Getting Financially Ready for Back-to-School

The start of a new school year is an exciting time for families, but it can also bring a long list of expenses. From school supplies and new clothes to technology, extracurricular activities and school fees, back-to-school costs can add up quickly. The National Retail Federation estimates that families with children in elementary through high school plan to spend an average of $863.86 per child on back-to-school items in 2026, including clothing, shoes, school supplies and electronics.

With a little planning, you can prepare for these expenses without putting unnecessary pressure on your budget. Here are some ways to get financially ready for the school year ahead.
 

Take Inventory Before You Shop

Before heading to the store, take a look at what you already have. Check closets, backpacks, desks and last year's school supplies. You may find that some items can be reused or that you don't need to purchase as much as you originally thought.

Once you've taken inventory, make a list of the items your child actually needs. A list can help you stay focused and avoid unnecessary purchases while you're shopping.
 

Set a Back-to-School Budget

Once you know what you need, determine how much you can comfortably spend.

Consider creating separate categories for expenses such as:

• School supplies
• Clothing and shoes
• Technology
• School fees
• Sports and extracurricular activities
• Lunches and snacks

If you have multiple children, you may also want to create an estimate for each child. Having a specific number in mind can make it easier to keep your spending on track. Don't forget to leave some room in your budget for expenses that may come up after school starts. Field trips, classroom supplies, activity fees and other costs can be easy to overlook when you're planning your initial shopping trip.
 

Prioritize Your Purchases

Not everything needs to be purchased at once. Start with the items your child needs for the first day of school. From there, prioritize other purchases based on your budget and when they'll be needed. If your budget is limited, consider which purchases are essential and which ones can wait. This can help you avoid spending more than you planned simply because everything is on the shopping list at the same time.
 

Shop Smart

Once you have your list and budget, look for ways to make your money go further. Compare prices between stores and online retailers, and look for sales, coupons and loyalty rewards. Store brands can also be a good option for everyday school supplies when the name brand isn't necessary.

For clothing, shoes and backpacks, consider shopping secondhand. Thrift stores, consignment shops and online marketplaces may have gently used items at a lower cost. You can also spread your purchases out when possible. Buying everything in one shopping trip may be convenient, but it can make it harder to stay within your monthly budget.
 

Plan for Technology Expenses

Technology can be one of the more expensive parts of preparing for a new school year. If your child needs a laptop, tablet, calculator or other device, make that purchase part of your back-to-school budget rather than treating it as an unexpected expense. Before buying something new, check whether an existing device still meets your child's needs. If you do need to purchase a new device, compare prices and look for back-to-school promotions before planning.
 

Prepare for Expenses Beyond the First Day

Back-to-school spending doesn't necessarily end when school begins. Throughout the year, you may have expenses for sports, clubs, school events, field trips, fundraisers, supplies and other activities. If you know these expenses are coming, consider setting aside a small amount each month specifically for school-related costs. Planning ahead can help prevent these expenses from becoming a surprise for your budget.
 

Make Back-to-School Spending Part of Your Financial Plan

Back-to-school shopping is a seasonal expense, but it doesn't have to disrupt your overall financial goals. Start by reviewing your regular monthly expenses and determining how much you can comfortably put toward back-to-school purchases. Then, prioritize your needs, look for opportunities to save and plan for expenses that may come later in the school year. The more prepared you are, the easier it can be to start the school year on solid financial footing. A new school year comes with plenty of changes. Your budget doesn't have to be one of them.