These days, everyone is looking for the best ways to save money. But as the school year starts, shopping for backpacks, textbooks, long lists of supplies and a new fall wardrobe, especially when prices are higher than previous years can really strain the family budget. Back-to-school spending in the US for 2025 is projected to reach $39 billion for the K-12 segment. In fact, the average household is expected to spend $875 on back-to-school purchases, up from $541 in 2024.
Heritage Valley has outlined 10 back to school shopping tips to help you start the school year and ace your budget.
Tip #1: Create A Budget and Plan Ahead
Before you begin back to school shopping, sit down and draft out a plan. How much are you going to spend for each child? Set a budget and once all the items on the list are purchased, you can then decide whether or not to spend the extra money on items on your “wish list” or save it for a rainy day.
Tip #2: Make A List and Stick to It
Most schools provide a list of supplies and materials your student will need to start the school year off right. Working with this list will help you stay on track and resist the impulse items your child doesn’t need. Identify which items are essential and which items are just popular or trendy. We call these “must-haves” and “nice-to-haves.” Focus on budgeting for the must-have items first. If you have a little extra money, you can treat your student to a few of the nice-to-have items, too.
Tip #3: Check Price Match Policies
A lot of the big retailers will give you two weeks to price match. If you see a price drop during that two-week period, then you can actually get a partial refund for the item. Here’s a quick guide to the price-matching policies for Best Buy, Target, Walmart and others >
“Some retailers call it their “price matching guarantee” while others call it something like “low price promise,” but either way, price matching means savings for you. In order to stay relevant in an increasingly competitive retail market, big retailers will price match or lower the price of an everyday item based on a competitor’s price. They will even price adjust (pay you back) for a recently purchased item. Price adjustment policies work if you can simply find the same in-stock item for a lower price at one of their competitor’s stores or websites and present your proof.” – The Real Deal
Tip #4: Buy In Bulk and When Prices Are Low
You can actually save a lot of money on back to school shopping by buying in bulk. But you don’t need those four binders. Instead, you can coordinate with other parents and share them with each of you paying a portion of the cost or you may have multiple children. Also, buy extra school supplies while prices are low. The supplies will last through at least the first half of the year and maybe even through the end of the school year when supplies are not as deeply discounted or not on sale at all.
Tip #5: Look For BOGOs and Coupons
A lot of retailers especially supermarkets will offer BOGO or Buy One Get One offers on back to school supplies. So be sure to shop your favorite store and be on the lookout for those deals. You can sometimes get the biggest cost savings the old-fashioned way – by clipping coupons. Pick up flyers and circulars in store or online. You can also find coupons in magazines geared toward parents like Parenting.
Tip #6: Shop Used
We all know kids grow like weeds, shopping at consignment and thrift stores will give your child ‘new to them’ clothes, without the brand-new price tag. Also, neighborhood Facebook groups have grown in popularity and are a great place to shop and find deals.
Tip #7: Download Apps to Your Favorite Stores
Many apps feature digital coupons that can help reduce costs. But beware of the urge to splurge on items just because they are on sale. You might end up spending more on items you don’t need. Focus on the essentials, your list and your budget.
Tip #8: Don’t Buy Anything You Already Have
Even if you already have the school supplies at home, it’s tempting to buy new ones for your children. If you do, you might be spending money on supplies you don’t need. Check your current supplies to see if you really need to buy new pens, pencils, folders, calculators or even backpacks. You may be able to use or reuse old supplies. Younger children may be able to use hand-me-down items that don’t wear out, such as a scientific calculator.
Tip #9: Buy At the Right Times
Know the right time to buy. Some supplies can be bought right after school starts such as college textbooks, basic clothing items, and dorm furnishings. Other items will need to be purchased early in the season like themed products, popular clothing styles, and embroidered uniforms.
“If you can, wait to buy school supplies until after Labor Day; prices will drop severely late in the season.” – Public School Review
Tip #10: Plan For the Future
After you’ve finished all your shopping, you’re not quite done yet. Review your spending on supplies, clothing, shoes and other costs. Were there any surprising categories? What led to overspending? Where did you save the most? Think about including your child in this review. This is a great time to teach them about budget, spending, setting goals and evaluating purchases.
To get ahead of the game for next school year start saving now. Divide the total cost you spent this year by 12 and put away that amount every month in a Heritage Valley Savings account.
OPEN A HERITAGE SAVINGS ACCOUNT >
Plan ahead with these tips so you can save this back-to-school season. As your local credit union, the success of your financial future is our top of mind. We also offer the Heritage Valley Visa® Platinum credit card that features a lower than industry standard fixed rate, no balance transfer fees, fraud alerts and you can earn rewards for every dollar you spend.
APPLY FOR THE HERITAGE PLATINUM CARD >
In addition, Heritage Valley makes getting a personal loan to meet every day or unexpected needs unexpectedly easy. Our competitive rates and quick turnaround mean you can take care of expenses with a credit union that takes a load off your mind.
