Back to School on a Budget

Tips on How to Ease the Financial Stress of School Supply Shopping

Aug 22, 2009

September is often a stressful month for both parents and students. Learn how to plan your back to school shopping to fit with your budget.

Back to school is one of the busiest times of the year for families everywhere. A new year, a new schedule, new clothes, new school supplies, sometimes even a new school. Everything is fresh and it's probably the one time of the year that kids actually look forward to going to school.

This whirlwind of change, while exciting and new, can also prove to be overwhelming. For many families it is also stressful to consider all the supplies and clothing needed to start a new year. Parents want to send their children back to school in style but they don't want to break the bank while they do it. Here are some ideas on how to handle back to school shopping on a budget.

Back to School Budget

Setting a budget may seem like a simple thought but it is often one that is overlooked. If finances are a concern it is imperative that a budget be set. It can be all too easy to walk into a store and simply buy without thinking. Setting a budget creates an awareness of how much money is being spent. It also provides a concrete limit and helps to reduce overspending.

Reuse School Supplies and Clothes

Reusing last year's school supplies is a simple way to reduce the amount of money spent on back to school shopping. The following items can often be used for more than one year if they are kept in good condition.

Taking stock of back to school wardrobes is important as well. Reusing clothing is often possible, especially for older children who do not wear through their clothes as quickly as younger children. For example, pants that are in good condition may just need to buy a few shirts and accessories to update the look. Snowsuits and boots are often usable for two seasons.

Buy School Supplies in Bulk

A trip to an office supply store or a wholesale club will provide school supplies in bulk. Though it might not be possible to use a very large lot of supplies in one year, many school supplies will be needed for years to come. The following items can often be bought in large quantities and distributed as necessary.

When bulk shopping it is important to price compare and make sure that the large lot really is a good deal.

Where to Buy Cheap School Supplies

Most large grocery and big box stores carry school supplies at reasonable rates. Dollar stores, wholesale clubs and odd lots stores often carry school and office supplies particularly around the beginning of the school year.

With careful planning and creativity it is possible to make back to school shopping affordable for every family.

The copyright of the article Back to School on a Budget in Family Budgeting is owned by Rachelle Ward. Permission to republish Back to School on a Budget in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.