Smart Back-to-School Budgeting Tips to Help You Save This School Year

As summer winds down, the back-to-school rush begins. From school supplies and new clothes to activity fees and technology, the costs can add up quickly. But with a little planning and some help from your local financial partner, you can start the school year off on solid financial footing.

At 1st Community Credit Union, we believe in empowering our members with tools and guidance to achieve financial wellness. Whether you're sending your kindergartener off with a backpack full of supplies or preparing your college student for dorm life, these budgeting tips can help you save money and reduce stress.

1. Create a Back-to-School Budget (and Stick to It)

Before you start shopping, take time to outline a realistic budget. Start by listing out all anticipated expenses, such as:
•    Classroom supplies
•    Backpacks and lunchboxes
•    Clothing and shoes
•    Electronics (calculators, tablets, laptops)
•    Fees for sports or extracurricular activities

Once you have a full picture of your costs, compare them to your available funds. This is a great time to review your savings account options to determine if you’ve set aside money throughout the year or if you’ll need to adjust your monthly spending.

Pro Tip:
Use free online budgeting tools to track spending and stay on top of your finances all year long.

2. Take Inventory Before You Shop

You might be surprised by how many supplies are already hiding in your home. Before hitting the stores, do a quick sweep of:
•    Leftover school supplies from last year
•    Unused notebooks, pens, and folders
•    Gently used backpacks or lunchboxes
•    Clothing that still fits (or can be handed down)

Taking stock of what you already own helps avoid unnecessary purchases and frees up budget space for bigger needs.

3. Shop Smart and Early

Back-to-school deals often start in mid-summer. Look for:

• Sales and coupons: Many retailers offer discounts on bulk items or limited-time promos.
• Shop Secondhand:  Gently used clothing, shoes, jackets, and backpacks can often be found by exploring thrift stores, consignment shops, and online marketplaces such as Swap.com or Facebook Marketplace.
• Buy in bulk: Team up with other parents to split bulk purchases of notebooks, pencils, or sanitizer.

Bonus Tip:
When shopping online, use browser extensions that automatically apply coupon codes at checkout. Every little bit helps!

4. Set Spending Limits with Older Kids

For middle schoolers, high schoolers, or college students, back-to-school shopping can be an opportunity to teach financial responsibility. Give them a budget and stick to it.
Encourage your child to prioritize needs over wants. Let them practice comparing prices, looking for deals, and understanding the value of money. You can even open a youth checking account with a debit card to give them more independence while helping them learn financial literacy.

5. Take Advantage of Student Discounts

Many stores and services offer exclusive deals to students, especially those heading off to college. From software subscriptions like Microsoft Office or Adobe Creative Cloud, to clothing, tech, and streaming services, student discounts can stretch your budget significantly.
Also consider free resources like:
•    Public libraries for books and tutoring help
•    Free lunch programs or supply drives through local organizations
•    Discounted or refurbished electronics from trusted vendors

6. Consider a Back-to-School Loan or Credit Option (If Needed)

If your back-to-school expenses are larger than expected, especially for college-bound students, you might want to explore financing options. At 1st CCU, we offer:

• Low-interest personal loans
• Share-secured loans
• Credit cards with rewards

We’re here to help you find the right solution for your family, without stretching your finances too thin.

7. Plan Ahead for Next Year

Once this year’s expenses are behind you, start planning for the next. Set up a designated savings account just for school-related purchases. Contributing a small amount each month can make a big difference when summer rolls around again.
Consider setting up automatic transfers to make saving easy and consistent. You'll thank yourself next year.

8. Make Use of Rewards Programs

If you've been using a 1st CCU Visa credit card throughout the year, you’ve been earning 1 reward point for each $1 you charge.  Those reward points can be redeemed for items your child may need, such as backpacks, laptops, etc.  This can help offset costs or even earn you discounts on future purchases.
Just be sure to pay off the balance in full to avoid interest charges. Responsible use of credit can work in your favor during high-spend times like back-to-school season.

We’re Here to Help

At 1st Community Credit Union, we understand that back-to-school shopping can be both exciting and overwhelming. That’s why we’re committed to helping our members make smart financial choices, every step of the way.
Visit your local branch or explore our member resources online for tips, tools, and support to keep your financial goals on track this school year and beyond.