By Gordon Chavez, Financial Advisor
My wife and I are getting ready for all the school supplies we’ll need for our four boys. Thankfully, only three are in school—two in college and one in middle school—so we don’t need as many crayons and glue sticks these days! Still, we know how quickly back-to-school costs can add up. With a little planning, you can keep costs down while setting your kids up for success.
1. Check What You Already Have
Start at home. You might find extra notebooks, pencils, or even last year’s backpack still in good shape. A quick supply check helps avoid buying what you already own.
2. Spread out the Shopping and Look for Discounts
Shop early and in small batches. Look for weekly sales and ask about student or teacher discounts. Spacing out purchases helps avoid impulse buys and fits better with your budget. My wife says, “Going to Ross, Marshalls, and even second-hand stores like the Salvation Army for discounts on clothes can help save money.”
3. Reuse and Shop Secondhand
Gently used backpacks, lunch boxes, and clothes are often in great condition. Check local thrift stores or online marketplaces for deals—including refurbished electronics.
4. Buy in Bulk and Split the Cost
Team up with other families to buy items like paper and pencils in bulk. Sharing the cost can stretch your dollars further.
5. Tap into Community Resources
Many local nonprofits, churches, and schools host backpack giveaways and supply drives.
Helpful resources
- Lived Experiences Back to School Supplies Drive, August. 9, 610 N. Redondo Dr., Suite A, Oceanside.
- 211 San Diego Back to School Drive
- SDG&E’s Neighbor-to-Neighbor Program
6. Be Careful with Debt
Avoid the pressure to overspend. Stick to what’s needed; your support matters more than brand names. My good friend Edward Marshall III, a real estate investor, says “Establishing a comprehensive budget for each child’s back-to-school shopping is essential to ensure that their requirements are adequately addressed.”
