Back to School: How to Cut Costs, Save Money and Prepare for September
The back-to-school season can be one of the most expensive times of the year for families. As September approaches, parents often face rising costs for school uniforms, shoes, bags, stationery, and sports kit, all immediately after the summer holidays, when budgets are already stretched from days out, childcare and keeping the kids entertained.
It’s a difficult financial moment for many households. Parents frequently dip into savings, rely on credit or end up panic‑buying at the last minute. But with a little planning, smart budgeting and the right support, you can reduce stress, avoid overspending and make the transition back to school far more manageable.
Below are practical, easy‑to‑follow tips to help you keep costs down, plus how ESLCU membership, Eastern Rewards, and our Child Benefit Savings & Loan Plan can support you.
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1. Have a Pre School Spring Clean
Before buying anything new, check what you already have at home. Many families discover they’ve already got:
- Spare pens and pencils
- Notebooks and paper
- Folders and binders
- Unused stationery from previous school years
Gather everything into a “school supplies box.” This simple step can save money and reduce unnecessary purchases, and it’s one of the easiest ways to cut back on back-to-school costs.
Make a Clear Back to School Checklist
Schools often provide uniform and equipment lists, but not everything is compulsory. Separate items into:
- Essential items
- Optional items
- Nice‑to‑have extras
This helps you prioritise spending and avoid buying things your child may not actually need. A checklist also prevents last‑minute panic buying, which is when overspending usually happens. So things like a new lunchbox or school bag, is that a nice to have, or is their current one falling apart and they need a new one?
3. Spread the Cost Over Time
If your child is staying at the same school, check their current uniform before replacing anything. Many items may still fit or be in good condition. Only buy what genuinely needs updating, and get the next size up later in the year.
Spreading purchases, rather than buying everything at once, makes the financial impact much easier to manage.
4. Buy Uniform a Size Up
Children grow quickly, especially between terms. Buying uniform a full-size larger means:
- Clothes last longer
- You avoid mid‑term replacements
- You save money over the school year
This is especially useful for trousers, skirts, jumpers and PE kit.
5. Label Everything (Really… Everything!)
School uniform is easily lost, especially in the first few weeks. Labelling items makes it far more likely they’ll be returned to you.
Label:
- Jumpers and coats
- Shirts and trousers
- PE kit
- Bags and lunch boxes
- Water bottles
- Stationery
Iron‑on labels or marker pens make this quick and easy.
6. Look Out for Special Offers and Discounts
Many retailers offer:
- Multi‑buy deals
- Back-to-school promotions
- Discount codes
- Online vouchers
Check magazines, newspapers and trusted money‑saving sites like MoneySavingExpert for current offers. Shopping around can significantly reduce the cost of uniforms and supplies.
7. Choose Cheaper Alternatives Where Possible
Not every item needs to come from a specialist school uniform shop. Essentials such as:
- Socks
- Plain shirts or polo shirts
- Trousers or skirts
- PE shorts
are often available in supermarkets or online for much lower prices. As long as they meet the school’s uniform guidelines, these alternatives can save families a substantial amount. You can also save extra by using Eastern Rewards when buying items from Supermarkets.
8. Save on School Shoes
School shoes are one of the biggest back to school expenses, before paying full price:
- Check for seasonal discounts
- Look for multi‑buy offers
- Explore outlet stores
- Compare prices online
Many families also use Eastern Rewards to save money on back-to-school costs. ESLCU Members can access discounts at major retailers, including range of supermarkets and Clarks, helping reduce the cost of essential back to school items.
9. Secondhand Is Absolutely Fine
Many parents pass down uniforms to younger siblings, and you can do the same. Consider:
- Swapping items with other parents
- Buying a secondhand uniform
- Visiting school “swap shops” or pre‑loved stalls
- Selling outgrown items to raise extra cash
Secondhand uniforms are often in excellent condition and cost a fraction of the price of new items.
10. Start a Savings Account for School Costs
Even with careful planning, school expenses continue throughout the year:
- School trips
- After‑school clubs
- Music lessons or Sports activities
- Special events
An ESLCU Share Account is a simple way to save a small amount each month as part of your household budget. Regular saving helps you prepare for these ongoing costs.
Need Help with Back to School Costs Right Now?
If you’re facing immediate expenses, an affordable Child Benefit Savings & Loan Plan could help. This plan allows you to borrow what you need for essential school costs while also building savings at the same time.
You can set it so your repayments include a savings amount, so you can build savings without even thinking about it, giving you a financial boost for the future.
Preparing for September Doesn’t Have to Be Stressful
With smart planning, the right discounts, and support from ESLCU, you can make the back-to-school period far more manageable. Whether you’re gathering supplies, spreading costs, using Eastern Rewards for discounts, or looking for affordable financial help, ESLCU is here to support you and your family every step of the way.