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20 Hacks to Cut Back on Back-to-School Expenses

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School shopping doesn’t have to drain your wallet. With the right approach, you can gather all the essentials without overspending. These 20 smart, budget-friendly strategies will help you tackle back-to-school shopping while keeping your finances in check.

Check Last Year’s Leftovers First

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Start by checking the supplies you already have. Unused notebooks, folders, pens, highlighters, erasers, sticky notes, or even leftover index cards from last year can be put to good use. No need to buy duplicates. 

Organize a School Supply Swap

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Get creative by hosting a school supply swap with friends or neighbors. It’s a fun way to exchange extra items you no longer need. This saves everyone money while reducing waste—plus, you might get something better than expected. 

Hit Up Garage Sales for Hidden Gems

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Check out garage sales in your neighborhood. People often sell lightly used school supplies, clothing, and backpacks for just a few dollars. You can score some serious deals on items that still have plenty of life left in them.

Set a Strict Budget (And Stick to It!)

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Decide on a spending limit before shopping, and keep it in mind as you go. Having a clear budget will help prevent impulse purchases and ensure you only buy what’s necessary. Stick to a plan to make it even easier to save money. 

Shop the Clearance Section

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Check out clearance sections for discounted school supplies. You’ll often find products from previous stock marked down significantly. The quality is still the same, but the prices are much lower, helping you save on essential items without overspending.

Grab Deals at the Dollar Store

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Dollar stores are stocked with affordable school supplies like notebooks, pens, and even calculators. Why pay more when you can find everything for a buck or two? Your kids won’t even notice the difference, and your wallet will be much happier.

Reuse Old Notebooks

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Do you have notebooks with leftover blank pages? Simply tear out the used sections and reuse them. This hack saves money and cuts down waste. It’s quick and simple, and no one will even notice that it’s not brand new. 

Let Kids Help with Coupon Hunting

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Turn saving into a team effort. Let your kids search for coupons online or in local newspapers. It’s a great way to get them involved and teaches them early money-saving habits. Plus, it adds some fun to what might otherwise be a chore. 

Split Bulk Buys with Friends

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Bulk buying helps reduce costs, but sometimes it’s more than you need. Partner with friends to split bulk purchases of school supplies. You save cash, and neither of you ends up with more items than your kids can use. 

Use Loyalty Cards for Extra Discounts

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Take advantage of store loyalty programs that reward you with discounts and special offers. By becoming a member, you can often access exclusive savings on school supplies. It’s a simple way to get more for less while shopping smart. 

Thrift for Clothes and Supplies

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Thrift stores are a goldmine for back-to-school shopping. You’ll find gently used backpacks, lunchboxes, and clothes at a fraction of the retail price. Shopping second-hand helps the environment while keeping your spending low. 

Use Cashback Apps

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Save as you shop by using cashback apps like Rakuten or Ibotta. These apps give you money back on purchases made through their platforms. It’s like getting rewarded for shopping—no strings attached. Every little bit helps!

DIY Your Own Lunch Containers

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Instead of buying fancy lunchboxes, repurpose old jars or containers from home. This eco-friendly hack saves money and gives your kid a one-of-a-kind lunch setup. Who says saving money can’t be stylish and sustainable? 

Hand-Me-Downs Are Your Friend

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Do older siblings have leftover supplies? Reuse them. Hand-me-down backpacks, calculators, or even lunchboxes are perfectly good to use again. Passing down supplies cuts costs, reduces waste, and teaches the value of reusing. 

Compare Prices Online

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Before heading to the store, check prices online. You’ll often find cheaper options or special online discounts that aren’t available in stores. It takes just a few minutes but can lead to major savings on your back-to-school haul. 

Look for Free School Supply Events

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Many communities host events where free school supplies are handed out. Check with local charities, churches, or schools to find giveaways near you. These events help families save on essentials without sacrificing quality.

Skip Trendy, Buy Basics

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Trendy gear might look cool, but basic items get the job done at a much lower cost. Stick with classic, affordable designs that never go out of style. Kids don’t need the latest expensive trends to be ready for school. 

Wait for Backpack Sales

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Backpacks often go on sale after the first few weeks of school. Don’t rush to buy one at full price. Waiting for discounts will save you a lot of money while still getting a quality backpack that lasts all year. 

Teach Kids to Budget

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Teach your kids financial responsibility by giving them a small budget for school supplies. Let them decide how to spend it—within reason, of course. This way, they learn how to manage money while you keep the overall spending in check. 

Follow Stores on Social for Deals

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Following stores on social media can get you access to exclusive sales and discounts. Many retailers post flash sales on their pages that don’t show up anywhere else. A quick follow-up could mean significant savings on your next purchase.

Written by Jace Lamonica

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