Budgeting Tips for Back-to-School Shopping on One Income
Back-to-school season is exciting, but it may also be financially overwhelming, especially if you're navigating it on a single income. Whether you're divorced, widowed, or a solo parent by choice or circumstance, you're already wearing a lot of hats. Add growing school supply lists, rising prices1, and the toll of doing it all yourself, and it’s easy to feel stretched thin.
The good news? With the appropriate strategy and a few mindful choices, you may tackle back-to-school shopping without derailing your budget and perhaps lower your stress.
Inflation is Real—But You’ve Got Options
In 2025, inflation continues to impact household staples across the board. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, school supplies alone have jumped 6.8% compared to last year2. Some of the most significant increases include:
- Backpacks and lunch boxes: Up 9.1%
- Clothing and shoes for kids: Up 7.4%
- Paper products and writing tools: Up 6.2%
- Technology (laptops, headphones): Up 8.9%
Two-income households may have more flexibility, which means those shopping on one income need to be especially strategic. Let’s break down how to stretch every dollar and still send your kids back to school, hopefully feeling confident and prepared.
1. Start with a Clear, Realistic Budget
Before you buy a single binder, sit down and figure out how much you may reasonably spend. List out all back-to-school expenses, including supplies (pencils, notebooks, folders); clothing and shoes; lunch gear and water bottles; tech needs (headphones, USB thumb drives); fees (field trips, clubs, aftercare); and add an emergency cushion.
Give yourself a total number—and stick to it. It’s easy to overspend when emotions are involved (you want your child to have everything!), but remember: love isn’t measured in how much you spend.
Another tip is to use cash or a prepaid card to help you stick to your budget. When the money runs out, shopping’s done.
2. Take Inventory Before You Shop
You might be surprised how many supplies are already in your home. Check backpacks, drawers, closets, and bins for partially used notebooks, unopened packs of crayons or pencils, reusable folders or binders, and clothing that still fits.
Make a list of what you already have so you don’t accidentally double up, and so you may cross some things off that school supply list without having to buy them.
3. Prioritize the Must-Haves
You don’t have to buy everything in one trip. Most teachers are flexible during the first few weeks of school, and some items may not be used immediately.
Focus first on essentials like basic supplies (writing tools, paper, notebooks); a backpack and lunchbox (if needed); and one or two outfits and a pair of shoes. You may hold off on bulk purchases, art supplies, or extras until you’ve covered the basics.
4. Shop Smart and Stack the Savings
Retailers know this is a high-demand season, which means plenty of sales and discounts—if you know where and when to look. Compare prices online before you shop. Use store coupons, apps, and loyalty programs (Target Circle, Walgreens Rewards, etc.). Shop tax-free weekends if your state (or a nearby one) offers them. Buy off-brand or store-brand versions of basics—they’re often just as good. And consider dollar stores or warehouse clubs for bulk basics.
You may also look for bundle deals (like multipack notebooks or classroom value kits) to save on quantity.
5. Shop Secondhand—It’s Budget-Friendly and Eco-Friendly
Thrift stores, resale shops, and online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace, Kidizen, or Poshmark may be goldmines for backpacks in decent condition, lightly-worn clothing and shoes, calculators and small tech tools, and sports equipment or uniforms.
Kids outgrow stuff fast—don’t be afraid to buy second-hand. It’s budget-conscious and sustainable.
6. Team Up with Other Parents
You’re not the only one trying to make the most of your money. Team up with other parents in your school or neighborhood to split bulk purchases (a 10-pack of glue sticks goes a long way). You may also swap gently used clothes or outgrown uniforms, and check out your local "Buy Nothing" group to exchange supplies.
There’s strength—and savings—in numbers.
7. Ask About Community Resources
Many schools, nonprofits, and local businesses offer school supply drives or assistance programs for single-parent or low-income households. You don’t have to go it alone.
Check with your child’s school counselor, visit local churches or community centers, and search online for back-to-school events in your area.
You may also apply to national programs like United Way’s Back-to-School Campaign, Salvation Army’s School Supply Drive, and Operation Homefront’s Back-to-School Brigade (especially for military families).
8. Talk to Your Kids About Budgeting
You don’t need to go into every financial detail, but explaining that you're sticking to a budget helps your kids understand the value of money—and may even turn back-to-school shopping into a teaching moment. Let them help compare prices, give them a small personal budget for “fun” supplies, and talk about needs vs. wants.
This may also help ease any disappointment if you’re skipping flashy trends or brand-name items this year.
9. Keep Receipts—and Track Everything
Keeping track of your spending isn’t just suitable for your budget—it also helps if something doesn’t fit, breaks, or goes on sale after you buy it. Some stores honor price drops with a receipt.
You may also categorize what’s tax-deductible if you’re self-employed, homeschooling, or have special expenses related to childcare or education.
10. Be Kind to Yourself
Back-to-school season may bring up all kinds of emotions, especially when you’re doing it solo. You might feel pressure to keep up with other families or guilt over saying no to extras. But here’s the truth: what your child needs most isn’t the newest sneakers or a glittery pencil case—they need you. Your support, your presence, your love. That matters far more than anything money may buy.
Final Thoughts - Planning Ahead Starts Now
When you’re parenting on one income, planning is essential. By budgeting early, shopping smart, and taking advantage of community resources, you may give your kids everything they need for a great school year without sacrificing your financial stability.
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