Summer is ending soon, and a new school year is fast approaching. It also brings expenses like clothes, shoes, and supplies. With costs on the rise, back-to-school shopping can feel overwhelming. This article covers tips for shopping without the overspending or accumulating additional credit card debt.
Key Takeaways
- Start with a budget and a clear supply list before you shop.
- Save in advance so school expenses are already covered.
- Compare prices, use coupons, and look for sales or tax-free weekends.
- Save money with supply drives, thrift stores, and bulk buys for repeat items.
- Plan lunches and after school activities carefully to avoid surprise costs and overspending.
How to Save Money on Back-to-School Shopping: 5 Tips to Avoid Overspending
1. Save in advance and create a back-to-school budget
Now, this is pretty much a given for any big expense: save as much money as you can in advance. Don’t just throw whatever money you have left at the end of the month into savings for it. Have a plan. Back-to-school shopping must be included in your budget. Some items you can consider including into this list are:
- The supply list provided by the school
- Clothes, shoes, backpacks, lunch boxes, snacks, and anything else your child will need for the school year.
- Cost for the extracurricular activities like sports and drama clubs.
Use that list to determine how much money you should save. Once you have your number, take two steps: create a SMART financial goal for back-to-school shopping and review your budget to see where you can cut back and redirect money toward your goal.
2. Look for back-to-school sales and discounts.
Going to multiple stores might feel overwhelming, but it’s a great way to hunt down in-store sales, stick to your budget, and avoid credit card debt. Digital and physical coupons are helpful. Check sales papers and store websites to find back-to-school deals. Be sure to note where you found the cheapest items on your list and their prices. Download store apps as well; you might find exclusive online and in-store deals to help with the school supply costs.
Expert Tip: Wait for tax- free weekend.
Did you know that some states offer a sales tax-free day? Many states will waive sales tax on certain items for a specific period, though the rules vary by state. NerdWallet’s June 2026 article, “Sales Tax Holidays,” is a helpful resource for finding tax-free weekend dates, participating states, and eligible items.
Take advantage of this day for items like clothing, computers, and basic school supplies.
3. Find free school supplies through community supply drives.
Don’t forget to do some research and see what’s going on in your community. Some organizations and churches will do back-to-school supply drives where your child can pick up free school supplies and even new backpacks. Check places like your city’s website, the library, community organization websites/socials, and church event pages. There are organizations doing this nationwide, such as Volunteers of America and its Operation Backpack initiative, so if you are struggling, you are not alone, and help is available.
4. Save money by shopping second hand and thrifting.
Clothing and shoes can be one of the biggest expenses, besides tech, that parents have to buy for the new school year. One way to lower that cost while still finding clothes they might like is to shop at thrift stores. If the thrift stores have a website, check whether they are offering anything or have any discounted days for affordable school supplies.
Erin Shugar’s August 2025 article, “Back-to-School on a Budget: Thrift Store Finds for Students,” offers these helpful tips for getting started with back-to-school thrifting:
“Timing is Everything: Check your local thrift store shortly after tax-free weekends or community donation drives, as this is often when fresh inventory arrives. […] Keep an Open Mind: Missing a branded backpack? Instead, look for a sturdy, stylish alternative that fits your personality.”
5. Reduce back-to-school lunch costs
When you are making your budget, include expenses for lunch, whether your child buys it at school or you pack it. Speaking of homemade lunches, here are a few tips to save money on packing your child’s lunch:
- Use in-season produce, since it’s typically cheaper than imported produce.
- Opt for store brand versions of products.
- Check your local grocery store sales paper to see if they are offering any back-to-school sales.
- Lastly, don’t shy away from repurposing dinners. For example, a chicken tender dinner could become a chicken wrap for a school lunch, and leftover breakfast fruit can make a nice dessert.
- Check discount bargain stores and dollar stores for affordable lunch boxes and containers.
Buying frequently used items in bulk may also help lower your overall back-to-school costs. Consider supplies and household essentials such as paper, pens, tissues, and non-perishable foods. Although the upfront price may be higher than purchasing a smaller quantity, the cost per item could be lower over time.
As Ivana Pino explains in her June 2026 article, “5 Smart Ways to Save Money on Back-to-School Supplies,” “Shopping for non-perishable items in bulk involves a higher up-front cost, but can help you save more throughout the school year (and maybe even the next too).”
Before buying, use the calculator app on your phone to compare the unit price and confirm that the bulk option is actually the better deal.
Tips from an ACCC Senior Administrative Counselor Gearing Up for the New School Year.
Just like you we have credit counselors in the same boat shopping for the new school year. We asked proud father and senior administrative counselor, Kyle Liseno how he handles shopping for back-to-school without overspending and these are the tips he gave us:
“Always start with a budget and try not to go over. If supplies from last year are still good like their backpack, or didn’t use the new package of colored pencils, do you need to get another one? Never hurts to check your state (if struggling with budget) for programs (Example Boston has Cradles to Crayons). Shop the deals, check online and don’t overdo it. That’s important. When it says one package of crayons you don’t need 5. When it comes to clothes, same deal, look for the sales, don’t overspend on expensive clothes. ESPECIALLY if the child is still growing and will only wear the item for a few months before outgrowing.” – Kyle Liseno, ACCC Senior Administrative Counselor
Overspent and Accumulated Credit Card Debt?
If you have already shopped for school supplies, went over budget, and had to increase your credit card balance to cover the difference, American Consumer Credit Counseling (ACCC) can help you make a plan for your credit card debt. Through ACCC, you will receive a free consultation with a financially certified credit counselor who will go over your finances with you, create a personalized budget, and then craft a debt repayment plan for your specific financial situation, if a debt management plan is the right approach for you.
Bottom Line:
One of the best tools against overspending is having a plan for your money. Come up with a realistic number, factor savings into your budget, and make a list of estimated prices for what you need for the school year. Include everything you can think of, because forgetting items can also send you over budget; make sure extracurricular activities are covered.
Being a smart shopper can also help you avoid overspending. Using sales, thrifting, tax-free weekends, bulk buys, and leftover lunches can help you stay within your budget. Don’t forget that you can research your community for school supply drives if you need extra help. If you do overspend this back-to-school shopping season, reach out to ACCC to get help creating a repayment plan. We at ACCC wish you and your child a successful and stress-free school year!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How can I keep back-to-school shopping from getting out of hand?
A: The best way is to start with a budget and a clear list before you shop. That way, you know exactly what you need and how much you can afford to spend.
Q: Is it better to buy everything at once?
A: Not always. If your budget is tight, it can help to buy the most important items first and wait for sales on the rest. Check whether items like bookbags and lunch boxes from the previous year can be reused.
Q: Are tax-free weekends worth planning for?
A: Yes, definitely. If your state offers one, tax-free weekends can be a great chance to save on qualifying school supplies, clothes, and other essentials.
Q: What items should I try to buy in bulk?
A: Things they’ll use a lot, like paper, pens, tissues, and non-perishable snacks, can often be cheaper when bought in larger quantities.
Q: How can I save money on school lunches?
A: Using store brands, shopping sales, clipping coupons, and repurposing leftovers are all simple ways to cut lunch costs without making things harder on yourself.
Q: What if I already overspent?
A: If school shopping pushed you over budget, don’t panic. Take a look at your spending, make a repayment plan, and reach out for help if credit card debt is becoming a concern.
If you’re struggling to pay off debt, ACCC can help. Schedule a free credit counseling session with us today.
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