How to stick to a budget while back-to-school shopping

Back-to-school season is an exciting time for kids (and let’s be honest, for parents too), but it can also be one of the most expensive times of the year. Between classroom supply lists, new clothes, sports gear and tech, it’s easy to start saying yes to everything that feels like a “need” — leaving you wondering how to stick to a budget. 

According to the National Retail Federation, families with children in elementary school through high school plan to spend an average of $858 on clothing, shoes, supplies and electronics this back-to-school shopping season. That’s a slight dip from last year, but it’s still a significant cost for most households. 

The good news? A little planning, clear communication and smart shopping strategies can help you manage those costs and teach your kids a few money lessons along the way. 

Start with your budget, not the store flyers 

Before you start shopping, take a look at your monthly budget and determine how much you can realistically spend. Then prioritize: Which expenses are true needs, and which ones are nice-to-haves? Keep in mind that school costs go beyond crayons and notebooks. You may need to account for lunch supplies, sports equipment, fees or even last-minute car repairs if your child participates in activities that require extra driving. 

If you don’t already have a back-to-school shopping line in your budget, now’s a great time to build one. Try using a separate category in your budgeting app or bank account so you can track these costs more easily year to year. 

Bonus tip: Go one step further and tally up your total school-related costs over a few months. This can help you plan for how to stick to a budget accurately next school year. 

Shop your home before you shop the stores 

You might be surprised by how many “new” school supplies you already own. Unused folders, barely touched notebooks and half-packs of pencils often come home at the end of the school year and get forgotten in the shuffle. 

Take a quick inventory of your child’s desk, backpack, closet and art supply drawer before you start shopping. You may be able to check off half the list without spending a dime — and help reduce waste in the process. 

Bonus tip: Coordinate with friends or neighbors who have older kids. They may have extra supplies, outgrown uniforms or gently used items they’re happy to pass along. 

Prioritize what matters most 

Not everything on a back-to-school shopping list is equally urgent, and some items may not be necessary at all. If your child is transitioning to a new grade or school, it’s OK to wait on certain purchases until you understand what’s truly needed. Some teachers provide updated lists after the first week, and kids’ preferences or needs often change once the school year begins. 

Start with the essentials: required supplies, clothes that fit, shoes for gym class or recess and any items your child uses daily. Then, once those are covered, you can decide what else fits in your budget. 

Bonus tip: Hold off on fall clothes shopping until the weather actually changes. You might catch better sales and avoid buying things your child outgrows by October. 

Involve your kids in the process 

Back-to-school shopping can be a great opportunity to teach your kids about money   management, decision-making and trade-offs. Give them a say in how you spend the budget and help them understand the difference between needs and wants. 

For example, you could give your child a set amount for clothing or accessories and let them decide how to spend it. If they want brand-name sneakers, that might mean fewer new outfits. These conversations teach kids important financial lessons, help them learn how to stick to a budget and give them a sense of ownership. 

Bonus tip: If your child receives birthday money or allowance, let them use a portion toward a back-to-school item they really want. It’s a great way to practice budgeting on their own terms. 

Shop smart — and know when to wait 

Retailers often start advertising back-to-school sales as early as July, but that doesn’t mean you need to buy everything at once. Some of the best deals on school supplies, clothing and electronics happen closer to the start of the school year or even into September. 

Use store flyers and price-tracking apps to compare prices before you buy. And if you can, buy in bulk with other parents or shop online to avoid kid-driven impulse buys. Many grocery stores or discount chains also carry basic school supplies at lower prices than office supply stores. 

Bonus tip: Ask your parent-teacher group if they’re organizing a bulk buy or community supply drive. You may be able to save money and build relationships by participating. 

Create a system to track school-related spending 

If you’re trying to manage expenses day to day or over the long term, it can help to track your total spending on child-related needs — not just during back-to-school season, but year-round. 

Consider using a dedicated debit card or high-yield checking account just for your child’s expenses. That way, you can monitor purchases like lunches, activity fees, school supplies or field trip costs from one place. This can also help you spot patterns and plan better in the future. 

Bonus tip: Empeople offers a teen-friendly, fee-free, high-yield checking account — a good way to start conversations about how to stick to a budget as well as how to make your money work for you. 

Don’t forget to plan for extras 

Back-to-school shopping doesn’t end at checkout. Throughout the school year, you may encounter new expenses like fundraiser events, team uniforms, instrument rentals or after-school programs. 

If possible, build a small emergency fund or “school year cushion” into your monthly expenses. Even $20 a month set aside in your account can help soften those surprise costs later on without adding to your credit card debt. 

Bonus tip: Keep a running list of expected school year expenses, from picture day to class trips, and plug them into your monthly budget ahead of time. 

Back-to-school shopping doesn’t have to break the bank 

It’s easy to spend money on everything that feels necessary, especially when it’s tied to your child’s success. But being strategic about what you buy, how you shop and how you plan can really help you figure out how to stick to a budget. 

Start early. Talk to your kids. Make a list and stick to it. And don’t be afraid to say no to things that don’t fit your budget — because teaching financial boundaries is one of the best lessons your child can learn. 

For more guidance on how to create your budget and reach your financial goals, check out Empeople’s Financial Success Center – a hub of custom-curated financial content, available from any device, 24/7.