Budgeting for Back-to-School Shopping

Back-to-school shopping can be a stressful time for many parents with purchasing various school supplies, new wardrobes, and everything else in between. However, you don’t have to break the bank to prepare for the new school year. You can use plenty of methods to save a buck here and there when budgeting for your kids’ new school year. Casey State Bank is here to help you avoid the back-to-school bank drain with a few helpful budgeting tips!

Preparation is Key

Knowledge is half the battle regarding back-to-school shopping. Adequate preparation can be a big help. Creating a list of everything your kids will need for the new school year can help with budgeting your expenditures. Laying out your kids’ needs and wants can also be a great way to prioritize spending money.  It’s beneficial to pick out the important things you need to buy and the purchases that can wait until later.

Spread Out the Shopping

Your kids may have a big shopping list for back-to-school season with plenty of new supplies and textbooks. Just remember that you might not need to buy everything right away. Figuring out which purchases your kids will need for the start of the school year can allow you to spread out the school purchases throughout the year. 

Take Advantage of Back-to-School Sales

Speaking of sales, back-to-school promotions can be a great way to save a few dollars. Many stores, from clothing stores like Old Navy and Gap to general goods stores like Target and Wal-Mart, feature back-to-school sales.  This allows you to score some big savings on essential supplies. Plenty of stores also feature special sales and savings by using their apps, which can help to further lessen the effect on your budget. Smart shopping and taking advantage of big discounts make back-to-school shopping a breeze.

What’s Old is New

While it can be tempting to go out and spend on brand-new supplies and a new wardrobe for the new year, the reality is that your child can probably use plenty of those old supplies they brought home last year. Essential supplies like pens, pencils, calculators, and headphones are easy ways to save by reusing your items from last year. You can often find school supplies around the house that can easily make do for another year. While children grow and want new clothes, you can save on your budget by giving that old outfit another spin.

Calculate the Extracurriculars

Extracurricular activities are a great way for kids to socialize and meet new people.  In addition, they can learn new hobbies, crafts, and sports. There are plenty of ways to save on the expenses that occur from extracurriculars. Sports and school bands can often eat up a hefty amount of money with the need for equipment, musical instruments, and maintenance. Knowing your kids’ after-school activities and costs can help you plan.  Purchasing second-hand sports equipment or used instruments can save on some expenses.

Back to School with Casey State Bank

For this back-to-school season, let Casey State Bank be your community-owned choice for checking and savings accounts. An account with Casey State Bank comes with no minimum balance after opening your account and plenty of perks, including online banking and quick transfers with Flash Pay P2P. A Junior Savers account can also be a great way to teach your child lessons about financial responsibility. Contact us today to learn more about how Casey State Bank can bring a personal touch to your finances.