As summer fades, families face the rush of back-to-school shopping. New clothes, supplies, sports gear, and other seasonal costs can add up fast. Without a plan, you may overspend before the first day of school even begins.

As of 2025, US families spend an average of $774 per child on back-to-school items.[1] This is in addition to other seasonal costs like fall activities and sports fees.

The good news is that with a few simple strategies, you can prepare for fall while protecting your wallet. These back-to-school budgeting tips can help you save money, stay organized, and keep your financial goals on track.

A Fresh Start for School—and for Your Finances

Back-to-school season often feels like a new beginning. Your kids get a fresh start with teachers, classes, and friends. You can also take this time to reset your family’s budget.

Between supplies, activities, and fall events, spending can spike in September and October. It’s easy to underestimate how much these costs add up. 

This is why planning ahead matters. A clear budget can help you cover today’s expenses without sacrificing tomorrow’s goals, like saving for emergencies or your child’s future.

You might also like: Budgeting for Working Moms: How To Balance Family and Financial Goals 

Back To School Budgeting Tips

Here are some simple, practical steps to help you avoid back to school overspending and keep your finances in check this season.

1. Set a Realistic Budget for Each Child

Start by looking at last year’s spending. What did you buy for supplies, clothes, and extracurricular activities? Use this as a guide to set limits for each child this year.

Make a list of what’s required versus what would be nice to have. 

Essentials might include pencils, notebooks, and a backpack. Meanwhile, extras might include things like a designer lunchbox or brand-name shoes.

If you’re unsure how much you can spend, track expenses with a budgeting tool or use a budget worksheet to outline your costs. Seeing the numbers clearly can help you make smarter choices.

2. Shop Smart, Not Fast

When you shop in a rush, you’re more likely to overspend. Give yourself time to compare prices and hunt for deals.

You may be able to save if you: 

• Plan ahead. 

• Use coupons and apps. 

• Check your home first.

• Shop over time. 

Watch for back-to-school sales in July and August. Better yet, shop after school starts for deep clearance discounts on supplies for next year. 

Keep in mind that many stores offer extra discounts through loyalty programs or mobile apps. 

Plus, you might already have leftover supplies from last year. If last year’s backpack is still in good condition, do you really need a new one? 

If possible, spread out your purchases over several weeks. Buying everything at once can strain your budget and lead to impulse buys.

Recommended: Saving Money at Home: 15 Money Saving Tips to Cut Costs

3. Embrace Secondhand & Community Resources

Not everything needs to be brand new. Many schools, churches, and community groups host supply swaps or donation drives. This is a great way to get gently used items for free or at a low cost.

Thrift stores and consignment shops are also budget-friendly options for clothing and sports gear. Kids often outgrow these items before they wear them out.

Buying secondhand saves money and helps the environment. Plus, it teaches kids the value of reusing and recycling.

You might also like: What's the Best Way to Save Money When My Income is Tight? 

4. Involve Kids in Budgeting Decisions

Back-to-school season is a perfect time to teach your children about money. Include them in the planning process.

Explain the family budget and set spending limits together. If your child wants a more expensive item, discuss ways they can earn the difference — like doing extra chores or saving part of their allowance.

This not only helps you stay on track but also builds lifelong money skills. You can even open a savings account for your child to help them set goals and watch their savings grow.

Recommended: Teach Kids About Saving with these Free Resources 

5. Don’t Let Seasonal Spending Derail Long-Term Goals

It’s easy to let fall expenses eat into savings for bigger financial milestones. Whether you’re working toward an emergency fund, a vacation, or college savings, stay focused on the bigger picture.

Consider setting aside money in a separate high-interest savings account or money market account. This can keep your savings safe and make it harder to spend on impulse.

Small, regular deposits can add up. Think of it as paying your future self first, before covering seasonal costs.

Recommended: What's the Difference Between a Checking, Savings, and Money Market Account? 

6. Plan Ahead for Surprise Expenses

Even with a solid budget, unexpected costs can pop up once the school year begins. Field trips, last-minute project supplies, or new activity fees can catch you off guard.

Set aside a small “just in case” fund to cover these surprises. Even $10 to $20 a week can give you breathing room and keep you from dipping into savings when the unexpected happens.

At Centier, we offer resources like savings products and financial education tools to help you stay on track year-round.

Let Us Help You Make Back-To-School Season Stress-Free

Back-to-school shopping doesn’t have to drain your wallet. With a bit of planning, smart shopping, and clear goals, you can keep your family’s finances in balance.

Centier Bank is here to support you with savings tools, financial education, and personalized services. To explore options and start building a better future today, visit Centier’s savings page.

Source: 

[1] https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/indiana-teachers-spend-over-1k-125502742.html