Back-to-School Savings: 3 Steps for Smarter Shopping

Date: August 1, 2026
Category: Financial Flexibility and Freedom® Education

Between supplies, clothing, electronics and more, back-to-school season can take a bite out of your budget. In fact, according to the National Retail Federation, families with students in grades K–12 are expected to spend an average of $858.07 on back-to-school shopping this year.

That’s a lot, especially when many families are working hard to stretch every dollar. The good news is that with some smart money moves, you can keep costs down and still get your student ready for a great year. 

Follow these simple steps to save money and make back-to-school shopping a breeze: 

Step 1: Create a Back-to-School Budget (and Stick to It!) 

First things first: You need a realistic budget that works for you. 

Start by reviewing the school supply list provided by your student’s teacher(s). Then break it down by category, adding in items like clothing and shoes, electronics, backpacks and any sports or activity fees.

Next, assign a dollar amount to each category to give you an idea of your total spending limit before you shop. Having a plan in place will help you stay focused and avoid those last-minute impulse buys. It’s also a great opportunity to teach kids of all ages about the value of budgeting! 

Bonus tip: Supplies like backpacks, binders and lunchboxes often have a few years of life left in them. Repurposing what you already have—or thrifting gently-used items—is a smart, sustainable way to save! 

Step 2: Do Your Research

A little research can lead to big savings, especially when you’re shopping for multiple students. Before you hit the stores, compare prices online. Many stores will price-match competing retailers, so don’t be afraid to ask at the register if you find a better deal elsewhere. 

Prefer shopping online? Download the apps of your favorite stores and sign up for their emails. You’ll often get exclusive promo codes and sales alerts to help you save!  

Step 3: Shop Smarter 

Saving money on back-to-school items is easier than you may think. These tips can help you keep more money in your pocket: 

  • Shop clearance racks first.
  • Buy certain items in bulk, especially if you know your student will use them all year long (think pencils, paper, tissues and hand sanitizer).
  • Use a cash-back rewards credit card to get rewarded for the purchases you’re already making
  • Shop during Ohio’s Tax-Free Holiday (August 7–9, 2026) to save on sales tax when purchasing certain items such as clothing, electronics, books, home goods, sporting goods and more. 

Back-to-School Made Easy

At Wright-Patt Credit Union® (WPCU®), we’re here to help you and your family make smart money moves all year long, especially during busy seasons like back-to-school. 

Need help with budgeting or money management? We’re With You! 

Visit our online Education Center or schedule an appointment with a Financial Coach to talk about your goals and build a personalized plan that works for you.