Shop Smarter, Not Harder. This Money-Saving Back-to-School Tip is a Game-Changer

It’s a tax-free weekend in my state, so it’s a good time to shop and save on back-to-school supplies. It’s hard to shop with my two kids who always want everything when we visit the store. All the snazzy, colorful back-to-school displays (and my kid’s excitement over a $10 Squishmallow pencil pouch) make it easy to go over budget, even when saving on sales tax.

US adults are expected to spend an average of $662 on back-to-school shopping this year, according to our latest survey. I’m determined not to spend that much, but with uniforms, a new backpack and a few other unforeseen school necessities, it won’t take much to reach $600. I’m already halfway there.

I talked to Rita-Soledad Fernández Paulino, a money coach, CNET expert review board member, and parent, who’s all too familiar with the temptation to overspend while back-to-school shopping. Fernández Paulino, who goes by Soledad, gave me one tip that transformed how I approach shopping for school supplies — and I must say, it works. Here’s Solead’s strategy and how I’m using it.  

Plan ahead and shop online

Back-to-school shopping may seem easier if you just visit the store in person, but then your little ones (and you) might be tempted to grab way more off the shelf than needed. Plus, you could find yourself having to go to multiple stores to cross everything off the list, which can make the temptation grow even bigger. 

“Kids can quickly start to add little accessories, new lunch boxes, new water bottles,” said Soledad. “Planning ahead, shopping online and just scheduling a pickup is a way that you could afford the back and forth with your kids.” 

To stay on task, Soledad recommends making your purchases online and opting for pickup, shipping or delivery. That way, you can make sure you have what you need and are intentional with your money. I even do this for my weekly Target trips to avoid walking the toy aisle or buying too many home decor items. 

When shopping online for supplies, you can read reviews to feel confident about your purchases. It’s also easy to remove items from your cart to stay within a strict budget. 

What I love most about Soledad’s tip is that you can still involve your kids and teach them a little about finances along the way. For instance, I let my 8-year-old pick between four bookbags online that were all within my budget and on sale. I was able to save time, score the deal and pick up one she loved. 

Read more: Where to Shop Online for the Best Deals on Back-to-School Supplies

Always set a back-to-school budget 

Even if you or your kids prefer back-to-school shopping in person, you should still plan ahead and set a budget. I recently took my kid shopping at Target and gave her the power to pick up her supplies. We budgeted $30. She chose cheaper items to stay under budget (like solid color folders instead of glittery ones) so she could still afford her $10 Squishmallow pencil pouch. The bonus? I stayed within my own budget, and it was an important money lesson for her. 

If you’re looking for other ways to save on back-to-school shopping, remember to compare store prices and shop online first to see what you can mark off your list. Here’s a list of states offering tax-free holidays and dates you can save.

In South Carolina, you normally pay 6% sales tax. If you buy $50 of school supplies or other items this weekend, you won’t have to pay sales tax, so you’ll save $3 on your $50 purchase. It may not seem like much but those extra dollars can add up to big savings.

If you’re looking for more ways to teach your kids about personal finance, here’s advice from my colleague and a fellow parent who is teaching her kids how to be money-savvy.