8 Simple Ways to Save This School Year

Back-to-school season can feel like a never-ending to-do list of open houses, new routines and school supply shopping. School expenses add up quickly, but a little extra planning can go a long way toward keeping those expenses manageable. Whether you’re a parent or guardian preparing your student for a new school year or a college student looking to start your semester off strong, consider these simple ways to save on back-to-school spending.

Start with What You Already Have

Before heading to the store, take inventory of last year's supplies. Search desks, closets, backpacks and other storage areas for notebooks, folders, pencils or any other items that may still be perfectly usable. Why purchase a brand-new notebook when you discover a 120-page notebook with only 20 pages filled? Taking stock of what you already have can help prevent unnecessary purchases and ensure you're only buying what your student actually needs.

Spread Out Your Shopping Trips

While getting back-to-school shopping out of the way is greatly satisfying, you don't necessarily have to purchase your entire list in just one trip. Spreading your shopping out over several weeks gives you more opportunities to take advantage of timely sales, coupons and other promotions. Shopping gradually can also ease stress on your monthly budget & make large back-to-school expenses feel more manageable. Just be sure to keep track of what you've already purchased so you don't accidentally buy duplicates down the line.

Consider Buying in Bulk

If you have friends, family members or neighbors with children in the same age group, consider teaming up on certain purchases. For example, one person could purchase notebooks while another picks up pencils or other supplies, then divide the items among the group as needed. Buying commonly required items in bulk and splitting them among several families could help everyone save. As the old saying goes, it takes a village!

Buy Clothes for the Current Season

It can be tempting to purchase an entire year’s wardrobe before school begins but consider buying only what your student needs for the current season. Children and teens can grow quickly, and clothes purchased months in advance may already be too small by the time they're finally needed. By shopping for the season you're entering, you can avoid spending money on items that may eventually go unworn. Additionally, this strategy can spread clothing costs across the whole year, rather than spending a huge amount in August or September.

Heading to College? Look for Savings Beyond Tuition.

For college students, expenses don't stop at tuition and housing. Books, food, technology, parking and everyday purchases can also add up quickly. Fortunately, there are several ways prospective college students can look for savings.

Complete the FAFSA

For students pursuing higher education, completing the FAFSA® or Free Application for Federal Student Aid can be an important first step in exploring financial aid opportunities. The application is used to determine eligibility for federal student aid and can also be relevant to state and school-based aid programs.
Because financial aid eligibility can vary, it's worth exploring the options available rather than assuming you won't qualify. *

Apply for Scholarships

Don't overlook scholarships. There are opportunities available from colleges, nonprofits, businesses, community organizations and other groups. Many college-bound students don’t apply for many scholarships, assuming they won’t receive one or don’t want to endure the sometimes-tedious application process. However, every dollar saved toward higher education is worth the effort; even smaller awards can help offset expenses such as books, supplies or food.

Additionally, it’s not just incoming college freshman who can benefit from scholarships! There are plenty of opportunities for upperclassmen as well, that can often be less competitive due to lack of awareness. So, research scholarship opportunities, speak to qualified advisors at your university and apply for scholarships that fit your qualifications. A little time spent searching could translate into meaningful savings.

Consider Renting Textbooks

Experiencing textbook sticker shock is almost a rite of passage for incoming college students. Textbooks make up a surprisingly significant college expense, but buying every book brand new isn't always necessary. Depending on the course and the textbook, students may be able to purchase used copies or find free or heavily discounted digital versions online.

Renting textbooks may also present a saving opportunity. Certain websites or online retailers offer cheap textbook rentals for a semester’s length. Often, these services will mail you the textbook, then when the semester is over, you need only print out a shipping label and return the book via post. This method, if available to you, could save you hundreds of dollars over the course of your college career.

Take Advantage of Student Discounts

Being a college student can come with perks beyond the classroom. Many retailers, streaming services, software companies, restaurants and other businesses offer significant student discounts. Before making a purchase, check whether a student rate is available. You may be surprised by how many everyday expenses can be reduced simply by taking advantage of your student status.

Make Back-to-School Spending Work for You

Back-to-school shopping doesn't have to mean buying everything at once or paying full price. Taking inventory before shopping, spacing out purchases, buying strategically and looking for student savings can all help reduce the cost of heading back to school. A little preparation can make a big difference, giving families & students more room in their budgets for the things that matter most throughout the school year.

*C&N doesn’t endorse, sponsor, or guarantee the products, services, or information provided by third-party organizations. *