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Back To School Budgeting Tips For 2024

It's that time of year again when the stores are filled with eager parents and their children, trying to make sure they have everything ticked off the list and all searching for the best deals on school supplies. a young mother working out a budget on calculator

But how can you get the most for your money?

Take a look at these back-to-school shopping tips that will save you both time and money.

Back-to-school Shopping Tips

1. Make a list

The first step to budgeting for back-to-school shopping is to make a list of the items you need. This will help you stay on track and only buy what's necessary.

Related: Super Smart Ways to Save Money - For Families on a Budget

2. Compare prices

Once you have your list, it's time to start comparison shopping. With the internet, this is easier than ever before.

Check out a variety of stores both in person and online to find the best deals on the items you need.

3. Shop sales and use vouchers

One of the best ways to save money on back-to-school shopping is to take advantage of sales and use vouchers.

Many stores offer great discounts on school supplies during the back-to-school season, so be sure to keep an eye out for these. You can also find vouchers online or in newspapers and magazines.

4. Buy second-hand

If you're really on a tight budget, another option is to buy second-hand items.

This can be a great way to save money, especially if you're only looking for a few items. Check out garage sales, thrift stores, and online classifieds websites like Gumtree.

5. Consider generic brands

Another way to save money when back-to-school shopping is to consider generic or store brands instead of name brands. These products are often just as good but much cheaper.

6. Avoid impulse purchases

It can be tempting to buy things you don't really need when back-to-school shopping, but try to avoid this if possible.

If you know what your child needs, stick to your list and only buy what's necessary.

7. Plan ahead

Finally, one of the best ways to save money on back-to-school shopping is to plan ahead.

Start early and take advantage of sales and discounts during the course of the year.

This will help you stay within budget and avoid last-minute purchases which can end up costing you alot more.

Related: Top 10 Parenting Regrets and Fixes

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Back To School Financial Tips (For Older Students)

1. Avoid credit card debt

One of the worst things you can do is rack up credit card debt trying to keep up with the Joneses.

Not only will this put you in a financially difficult position, it will also add unnecessary stress to your life.

If you need to use a credit card, be sure to pay off the balance each month so you don't end up paying any interest.

2. Save money on textbooks

Textbooks are a necessary part of college/university and they can be extortionately expensive.

One way to save money is to buy used textbooks or rent them instead of buying new ones.

You can also look for online versions of textbooks which are often cheaper than print versions.

3. Get a part-time job

One of the best ways to reduce your expenses is to get a part-time job.

This can help you cover the costs of tuition, books, and other necessary expenses.

It's also a great way to build your resume and gain valuable work experience.

4. Make a budget

Another important tip for managing your finances at college or university is to make a budget and stick to it.

Determine how much money you have coming in each month and allocate funds for different expenses like tuition, rent, food, and entertainment.

Then be sure to stick to your budget so you don't end up spending more than you can afford.

5. Live frugally (Try To)

Finally, one of the best ways to save money in college is to live frugally. This means making smart choices when it comes to your housing and transportation and your social life.

For example, you may want to live in a less expensive property off-campus, study closer to home or take public transportation instead of having a car.

FAQ's:

What is a good monthly budget for a student?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question as everyone's financial situation is different. However, a good starting point would be to allocate 50% of your income towards essentials, 30% towards discretionary items, and 20% towards savings.

How should a beginner budget?

If you're not sure where to start, there are many helpful budgeting resources online or you could speak to a financial advisor.

What are some easy ways for students to make money?

There are a number of easy ways for students to make money, such as getting a part-time job, selling items online, or starting a small business.

How much should I budget for school clothes?

Again, this will vary depending on your individual situation + cost of uniforms, whether or not the school allows generic ones or they have to be purchased directly from there or a specified shop, etc.

Wrapping Up:

Back to school budgeting can seem daunting, but with a little organization and planning, it's totally doable. These tips should help you get started.

Don't forget to start early, take advantage of sales and discounts, and live frugally where you can.

What are your best tips for staying within budget during back-to-school season? Let us know in the comments below!

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