It’s great to have the whole summer off with the kids to have some family fun. But at the end of the holidays parents around the UK will need to start thinking about the return to schools and the impact on their wallets.
Here are some tips to manage the costs of sending your kids back to school.
Cost of back to school essentials
Sending your kids off to school is a huge moment for your family, with your children starting new journeys in their educational lives. But, there are always costs to consider. From starting their first day in primary school to their final year of secondary school, the costs of sending them back can be daunting.
Ahead of the return to school in September, there’s a list of items to buy. Parents all over the country will be rushing to the shops to select uniforms, bags and stationery.
On top of all that, there are other hidden costs throughout the year. This includes textbooks, school trips, art and food technology supplies (which kids love to leave until the night before to tell you about!).
These costs can put a strain on family finances but planning and managing your money can help. It’s important to start budgeting as early as possible to avoid a serious financial shock the month before school starts. Here are a few things you can do to help ease the stress.
Budgeting
You can start by putting some money aside each month to cover the costs and always be on the lookout for special offers. Don’t wait for the back-to-school rush. By making sure that you have enough money ahead of time you can spend the summer holidays relaxed knowing you have the funds for your children’s needs. There are plenty of tips and tricks you can use to make budgeting easier for you.
Cut costs
Growth spurts are always unexpected, so make sure you’re always prepared. Buying uniforms and shoes a size larger than needed can ensure your children get extra wear out of the clothing. If you have more than one child, be sure to hold onto any uniform they’ve grown out of. These can be handed down to your younger children.
If you want to save some money, a quick research online will tell you where to buy cheap school uniforms in your area. You could also consider attending school sales, as former students often donate their uniforms they no longer need. Buying second-hand uniforms is a great way to save on expensive school uniform costs.
When budgeting for back-to-school spending, keep an eye out for items that go on sale throughout the year, not just before the new school year starts. If you find school supplies on sale or heavily discounted, you may want to snap them up instead of waiting until August and September.
Average back to school costs per child
Average back-to-school costs per child can cost parents up to nearly £300 throughout the academic year. With many parents having multiple school-aged children, these costs can rapidly increase. Stationery for school can be expensive, but many supermarkets offer cheaper alternatives to stationery stores. You could even consider reuse items that they had the year before if they’re still in good condition. This is a great way to save money on pencil cases, folders and pens. If your child needs specifics such as a scientific calculator or new art book, this could set you back quite a bit.
In most cases, the average back-to-school spending depends on the school and their uniform guidelines. Some schools may be more lenient with the type of jumpers, trousers, skirts and shoes your child wears. However, others may require specific brands. Make sure both you and your child are aware of the school guidelines so that you don’t waste money buying the wrong one!
Making an effort to save money throughout the year is key to building financial resilience. With Vox budgeting tools you can do more with less. An online wallet is just one of the tools that can make your money work for you.
To access these budgeting tools and more, sign up for your brand new Vox money account today!
