Budget Tips for Back to School Shopping From the Clark County UW-Extension Office

Sunday, August 8th, 2021 -- 8:39 AM

With fall just around the corner, school supply lists are starting to appear in stores among the rows of bright colored folders, notebooks, pens and pencils.

According to the Clark County UW-Extension Office, the National Retail Federation states families with children in elementary through high school plan to spend $848.90, $59 more than last year.

For those in particular with children in elementary to high school, shoppers are putting the largest portion of their budgets toward electronics, new clothes and accessories. “The pandemic forced parents and their school-aged children to quickly adapt to virtual learning, and they did it with an incredible amount of resolve and flexibility,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “We enter the new school year with plans to return to the classroom and retailers are prepared to help Americans find and purchase whatever they need to make this transition as seamless as possible.” With the excitement around returning to the classroom after the disruptive school year of 2020, people are more apt to overspend. “Back to school spending is almost on par with the holiday expenses.” says Nancy Vance Family Living Educator at the University of Wisconsin-Extension Clark County.

“Many households set aside money year round to help cover their holiday expenses, but back-to-school time always seems to sneak up on us and add up quickly.” Before you head out to the stores or get online, a little time spent planning can help to stretch the budget. Here are some helpful tips to help stretch your budget. First, go through school supplies and clothes from last year and list all of the items and clothes that you already have on hand. Does your child really need a new backpack, or a new lunchbox? Do the jeans from last year still fit? Also consider fees paid directly to the school, such as book rentals, band instrument rental or athletic fees, and required immunizations, and list these fixed costs in the “must have” category.

Paying for lunch can also be surprisingly costly. Free and reduced-price school lunch programs through your school district can ease the pressure on the budget for eligible families. Next, figure out which items your child needs at the start of school and which items can wait a month or two. Maybe one or two pairs of new pants will make do for the start of school, especially if your child is going through a growth spurt. Waiting to buy some items until later fall and pre-season sales allows time for the child to grow and a chance to spread out spending. Then use your child’s school supply list, your school fees must-have list, and your list of needed clothes to come up with a total budget amount for each child in school. Finally, compare your budgeted amount with your monthly expenses. Are there places you can cut back on other bills to find back-to-school funds? What resources does your community have to help stretch your dollar? School districts frequently have information on school supply donations and clothing exchanges sponsored by local service. With a bit of planning ahead, your 2021 school shopping can fit into your budget and be a joyous experience and celebrated this year. For more information contact Nancy Vance, UW-Extension Clark County Family Living Educator at 715-743-5121.

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