Back to School on a Budget

Back-to-school budgeting and planning is always stressful, especially this year in so many ways.

We all want to prepare our kids for the best fresh start to a new school year during this unusual time. This means preparing for some of the new and different school supplies, which may cost more than we expect.

School supplies provided in a list from our child’s school are not the same as they were before.  Your standard backpack, paper, pencils, and notebook might not cut it this year. We need to think of all the ways that 2020 has changed what, how, and even where our kids learn.

We have some tips and tricks on how to stretch your family’s back-to-school-budget.

Plan Your Back-To-School Shopping List to Avoid Overspending

Check with your local school district and state for special supply lists and health safety precaution supplies that you may need to have ready for your child. By getting the school supplies list from your school, you can plan for budgeting and prioritizing what supplies are truly needed. Make sure that before you head to the store, narrow down which supplies are your priorities. Some of the most popular categories are:

• School supplies
• Clothes
• Shoes
• Tablets and laptops
• Backpacks and lunch boxes
• Books

Find Deals and Coupons Near You

Once you have the school supplies list and budgeted for the back-to-school essentials, get started by doing your homework on the deals and coupons at stores near you. You can find fantastic deals on supplies after the back-to-school rush has slowed down a little or shopping a little at a time after every paycheck.

Thanks to the Internet, you can save money before you even leave the house. Sites like Rakuten are great for earning cash back on your purchases without having to use a credit card. You can also use browser extensions like Honey to find coupon codes you may not have heard about.

Check Out Used or Refurbished Items

With technology and the latest fashion trends being so expensive plus budgets being tighter this year, look to stores that sell lightly used or refurbished items. Make sure to check out sites like eBay or Craigslist for lightly used (and discounted) electronics to support your children’s online / virtual learning this fall. You can find great deals on fashionable brands and trends at online thrift stores like ThredUp.

You can also check with family and friends to see if anyone you know can pass along or borrow items they are no longer using. For example, your child might need a tablet for online learning; check with your friends to see if they have a tablet they’re willing to part with.

LendNation Is Here to Help With Back-to-School Budgeting

No matter what type of school environment your family has this year, it can be a positive experience. Unfortunately, school supplies are something kids need all up front and can stretch your budget.

At LendNation, we understand the struggles and are here to help.  Although none of us know what to expect for school right now, we are here to help with title, installment and payday loan options for the short-term stress on your budget.

If you need to borrow cash quickly, visit your local LendNation store for loan options in your state or apply for a loan from home today at www.lendnation.com.