Back to school on a budget
A Lesson for the Whole Family
by Tricia Bush, CPA, CFP®
CPA, CFP® Owner, AAA Advisory LLC
ilies around Thurmont and the surrounding areas, that means back-to-school season is in full swing. Between school supply lists, new shoes, fresh outfits, and maybe even a new backpack or lunchbox, the expenses can sneak up fast.
It’s easy to get caught in the whirlwind, but I want to encourage you this year to pause, plan ahead, and use this moment as more than just a shopping spree. Back to school is the perfect opportunity to teach your kids about budgeting, making tradeoffs, and being mindful with money.
Back-to-School Shopping: A Family Budgeting Opportunity
Rather than tackling the shopping solo, bring your kids into the process. Sit down together and set a budget for back-to-school needs. Let them help decide how to spend it. These simple conversations help kids understand priorities and tradeoffs—“If we get the more expensive sneakers, maybe we’ll have fewer family nights out.”
Want to make it fun? Give each child a spending limit. If they stay under budget, they get to keep or save the rest. You’d be amazed how quickly kids start comparing prices and thinking strategically.
So…How Much Is Too Much?
According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), families with K–12 students are expected to spend an average of $874.68 per child this year on school-related expenses like clothing, electronics, shoes, and supplies. That number may feel surprising, but it tracks with what most of us experience when you tally up everything that goes into a new school year.
Financial planners often recommend budgeting 1-2 percent of your annual household income for back-to-school needs. For a family making $80,000, that translates to about $800–$1,600. Of course, every family is different, and the key isn’t the exact number—it’s having a plan that works for your situation.
Budget-Friendly Tips That Make a Real Difference
If you’re looking to stretch your dollars this year, here are some tried-and-true strategies that are easy to implement and can be fun, too:
Shop Maryland’s Tax-Free Week: From Sunday, August 10 through Saturday, August 16, 2025, clothing and footwear items priced under $100 are exempt from Maryland’s 6 percent state sales tax. That can add up quickly, especially if you have multiple kids. Don’t forget—Pennsylvania doesn’t charge sales tax on clothing year-round, and we’re just a short drive away.
Visit local thrift stores: Gently used clothes are often in excellent condition, especially for younger kids who outgrow sizes faster than they can wear them out. Plus, shopping secondhand is great for the environment.
Host or join a neighborhood swap: Still have some summer weekends open? Reach out to neighbors, friends, or your school’s PTA and organize a casual clothes and gear exchange. You’ll be amazed at the quality of items people are willing to share or trade—and it keeps perfectly good items out of the landfill.
Check Facebook Marketplace and yard sales: Backpacks, lunchboxes, calculators, and even desks or headphones can often be found secondhand for a fraction of the price.
Don’t reinvent the wheel: Before you head to the store, take inventory of what you already have. Many families have leftover supplies from last year tucked away in drawers—pencils, markers, folders, even reusable lunch containers.
Spread out the shopping: Not everything needs to be bought in one weekend. Prioritize the must-haves for the first week of school, and stagger the rest of the purchases over the next month or two.
A Few Pitfalls to Watch Out For
Impulse buys: Those cute items at the checkout line or TikTok-inspired “must-haves” that don’t last beyond October? They add up fast. Stick to your list.
Forgetting to plan for the extras: Sports registration fees, musical instrument rentals, or field trip deposits can sneak into your budget if you’re not anticipating them.
Overemphasizing brand names: It’s a good opportunity to talk with your kids about value versus image. What matters most—style, comfort, durability, or fitting in?
The Real Lesson: Instilling Lifelong Money Habits
At its core, this isn’t just about getting through a shopping trip—it’s about teaching your children how to manage money with intention. Kids are observant. They watch how we talk about money, how we make decisions, and how we handle tradeoffs. Including them in conversations now sets a strong foundation for financial literacy later.
This doesn’t have to be a heavy or formal lesson. Keep it simple and age-appropriate. Let younger kids sort coupons or match prices, and let teens make actual purchase decisions. These small experiences build confidence, independence, and a healthy respect for money.
One Last Reminder
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but there is a way to go into this season with purpose. Whether you’re working with a tight budget or simply looking to cut back a bit, remember that the conversations you have and the choices you model today will shape your children for years to come. So take a breath, make a plan, and enjoy the season. Back-to-school doesn’t have to break the bank—and it might just become one of your family’s most meaningful learning moments yet.
