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8 Back-to-School Budgeting Tips

Adriana Cruz August 22, 2023
Home | Financial Advice | 8 Back-to-School Budgeting Tips

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The back-to-school season is an exciting time filled with fresh beginnings, new opportunities, and the promise of learning; however, for many families, it also brings financial stress.

From uniforms and books to lunches and extracurricular fees, the costs can quickly add up. A recent Back to School survey revealed that 62% of parents in Ireland experience a “financial burden” during this time, with one in four even going into debt to cover the expenses.

In this article, we explore the importance of early financial planning and smart budgeting to help you manage the back-to-school season without falling into debt, along with practical tips to ease the pressure.

Facing the Cost of a New School Year

A 2023 survey revealed that parents were spending an average of €1,152 per primary school child and €1,288 per secondary school child. For primary school students, extracurricular activities were the biggest expense, averaging €191, while school books were the highest cost for secondary school students, amounting to €187 on average. 

Almost two thirds of parents said they are forced to deny their children extracurricular activities because they can’t afford them, with 37% forced to deny their children new shoes. The survey also shows that more than 2 in 5 (41%) say they get into debt covering back to school costs.

A 2024 survey reveals that nearly two-thirds of Irish parents consider back-to-school costs to be a financial burden, with one in four going into debt to ensure their children have everything they need for the new school year starting in late August. 

This survey also shows the total back-to-school spending per child was reported at €1,086 for primary school parents and €1,401 for secondary school parents.

This represents a significant shift from 2023, with secondary school parents facing a €113 increase in costs, while primary school parents saw a €66 decrease.

The reduction in spending for younger children is largely due to the introduction of the Free School Books scheme for the 2023-2024 academic year, along with a rise in the number of schools offering hot meals.

However, nearly half of the parents struggling with these expenses reported that they had to cancel or reduce non-essential services or activities to afford school-related costs.

This underscores the persistent financial strain many families experience, even with recent efforts to reduce back-to-school expenses. The increasing burden on parents makes it clear that effective financial planning is crucial for managing back-to-school budgets.

By carefully planning and prioritising expenses, families can better navigate the financial challenges of preparing their children for the new school year without compromising essential needs or falling into debt.

The Importance of Financial Planning for Back-to-School Budgeting

An effective Financial Plan helps in not just handling everyday costs but also in managing back-to-school expenses. This becomes evident when considering statistics like the one highlighted in the survey, where over 62% of respondents find themselves in debt while covering back-to-school costs. This statistic underscores the importance of having a well-thought-out financial plan in place. 

Through effective financial planning, individuals can anticipate and budget for a variety of expenditures, such as education-related costs, and reduce the likelihood of falling into debt problems. 

By setting a budget and sticking to it, families can avoid unnecessary stress and maintain their financial stability. A well planned budget takes into account all the potential expenses, enabling you to prioritise essentials and make wise decisions.

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Budgeting Tips for Back-to-School 

By following these budgeting tips, you’ll be better prepared to tackle the back-to-school season without straining your finances. Remember, planning ahead and making informed choices can make a significant difference in your financial well-being.

1. Early bird advantage

Begin your planning and shopping well in advance to avoid the last-minute rush and the pressure to overspend. By starting your back-to-school preparations early, you grant yourself the advantage of time. This allows you to carefully plan and research before making purchases. You’ll be free to shop around, compare prices, and take advantage of early bird sales or special offers.

2. Make a list of the things your children already have

Before embarking on your shopping trip, make a list of what your children already have. Consider whether they still need school supplies or whether their uniforms and shoes need replacing before making any purchases. 

Backpacks, pencil cases, scissors, and rulers are a few examples of materials that may be reused year after year, so it’s not always necessary to purchase new items every back-to-school season. By taking inventory, you’ll identify gaps and avoid making duplicate purchases.  

3. Create a Detailed List

Make a comprehensive list of all the items you need to purchase for the upcoming school year. Include everything from school supplies (notebooks, pens, pencils, etc.) to clothing, backpacks, lunch boxes, and electronics. Having a detailed list will help you avoid overspending on impulse purchases.

Consider the seasonality factor too. If you’re doing your back-to-school shopping during the summer, make sure your child also has sufficient warm clothing for the colder winter months. Many retailers will offer discounts on seasonal clothing during the off-season, making it a more budget-friendly option for shoppers. This approach will also help you avoid last-minute, rushed purchases in the midst of winter weather changes.

4. Understand Your Financial Situation

Before you dive into creating a budget, take a comprehensive look at your financial situation. Analyse your income, existing expenses, and any outstanding debts. Understanding your financial landscape will provide you with a clear picture of how much you can allocate to back-to-school expenses without straining your overall budget.

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5. Set a Realistic Budget

Look closely at your finances and determine how much you can comfortably allocate for back-to-school expenses. Be realistic and consider other upcoming financial obligations. Setting a clear budget will prevent you from overspending and accumulating unnecessary debt.

6. Have a Budget Planner

When it comes to controlling your back-to-school spending, having a reliable budget planner is essential. Having a clear plan in place will help you stay on track financially when the back-to-school season gets underway.

We offer a free personal budget planner that can be incredibly helpful for individuals and families to manage their finances effectively. With the ability to create monthly budget plans, keep track on your earnings, outgoing costs, savings and investments, you can better manage your money and decide where to put your savings.

Our free budget planner is designed to streamline your budgeting process, enabling you to allocate funds for various school-related expenses such as school supplies, clothing, and extracurricular activities. 

By utilising this tool, you can set spending limits, track your expenses, savings, and ensure that your back-to-school budget remains manageable and efficient. It’s the perfect resource to help you navigate the financial aspects of this busy time of year, ensuring both you and your children are well-prepared for a successful start to the new school term.

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7. Comparison Shopping

Don’t rush into making purchases. Take the time to compare prices from different stores, both online and offline. Look for sales, discounts, and special offers. You can significantly reduce your costs by shopping around, especially for expensive purchases.

8. Plan for Future Expenses

The first week of classes is only the beginning of the back-to-school expenses. Throughout the year, there could be extra expenses for things like school trips, extracurricular activities, and holiday events. To avoid unexpected expenses, include these potential costs in your budget.

Remember, financial planning isn’t just about the present; it’s an investment in the life for yourself and your family.

Involve Your Children in Back-to-School Budgeting

Involving your children in back-to-school budgeting is a valuable way to impart financial literacy skills from an early age. By including them in discussions about budgeting for school supplies, clothes, and other expenses, you’re not only teaching them about responsible money management but also inspiring a sense of financial awareness. 

This experience can help them develop a greater understanding of the value of money, the importance of making thoughtful spending choices, and the concept of prioritising needs over wants. Including your kids in budgeting can also help them feel more responsible and like they have a say in decisions that affect the family’s money. Through this exercise, they develop the abilities that will help them succeed in their future endeavours and provide the groundwork for lifelong financial responsibility.

We have an insightful blog post about teaching children financial responsibility and the value of cultivating saving habits. Read more by clicking here.

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Get in touch with True Wealth

We at True Wealth are experts in personal and business financial planning, retirement and pension planning, pension tracing, savings and investments, and wealth management. 

We are able to understand your unique financial situation, goals, and risk tolerance to create a tailored plan that aligns with your objectives. We can help you navigate complex financial matters, making the most of your investments, manage debt effectively, and plan for retirement or other significant life event. 

Reach out to us and take advantage of our expert guidance.

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All our content has been written or overseen by a qualified financial advisor. However, you should always seek individual financial advice for your unique circumstances.

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