Key Takeaways:

• Account for all expenses throughout the year, not just the supplies on a back-to-school list

• Set a budget, and reuse items that are in good condition

• Compare prices and spread out your purchases so you’re not buying everything at once

Even though there’s still about one month left of summer, many families are already thinking about the new school year. Shifting back to the “back to school” mindset can come with a hefty price tag.

According to the National Retail Federation, families are expected to spend more than $860 per child Off Site Link for the 2026 school year. That cost includes everything from supplies to clothes to sports fees and registrations to technology and more.

Before you start shopping, there are a few things you can do to make sure your family stays on track financially this fall.

Take inventory of everything your child will need

It’s easy to look at a list of supplies your child needs for the classroom and budget for that. It’s what you may forget to add in that can end up costing you, big time. Make sure you’re accounting for everything, including:

• Gear: backpacks, lunch bags, sports equipment, instruments and clothing, including uniforms.
• Food, including lunches, snacks or any special treats.
• Transportation, after-school childcare, field trips and other miscellaneous items.

While unexpected expenses will pop up throughout the year, now is the time to start planning for the ones already on your radar.

Create a budget that works for your family

Look at your overall budget for the year and figure out how much you can realistically spend per child. Breaking it down into categories, such as clothing, supplies, technology, etc., will help you avoid impulse purchases and overspending.

Before you begin shopping, take an inventory of what you already have. If your child has grown a few inches since last year, more clothing may be needed. But if their backpack from last year is still in good condition, that could be one place you don’t need to spend this year.

Buying in bulk throughout the year is another way to cut back on expenses. Things like pencils, glue sticks, markers, and folders can be bought at any time if they’re on sale and then used into the next school year.

Make sure you’re also setting some money aside for unexpected school expenses that come up throughout the year. Just like an emergency fund, this money can offset costs so you aren’t scrambling to purchase something in January.

Plan out your shopping ahead of time

Before you set foot in a store, take your list and compare prices at different shops. The shelves are already filled with back-to-school supplies, so start looking for deals now. Buy generic brands when possible and look for opportunities to split up large purchases. If you spread out purchases over a few weeks or months, it won’t feel like as big of an expense all at once. Also look for opportunities to use credit card points, store discounts and coupon codes.

Back-to-school season can be both exciting and overwhelming for parents and students alike. While the expenses can add up, setting a budget and planning ahead can save you money in the long run.

Visit sunrisebanks.com to use our budgeting and other financial wellness tools for back-to-school season and beyond. You can also learn more about free financial counseling sessions through LSS available to all Sunrise Banks customers.

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