"Back-to-School" Shouldn’t Break the Bank
National Heritage AcademiesNational Heritage Academies
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Preparing for a new school year often comes with expenses. Research found that parents were expected to spend around $800 per child on back-to-school items in 2025, according to Statista. At National Heritage Academies® (NHA®), we believe in supporting families. We know that managing back-to-school costs can be a challenge. Here are some simple tips to help you save.
1. Plan ahead. Stores start back-to-school sales early. Shopping over a few months spreads out costs and reduces stress.
2. Check for what you already have. Your child might not need new scissors or rulers every year. Check home supplies, closets, and bins for items that are still in good shape. See which clothes and shoes can last another season.
3. Follow your school’s supply list. Make sure to check your school’s supply list, refer from the list so you don’t overspend.
4. Shop smart. Look for deals at garage sales, dollar stores, consignment shops, and thrift stores. You can download apps like Kidizen, ThredUp, or Swoondle which are recommended for gently-used kids clothes, and you can easily filter by brand or size. Facebook Marketplace can also offer good finds. You can also save money by teaming up with other parents to split the cost of buying supplies in bulk.
5. Stay informed about sales. Follow your favorite stores on social media or sign up for their emails. Many retailers regularly announce sales. This helps you know when to find the best deals. Check out “Back to school sales are here: How to save money on supplies this July” by LEX 18 News.
6. Compare prices. Different stores have different sales. Check weekly ads, digital coupons, and rewards programs. Shopping earlier in the summer also gives you more time to compare and save.
7. Wait for clothing sales. It's tempting to buy a full new wardrobe before school starts. Consider buying just a few items your child needs. Major clothing sales often happen later in the season.
8. Use a price-tracking app. Apps can help you find the best deals. Some track prices and alert you when they drop. This can help you decide the best time to buy. According to Consumer Reports, an app called CamelCamelCamel tracks Amazon prices by just entering the product’s URL, where you will receive an email alert when the price drops.
We hope these tips help your family prepare for a successful school year. Happy shopping!
Helpful Tips to Save:
1. Plan ahead. Stores start back-to-school sales early. Shopping over a few months spreads out costs and reduces stress.
2. Check for what you already have. Your child might not need new scissors or rulers every year. Check home supplies, closets, and bins for items that are still in good shape. See which clothes and shoes can last another season.
3. Follow your school’s supply list. Make sure to check your school’s supply list, refer from the list so you don’t overspend.
4. Shop smart. Look for deals at garage sales, dollar stores, consignment shops, and thrift stores. You can download apps like Kidizen, ThredUp, or Swoondle which are recommended for gently-used kids clothes, and you can easily filter by brand or size. Facebook Marketplace can also offer good finds. You can also save money by teaming up with other parents to split the cost of buying supplies in bulk.
5. Stay informed about sales. Follow your favorite stores on social media or sign up for their emails. Many retailers regularly announce sales. This helps you know when to find the best deals. Check out “Back to school sales are here: How to save money on supplies this July” by LEX 18 News.
6. Compare prices. Different stores have different sales. Check weekly ads, digital coupons, and rewards programs. Shopping earlier in the summer also gives you more time to compare and save.
7. Wait for clothing sales. It's tempting to buy a full new wardrobe before school starts. Consider buying just a few items your child needs. Major clothing sales often happen later in the season.
8. Use a price-tracking app. Apps can help you find the best deals. Some track prices and alert you when they drop. This can help you decide the best time to buy. According to Consumer Reports, an app called CamelCamelCamel tracks Amazon prices by just entering the product’s URL, where you will receive an email alert when the price drops.
We hope these tips help your family prepare for a successful school year. Happy shopping!
