Back to school season is exciting, but it can also be financially overwhelming. Whether you’re shopping for crayons or college textbooks, UKRFCU is here to help you prepare wisely and spend smart. With a little planning and creativity, you can make this school year both successful and budget friendly.
For Parents of Elementary to High School Students
Supporting your child’s education does not have to break the bank. Here are some practical ways to save:
1. Start with a Budget
Set a realistic budget for supplies, clothing, and extracurriculars. Involve your child to help teach financial responsibility.
2. Use the School Supply List
Stick to the teacher provided list to avoid buying unnecessary items.
3. Shop Sales and Use Coupons
Take advantage of back to school sales and digital coupons from major retailers.
4. Buy in Bulk
Stock up on essentials like pencils, notebooks, and glue sticks, especially if you have multiple children.
5. Reuse Last Year’s Supplies
Check backpacks, lunch boxes, and binders before buying new ones.
6. Explore Thrift Stores and Online Marketplaces
Find gently used clothes and gear at a fraction of the cost.
7. Compare Prices Online
Use apps or websites to find the best deals before heading to the store.
Or sites and apps like: Google Shopping, Shopzilla, Become, Bizrate, Camelcamelcamel, ShopMania
8. Join Loyalty and Cashback Programs
Earn rewards on purchases through store loyalty programs and cashback apps.
Remember with each time you use your applicable VISA
UKRFCU cards and CURewards you can turn your purchases into reward points. Additionally, you can convert your points into cash rewards. Click here to learn more.
9. Shop Clearance for Next Year
Buy discounted supplies after the season ends and store them for next year.
10. Pack Lunches at Home
Save money and promote healthy eating with homemade lunches.
11. Get Creative with DIY Supplies
Decorate notebooks or pencil cases together. It is fun and budget friendly.
12. Plan Ahead for Extracurriculars
Look for secondhand sports gear or musical instruments.
For College Students
College comes with its own set of financial challenges. Here are a few smart ways to save:
1. Set a Semester Budget
Include textbooks, tech, dorm essentials, food, entertainment, and extracurriculars in your budget.
2. Shop Smart for Textbooks
Buy used, rent, or explore digital versions to save significantly.
3. Use Student Discounts
Many retailers, both in store and online, and services offer student discounts. Do not forget to ask at checkout and carry your student ID when shopping or traveling.
4. Buy in Bulk with Roommates
Split costs on shared items like cleaning supplies or snacks.
5. Reuse and Repurpose
Bring items from home or reuse supplies from previous semesters.
6. Explore Thrift Stores and Online Marketplaces
Find affordable furniture, clothes, and dorm decor.
7. Compare Prices Before You Buy
Use price comparison tools for tech, books, and supplies.
Check out a list of 80 Student discounts to use that covers many industries that you might need.
Or sites and apps like: Google Shopping, Shopzilla, Become, Bizrate, Camelcamelcamel, ShopMania
8. Join Cashback and Loyalty Programs
Earn rewards on everyday purchases, especially useful for groceries and gas.
Fetch Rewards, best for turning everyday purchases into points.
RetailMeNot, best for cash back from a long-standing coupon site.
Upside, best for cents off gallons of gas and more.
Ibotta, best for cash back on multiple spending methods.
Receipt Hog, best for a gamified rewards experience.
Rakuten, best for cash back from over 3,500 participating stores.
9. Shop Clearance and Off Season
Buy winter clothes or dorm items during end of season sales.
10. Cook at Home
Save on dining out by meal prepping and using campus kitchen facilities.
11. DIY Dorm Decor and Supplies
Personalize your space with budget friendly DIY projects.
12. Prioritize Needs Over Wants
Focus on essentials and avoid impulse buys, especially during the first few weeks of school.
UKRFCU is committed to supporting your financial wellness year round. Whether you are budgeting for your child’s school year or managing college expenses, we offer tools and resources to help you stay on track.