For many families, back-to-school shopping is an important time on the calendar. Between backpacks, notebooks and tech gear, costs can quickly add up. Data from the National Retail Federation shows that families with students k-12 will spend $858.07 on back-to-school shopping. Whether you're sending a kindergartener to class or prepping a college student for campus, spending smarter can make a big difference.
Here are five ways to save money while making sure your kids have the supplies they need for the new school year.
1. Save Ahead of Time
When it comes to saving, class is always in session. Saving in advance can make a big difference when it’s time to shop, and it can even be a teachable moment. Consider opening a Youth Savings Account for your child to help them learn the value of saving. With interest-bearing savings, their money (and yours) can grow while they prepare for the school year.
Another smart option? Consider opening a Coverdell Education Savings Account (ESA). While contributions aren’t tax-deductible, your earnings grow tax-deferred, and withdrawals are tax-free when used for qualified education expenses. ESAs can be used for elementary, secondary and higher education. Almost anyone can contribute—up to $2,000 per year per child. Plus, there are no maintenance or administration fees.
2. Start with a Budget
There’s something exciting about back-to-school shopping — from the crisp pages of new notebooks to the smooth glide of fresh pens. But those small purchases can add up fast. Start by creating a realistic budget. List everything your child needs, from basic supplies to big-ticket items like electronics or dorm furniture. Then, assign spending limits to each category based on your overall budget. A budget helps you stay focused, avoid impulse buys and make smarter financial choices. If you need help setting a budget, visit our Financial Fitness page to build budgeting skills that last all year.
3. Take Advantage of Sales and Tax-Free Holidays
Back-to-school sales can stretch your dollars further, especially during tax-free holidays. In Florida, families get a full month of savings in August. If your state doesn’t offer a holiday, many retailers run promotions during this time, so keep an eye out for deals on clothing, supplies and electronics. It can also be helpful to sign up for email alerts or use price-tracking tools to catch price drops on high-cost items like tablets or calculators.
4. Use Your Reward Points
Whether you already have a VyStar Visa® credit card or are thinking about getting one, don’t miss out on the benefits. From rewards points and cash back to exclusive features, it’s a smart way to shop for the season. Learn more about how to redeem your points.
Meanwhile, VyStar cardholders can take advantage of merchant-funded rewards, which are special offers where participating retailers provide cash back or discounts when you shop with a VyStar Visa® credit card. These offers are funded by the merchants themselves and can help you save even more on back-to-school essentials.
5. Stick to a Shopping List
Impulse buys can quickly derail your budget. To avoid overspending, create a detailed shopping list based on your child’s school supply requirements. Bring the list with you and check off items as you go to stay focused and avoid any last-minute splurges.
Stay Safe While You Shop
During high-traffic shopping periods, scammers are known to increase their activity. Be cautious of emails or texts claiming that you need to “verify” your account. VyStar will never ask for your personal information through unsolicited messages.
For added security while shopping, consider using your credit or debit card through your mobile wallet. It’s a safer, contactless way to pay since the technology uses encryption and tokenization to keep your card details secure during transactions.
Back-to-school season doesn’t have to break the bank. With a little planning, smart shopping and support from VyStar, you can make sure your kids are fully prepared without overspending.