This week is Back-to-School Week at the Center for Economic Opportunity. We will feature commentary and analysis on affordability for families preparing for the new school year.

Each year, as summer ends, American families face the rising costs of preparing for a new school year. However, savvy shoppers can use smart strategies to save money without sacrificing quality.

Back-to-school spending in 2025 is projected to reach $39 billion, the second-highest on record, down from $41.5 billion in 2024, according to industry estimates. Despite higher prices, families prioritize value, seeking deals and exercising restraint to ensure quality purchases for their children.

Start Early and Assess Needs

Most back-to-school shopping begins in July, marking the start of the season. Begin by reviewing existing supplies to determine what is needed. Reusing items from previous years is a cost-effective strategy. Next, compare last year’s budget with the upcoming school year’s needs. Evaluate whether items on the school’s supply list were used or if alternatives might be more practical.

Break down purchases into categories: clothing, supplies, tech, etc. Distinguish between needs and wants, and compare prices for both. Does your child really need a new backpack or lunchbox or can what he or she already has suffice for another year? If funds remain after covering necessities, consider allocating them to a sinking fund for unexpected school expenses or addressing select wants.

Where to Save

  1. Shop Secondhand: Gently used items can be found at thrift stores, Facebook Marketplace, Nextdoor, Poshmark, Depop, or Mercari. Three-ring binders, storage bins, and organizers are often available at a fraction of retail prices.
  2. Tax-Free Periods: Plan purchases during state sales tax holidays. Here at Independent Women, we’ve compiled a list of states offering sales tax holidays. Check and see if your state participates.
  3. Buy in Bulk: Share costs with other parents or your child’s class. Retailers like Costco and Sam’s Club offer school supplies at competitive prices.
  4. Use Digital Tools: Apps like Honey, Rakuten, RetailMeNot, and Capital One Shopping provide coupons or cashback. Explore student discounts or off-brand options, such as Amazon Basics. For college students, BigWords compares textbook prices across platforms, while PangoBooks and AbeBooks offer affordable used books.
  5. Price Matching: Retailers like Target and Walmart often match competitors’ lower prices, saving time and money and preventing extra trips to the store.
  6. Tech on a Budget: Opt for refurbished or budget-friendly devices from Best Buy, Amazon Renewed, Swappa, or Backmarket.

Teach Kids Financial Literacy

Involve children in budgeting to teach them the difference between wants and needs. Encourage them to strategize, reuse items, and track expenses. This helps families predict costs and fosters financial responsibility in children. By planning ahead, leveraging deals, and engaging kids in the process, families can navigate back-to-school shopping efficiently while keeping costs down.

By embracing strategic shopping habits, families can tackle back-to-school expenses without compromising on quality. From reusing supplies and hunting for secondhand deals to leveraging tax-free periods and digital tools, these approaches empower parents to stretch their budgets further. Involving children in the process not only fosters financial literacy but also builds lifelong skills. With careful planning and smart choices, families can approach the school year with confidence, knowing they’ve secured the best value for their money.