Back-to-school can be a financially stressful time for many families. According to Finder.com.au, new school supplies, including textbooks, electronics, stationary and uniforms can set parents back $684 for primary school students and $1132 for secondary students, with 1 in 3 parents unable to afford the back to schools necessities.
While it can be difficult to manage the costs that come around each year, there are ways to ease the burden and keep back-to-school expenses in check.
Make a list and stick to it
One of the easiest ways to overspend is by not having a clear plan. Before you start shopping, sit down and make a list of everything your child truly needs for the school year. Schools often provide a list of essential items, so use that as a guide.
Once you have your list, determine how much you can afford to spend on school-related items and divide that amount across the categories of uniforms, supplies, extracurriculars etc. Keep track of your spending and adjust where needed but try to stay within your predetermined limits. This not only helps avoid overspending but also sets a good example for children about managing money wisely.
Shop sales and low-cost retailers
After your children have been in school for a few years, you may start to know what basic items they need at the start of each new school year. Timing is everything and many retailers will often have end-of-season sales or deals where you can pick up essentials for much less.
Oftentimes when shopping for school shoes, you might come across a discount to purchase a second pair at a discounted price. While more expensive initially, it’s a great opportunity to buy a larger pair that your child can grow into. The same can be done at stores such as Lowes who stock some school uniforms. Consider signing up to store newsletters to find out about sales and purchase a few larger sizes when they’re on sale, ready for your kids to grow into.
For stationary and lunchboxes, try low-cost retailers such as Kmart or Amazon who stock a large range and can help tick a lot of items off your list at a lower price.
Buy second-hand
Not everything needs to be brand new. Many schools have second-hand uniform shops where parents can purchase gently used items, or see if your school has a social media page where parents can sell and buy uniforms, textbooks and other school-related items at a fraction of the cost.
It’s also worth having a look on online marketplaces like Gumtree, Facebook Marketplace, and school-specific forums. Some charities and thrift shops, such as Vinnies and The Salvation Army, also stock school essentials, which can be a great option for families on a budget.
Bulk buy
Buying in bulk is often cheaper, especially when it comes to stationery and other supplies that your child will use throughout the year. Consider purchasing larger quantities of items like notebooks, pens, and pencils, which can be shared among siblings or stored for later use. Another option is to team up with other parents and buy in bulk together, sharing the costs and getting discounts that wouldn’t be available for smaller purchases.
Label everything
One overlooked cost that can frequently pop up through the year is having to replace lost or stolen belongings. From uniforms, lunchboxes, stationary and sports gear, labelling all of your child’s belongings could help save you money down the track and avoid unnecessary replacement costs.
Repurpose items from last year
Before heading out to buy new supplies, go through what you already have at home. Check last year’s schoolbag for unused stationery, lunchboxes, pens and pencils that can all be repurposed for the new school year. Often, children don’t use up all their supplies, and those leftover notebooks or half-used pencils can still be perfectly useful. Repurposing items not only saves money but also helps reduce waste.
Budget for technology
More schools in Australia are integrating digital devices into their learning programs, so you may find yourself needing to invest in a laptop, tablet, or other tech tools. If your child’s school requires specific technology, shop around for deals or consider refurbished devices, which are often significantly cheaper than new ones. Many retailers offer discounts on technology for students, so be sure to ask for these savings. Additionally, keep an eye on government initiatives or school programs that may provide access to technology for families on lower incomes.
Look for free or low-cost extracurricular activities
School isn’t just about textbooks and uniforms, extracurricular activities can also add to your expenses. Many schools and community centres offer free or low-cost after-school programs, including sports, music, and arts. Before committing to expensive lessons or club memberships, explore these affordable options to ensure your child can trial various activities before finding one that could become a long-term interest. Additionally, some schools may have grants or assistance programs for families needing help covering costs for activities.
This information provides general advice only. We do not provide advice based on any consideration of your personal objectives, needs or circumstances.
