Southland News

Back-to-school season can add up quickly.

Between school supplies, clothes, backpacks, lunch gear and everything else on the list, families can end up spending more than expected before the first day even arrives.

A little planning can help you get what your family needs while keeping your budget on track.

1. Start with what you already have

Before heading to the store, take a quick inventory at home. Last year's backpack may still have another year in it, and you might already have notebooks, folders or other supplies tucked away.

Shopping your home first can make that school supply list a lot shorter.

2. Make a list before you shop

Start with the school's supply list and add anything else your child actually needs. Having a plan can make it easier to avoid impulse purchases once you're in the store.

Tip: Separate your list into "need now" and "can wait." Not everything has to be purchased before the first day.

3. Set a back-to-school spending limit

Decide how much you're comfortable spending before you start shopping. Then break that amount into categories like supplies, clothing, backpacks and technology.

Giving each category a target can help you see where your money is going and where you may need to adjust.

4. Don't buy the entire school year at once

Back-to-school sales can make it tempting to stock up, but you don't need to buy everything before school starts.

Focus on what your child needs now. For clothing especially, consider buying a few essentials and filling in the gaps later as needs change.

5. Plan for the expenses that come after the first day

Back-to-school spending doesn't necessarily end when school starts.

Field trips, sports, extracurricular activities, school photos and other costs can pop up throughout the semester. If your budget allows, consider setting aside a small amount for school-related expenses that come up later.

Start the school year with a plan

Back-to-school shopping isn't about finding the cheapest option or cutting out everything extra. It's about knowing what you need, deciding what you can comfortably spend and making choices that work for your family.

A little planning now can help make back-to-school season easier on your budget.