A recent Deloitte survey paints a clear picture of how families are approaching back-to-school shopping this year. With many households feeling the pinch of rising costs, parents are leaning into strategic habits to keep their budgets intact. 

That means focusing on essential school supplies, hunting for the best back-to-school sales, and finding creative ways to stretch every dollar.

How to Make Your School Supply Budget Go Further

This year, you don’t have to face the challenge alone. By teaming up with other savvy shoppers and planning ahead, you can check off your school supplies list without overspending.

Dare we say you might even be able to free up a few extra savings for the holiday season, which, let’s face it, will be here before we know it? Here are five simple, yet effective, ways to shop smarter this fall.

Start with What You Already Have

Before heading to the store, take a close look at what is already in your home. Last year’s supplies might still have plenty of life left. 

Half-full notebooks, unused folders, and extra pens or pencils can go right back into service. Even art supplies like crayons and colored pencils can be refreshed with a quick sharpen and organized into a tidy case.

Check backpacks, lunchboxes, and water bottles, as well. A good wash or a few minor repairs can make them feel new again, saving you from buying replacements. This is also a great opportunity to teach your children how to avoid wastefulness. 

Let Technology Be Your Shopping Sidekick

Price comparison sites like Google Shopping show where items are cheapest, while cashback apps such as Ibotta or Fetch give you a little money back after you buy. These small rebates can add up as you continue to seek out other back-to-school savings opportunities.

If you rely heavily upon Amazon, browser extensions like CamelCamelCamel can track the price history of products so you know if a deal is truly worth it. 

You can also set up price alerts for bigger-ticket items like calculators, graphing tools, or high-quality backpacks. This way, you can pounce when the prices drop instead of paying full retail.

Follow the Sales and Pace Your Purchases

While it’s tempting to get all your student shopping done in one trip, spreading out your purchases might save you money in the long run. Most stores run rotating weekly promotions in the lead-up to the school year. So, buying items as they go on sale will allow you to take advantage of multiple discounts.

For example, one week might bring a two-for-one sale on notebooks, while the next offers 30% off jeans. Shopping this way not only stretches your budget, but also reduces the stress of a massive one-day shopping spree. 

Keep an eye on in-store flyers and online ads because some deals are exclusive to one channel over the other. You might even spot flash sales or clearance items if you check stores midweek, instead of waiting until the weekend rush.

Buy in Bulk and Share the Savings

Classroom essentials like tissues, disinfecting wipes, and Ziploc bags are almost always cheaper in bulk. If you don’t need a large quantity, see if you can team up with other parents you know and trust to split the cost. This can give everyone the amount they need at a lower per-item price.

If someone in your group has a warehouse club membership, like Costco or Sam’s Club, the savings can be even higher. This approach also works well for non-perishable lunchbox items, bottled water, or snacks that can last for months. Buying in bulk for the school year ahead may also mean fewer midyear runs to restock and more money saved overall.

Be Smart About Credit Cards and Debt

Charging school purchases to a credit card may seem convenient, but interest can turn bargains into expensive buys if you’re not careful. Whenever possible, pay with cash or debit to avoid racking up that credit card. 

If, like so many Americans, you’re forced to use a credit card this year, make sure you have a repayment plan in place before you shop.

A popular way to get rid of debt is to pay off the smallest balance first, then roll that payment into the next until your debt is gone. Otherwise known as the snowball method, this creates a sense of progress while keeping interest charges down.

A Smarter Start to the School Year

By reusing what you have, shopping the best sales, and avoiding unnecessary debt, you can make shopping for school supplies a little bit easier on your budget. 

Even though it’s already August, a little preparation now means it’s possible to head into the new school year with your little one ready to learn and your finances in a healthy place.