils and notebooks to tech and backpacks, the list of school supplies can feel never-ending. We don’t even want to mention all the snacks and shoes. It adds up fast, no matter what grades your kids are in!

Speaking of grades — each grade level comes with its own set of unique expenses. Kindergarteners might have lunch fees to go along with all the markers. They’ll definitely be begging for a backpack featuring Bluey or Hello Kitty or Sonic the Hedgehog. Meanwhile, high schoolers might require graphing calculators, advanced textbooks, and fees for extracurricular activities.

Understanding these differences can help you tailor your budget to fit your — and their — specific needs. By maintaining a clear picture of what you need, you can better prepare your wallet for the onslaught.

Essential Back-to-School Money-Saving Tips

The key to budgeting for back-to-school  is early planning. Start by making a list of everything you'll need for the upcoming school year. Then, break down those costs into manageable chunks. You may want to consider spreading out purchases over several months to alleviate the strain on your bank account.

The other way to budget like a boss? Take advantage of resources designed to help — like this one, full of back-to-school money-saving tips and hacks conveniently listed below.

Back-to-School Saving Tip #1: How to Save on Tech and Gadgets

• Always Get Device Insurance. I know it might seem weird to urge you to spend money in order to save money, but when your school offers you insurance for your child’s borrowed iPad, Chromebook, or other piece of technology at the start of the year — get it. It’ll be worth it every single time. Trust us.
  
• Get to Know Affordable Tech Brands. Consider brands known for offering quality tech at budget-friendly prices. Brands like Acer, ASUS, and Lenovo often provide reliable laptops, tablets, and accessories ideal for students without breaking the bank. This will likely only apply to college-age students, however — most kids K-12 get their tech provided by their school district.
• Consider Refurbished or Second-Hand Devices. Opting for refurbished or pre-owned devices can be a savvy way to save money without compromising on quality. Many reputable retailers offer refurbished electronics with warranties so you can get peace of mind alongside your purchase.
• Research Student Discounts. Take advantage of student discounts offered by tech companies and retailers. Whether it's through online verification platforms like UNiDAYS or directly through the retailer's website, these discounts can significantly reduce the cost of laptops, software, and accessories.
• Check for Trade-In Programs. Some retailers and manufacturers offer trade-in programs where you can exchange your old device for credit towards a new one. This can help offset the cost of upgrading to newer technology while also responsibly disposing of old electronics. Win-win!

Back-to-School Saving Tip #2: How to Save on Clothing and Uniforms

• Organize a Uniform Swap. Connect with other parents or your child's school community to organize a uniform swap. This allows families to exchange gently used uniforms that no longer fit or are no longer needed, saving money and promoting sustainable living. In fact, if you’re concerned about the optics of arranging a uniform swap, just lean into the sustainability benefit. That way no one has to feel awkward about finances and instead, everyone can feel good about supporting the planet and their kids.
  
• Shop Off-Season for Best Prices. Take advantage of off-season sales to score significant discounts on new clothing and uniforms. Retailers often offer clearance sales at the end of seasons, making it the perfect time to stock up on essentials for the upcoming school year. Plan ahead and purchase items like winter coats or summer uniforms when they're deeply discounted. One important thing to remember: your kids will most likely face at least one or two growth spurts during the year, so plan accordingly.
• Explore Second-Hand Options. Browse thrift stores, consignment shops, or online marketplaces for gently used clothing and uniforms at a fraction of the cost of new items. You can often find high-quality pieces in excellent condition, allowing you to stretch your budget further without sacrificing style or durability.
• Encourage Responsible Clothing Care. The easiest way to ensure clothing lasts longer is to teach your children how to care for it — and why they should! Provide guidance on washing, drying, and storing garments to prevent premature wear and tear, ensuring that clothing and uniforms remain in good condition.

Back-to-School Saving Tip #3: How to Save on School Lunch

• Know the Local Lunch Legislation. Did you know that in Massachusetts, school meals are free for K-12 students? However, that’s not the case everywhere — other states like New Hampshire still face the few-bucks-a-day costs, which always add up faster than you think they will.
  
• Bulk Buying and Meal Prepping. Save time and money by buying lunch ingredients in bulk and preparing meals ahead of time. Plan a weekly menu, make a shopping list based on ingredients you already have, and purchase items in bulk to take advantage of lower unit prices. You can spend a weekend afternoon meal prepping lunches (Pro Tip: make the kids help) for the upcoming week, portioning out servings into reusable containers for easy grab-and-go convenience.
• Utilize Coupons and Store Deals. Keep an eye out for coupons, discounts, and store deals specifically for lunchbox items. Many grocery stores offer sales and promotions on pantry staples, snacks, and lunch essentials like sandwich bread, deli meats, cheese and granola bars. Clip coupons from newspapers or online sources and take advantage of loyalty programs to maximize savings.
• Pack Leftovers from Dinner. Repurpose leftovers from dinner into delicious lunch options for the next day. Roasted chicken can be shredded and used in sandwiches or wraps, cooked pasta can be turned into pasta salad, and stir-fried vegetables can be added to rice bowls. Not only does this save money on ingredients, but it also reduces food waste and provides a convenient lunch you already know your kid will eat!

Back-to-School Saving Tip #4: How to Save on Supplies

• Shop End-of-Season Sales. Take advantage of end-of-season sales to score discounted school supplies. Retailers often offer significant markdowns on items like notebooks, pencils, and backpacks as the back-to-school season comes to a close. Alternatively, you can wait until after school starts and things are really discounted to plan ahead for the next year.
• Utilize Price Comparison Tools. Use online price comparison tools or apps to compare prices across different retailers. This allows you to identify the best deals on school supplies and make informed purchasing decisions without spending hours browsing through multiple stores.
• Consider Generic Brands. Opt for generic or store-brand school supplies instead of name-brand products. In many cases, these items are of comparable quality but come with a lower price tag, helping you save money without sacrificing functionality or durability.

One more thing your kids should be learning this year: money management.

Back-to-school is the perfect time to teach your kids about responsible savings by helping them be involved in the planning and budgeting process. Depending on their age, how you do that will look a little different:

• For preschoolers and kindergarteners, it can be as simple as having them count out how much money is needed for certain supplies.
  
• For older kids, you can have them help pay for their supplies at the check-out so they have more awareness of what things cost.
• High schoolers and college-age students should already be aware of money and how to use it, but this time of year is the perfect time to remind them about how important that knowledge is.

Want to learn more about how you can help your kids with their financial literacy? Check out DCU’s Parents Guide.

This article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to serve as legal, financial, investment or tax advice or indicate that a specific DCU product or service is right for you. For specific advice about your unique circumstances, you may wish to consult a financial professional.