The Back To School Budget

 

Back to school shopping is much more intense (and expensive) than it was years ago, when all you needed was a few notebooks, some #2 pencils, and a couple pairs of jeans that didn’t look like you were preparing for a flood.  Nowadays, teachers equip their new students with lists of supplies way in advance of the new school year (I’m talking July, sometimes even June!) that include a multitude of supplies. Many they will probably need and use. But many are questionable. So how do you determine the balance of what they need, and what you can afford? Here’s a few simple tips to stick to when you enter the jungle of back to school shopping.

1.       Take Stock & Re-Use.  Go through last year’s collection of supplies and see what you already have that can be used for the new school year. Your child only used half of their English notebook last year? Use that notebook! Are the highlighters and book covers still in good shape? Don’t buy more! Still have whole crayons and markers that aren’t dried out? Use those, too! If the old isn’t broken or used up or in bad shape, why buy new?

2.       Set A Budget & Make A List.   If you only have $100 to spend on school supplies this year (like me), then don’t spend more than that. Seems simple, but spending can easily and quickly get out of control, especially if you’re using plastic money and don’t see it dwindling in front of you. Bring in cash to the store, so you can visibly see your budget. It helps. Then, list specific items that you KNOW you need, and don’t put anything else on the list. If you have money left over in your budget, BONUS! Save it, or spend it on something else you or the kids would like to have for school.

3.       Skip New Clothes. Unless there is something your child just HAS to have (and it fits in your budget), buy as few NEW clothes for back to school as you can. Chances are they’ll be wearing their summer clothes for the first couple of months of school, anyways. After that, head to the thrift stores in your area! Kids go through so many growth spurts, it can be financially painful to spend $50 on a pair of jeans they’ll wear for a few months, then get rid of because they no longer fit. Thrift stores are a great alternative- super low prices on fairly nice, gently used items that fit your kids, and you won’t feel the financial pinch once they grow out of them! Win-win!

Back to school shopping can be fun and cheap, if you do it right. Follow these tips while at the store, and your wallet, your kids, and their teachers, will be happy!

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