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Classes are about to begin again, which means it’s time to stock up on school supplies. Even so, finances remain tight for countless families in today's economic environment. Knowing that even more expenses are on the horizon may have you feeling a little dizzy.

Not to worry: you have ways to remain grounded as Back-to-School season begins. Remember that you can always find ways to save money, even when spending is inevitable. Below are a few spending tips that you can use for the upcoming school year.

Focus on Essentials

With the school year just beginning, it might be a good idea to focus on the supplies your child needs immediately: paper, writing utensils, and notebooks. Newer things like backpacks and lunchboxes tend to be more expensive and might not even be needed until much later.

Another thing you can do is “recycle” items that your child has used from previous years, such as scissors, calculators, folders, and binders. While they might not be “new,” they will ultimately free up funds to buy more important things. Reason with your child that the money you are saving can be spent on something better, like a new backpack for them.

Back-to-School season is also a good opportunity to pool resources with your friends and family. Ask if your neighbors have gently used items they can spare, lend, or trade for things like clothing or backpacks. This allows your student to enjoy receiving something “new,” even if it’s not off the rack.

Shop Strategically

Consider different options to save some money. By and large, big box retailers sell the same things. That means you may want to visit several stores to compare prices and decide on the best deal. Keep a list of the items you need. Then, take notes on the prices and compare them against different retailers.

Online shopping follows a similar principle, with some added advantages. A common thing to do is claim coupon codes from popular apps or sites (think RetailMeNot and ShopSavvy) and apply them at checkout. These apps allow you to claim coupons you can use at participating physical stores, too.

For “big ticket” items like tablets, laptops, and other electronics, consider waiting for a sale during Black Friday or one of the upcoming holidays (Labor Day and Veterans Day). Manufacturers may host sales during these holidays and offer clearance deals as they introduce new models and retire older ones.

Do you have a credit or debit card with a Rewards program? Now is an excellent opportunity to redeem your banked points for cash back. If your Rewards program has an online storefront, you may be able to pick out supplies from there as well.

Thinking Beyond the First Week

Back-to-School spending doesn’t end with the first day. The beginning of the new semester is also a good time to revise your budget and plan for upcoming school-related expenses. Think about field trips, picture days, and sports or lab fees.

Remember, the best time to save is always now. Moving $10 or more weekly into a dedicated savings account or sinking fund is a great way to prepare for expenses that will pop up during the year.

Mark your calendar for major sales days, such as Black Friday or post-holiday sales. The Florida Department of Revenue announced that there will be another Sales Tax Holiday on some school-related items from January 1 through 14, 2024. These are great times to restock supplies or purchase new items with the money you’ve saved over the year.

Above all, being realistic about your family’s needs will allow you to spend more intelligently. As you revise your budget and spending, this may also be an excellent opportunity to talk to your children about finances. Knowing where you are coming from with spending decisions can provide valuable lessons they can use in life, too.