10 top tips to ease back-to-school costs: a guide for parents and carers
16 December 2024
The back-to-school season can be challenging, but there are ways to ease the financial burden.
With the new school year just around the corner, costs can add up alarmingly fast. From uniforms and books to stationery supplies, budgeting for school expenses can feel overwhelming. This Moneycare Week (19-25 January), The Salvation Army’s Moneycare team offers 10 practical tips to help make the back-to-school experience a little easier — and hopefully a lot more enjoyable.
In Australia, back-to-school costs can hit hard, arriving right after Christmas and summer holidays — times when many budgets are already stretched to the limit.
If you’re feeling the pressure, you’re not alone. The Salvation Army’s Moneycare free financial counselling program has been helping ordinary Australians for over 40 years, providing non-judgmental advice and support, as well as resources like You're the Boss, a free eBook packed with handy money-saving ideas.
Here are 10 simple budgeting tips from the Moneycare team to help reduce back-to-school costs. For many, back-to-school season can be a tough time. While these budgeting tips won’t solve all the challenges, they can help ease financial pressure and set your family up for a more successful and budget-friendly school year.
1. Shop at home first.
Before rushing to the shops, start by shopping at home. Look through the back-to-school supply list and work out what you really need to buy versus what you already own and can reuse.
Sharpen those pencils, dust off unused exercise books, and only buy what’s absolutely necessary. This can save you a significant amount before you even begin shopping and is also a more environmentally friendly option!
2. Create a money plan/budget.
Planning carefully is key to managing back-to-school costs. Set a limit for your spending by budgeting to allocate specific amounts for items like uniforms, stationery, and extracurricular activities. You might need different budgets for each child depending on their school requirements.
Don’t forget ongoing costs throughout the year like school excursions, project supplies, sports fees, school photos and fundraisers. If you’re new to the school, and can’t base it off previous years, you may be able to request an estimate from the school office about what to expect for the year ahead.
It can seem overwhelming to even think about all the upcoming costs, but without a plan, it’s hard to stay ahead.
3. Economise on stationery and supplies.
Shopping around for less expensive, durable supplies from discount stores, supermarkets or bulk stationery outlets can mean significant savings. Branded items often come with a higher price tag but aren’t always better in quality.
Shopping online or without the kids can also help you stick to your budget, avoiding unnecessary purchases of brand names or the latest trends. Instead of splurging on trendy notebooks or bags, encourage your kids to decorate more affordable options with their own art or stickers — making them unique and personal.
4. Involve the family in money planning discussions.
Go through your back-to-school budget with the whole family. Make agreements with each child about what you will and won’t buy, and what items they can choose.
Involving your children in these discussions can help them understand the importance of budgeting and financial responsibility. It also helps them appreciate the value of new school gear and why it’s important to take care of their belongings. Just be mindful not to overload them with financial worries.
5. Be financially tech-savvy.
Technology can be a significant expense for many families, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. Avoid the urge to upgrade to the latest devices and consider second-hand or refurbished options. Pre-owned computers, laptops and tablets can often be sourced at a fraction of the cost of new ones.
Look for deals online or check reputable second-hand electronics stores. You may even find family members or friends who are upgrading and willing to pass on their old devices. This approach can significantly reduce costs and is also better for the environment.
6. Shop smart for school uniforms.
School uniforms can be a significant expense, but there are ways to manage these costs more effectively. Consider checking second-hand shops, Facebook groups, or connecting with other parents to source uniforms that children have grown out of.
Buying school uniforms a size bigger, and shoes half a size larger, can make them last longer, helping you avoid needing to replace them mid-year. You might also consider sneakers that can serve as both school shoes and sports shoes (if permitted by the school), cutting down on multiple purchases.
7. Pack a thrifty, healthy lunchbox.
Planning ahead can help you avoid the temptation of expensive, pre-packaged snacks. While it’s a challenge to prepare a healthy and enticing lunch five days a week, it’s an area where you can save money by including lunchbox-friendly foods like fruit, veggies, cheese and crackers in your weekly shop. Buying larger packets and dividing them into smaller portions (think crackers and yogurt) is also not only cost-effective but reduces packaging waste.
Involving your kids in planning, preparing, baking and freezing leftovers makes them more likely to eat and enjoy what’s packed. This helps you save money as well as encourages healthier eating and teaches kids valuable life skills in food preparation and budgeting.
8. Choose cost-effective school travel.
School travel can be another significant cost, but there are ways to reduce it. Walking or cycling is a cost-effective option if it’s safe and practical. It also helps kids get their daily exercise and, of course, the accompanying adults too.
If walking or cycling isn’t an option, public transport can often be more efficient and affordable than driving, depending on where you live. Car-pooling with other trusted parents is another way to cut travel costs, reduce environmental impact, and build a closer sense of community.
9. Manage extracurricular expenses.
Extracurricular activities can add up quickly, so it’s essential to manage these costs carefully by working together as a family to decide which activities are most important, and by limiting the number of activities per term. This helps control costs and prevents overscheduling, which can be stressful for both parents and children.
Look for free or low-cost community-based programs or ask family members for Christmas or birthday gifts that support extracurricular activities. Sometimes a regular family hike and picnic, or a swim at the local pool, can be just as much fun as an expensive activity.
10. Plan for next year.
If possible, start saving for next year’s school supplies now. By setting aside a small amount each month, you can spread out the cost of school expenses and avoid last-minute financial pressure. This forward-thinking approach can make the back-to-school season far less stressful in the future.
The end of each school year is also a great time to look for deals (or giveaways) on used textbooks, uniforms or other supplies, which can make a big difference to your budget.