Get your kids ready for school without breaking the bank! Here’s a quick guide that offers practical and budget-friendly tips for back-to-school shopping, including how to save on school supplies and clothing using thrift stores, dollar stores, coupons and smart timing. Whether you’re a parent of one or several children, these strategies will help you maximize your savings and minimize stress.
1. Shop Smart at Thrift Stores
Why Thrift Stores Work:
- Affordable prices on gently used clothing and shoes
- Weekly tag sales at stores like Goodwill and Salvation Army
- Items with pink tags are 50% off; red tags often under $3.50
What You Can Find:
- Brand-name jeans, suits, shoes
- Entire wardrobes for under $25
Pro Tip:
Wash items thoroughly for a fresh look and feel
Use Coupons at Dollar Stores
Dollar Store Deals:
- Many dollar stores (e.g., Dollar General) accept manufacturer coupons
- Combine store discounts with coupons for ultra-low prices
Best Items to Buy:
- Pencils, markers, crayons, notebooks and other basics
- How to Save More: Check your local dollar store’s website FAQ for coupon policies
3. Stockpile Coupons Early
Why It Matters:
- More kids = more supplies = more savings needed
- Start collecting coupons from mailers, online sources and direct mail
Timing Tip:
End-of-summer clearance sales + coupons = deep discounts
4. Shop Ahead for Nex Year
Smart Timing:
- Buy supplies and clothes a few weeks after school starts
- Most items will be heavily marked down
Extra Savings:
- Sign up for store newsletters for 10–15% off coupons
- Look for seasonal clearance (e.g., summer clothes under $5)
Final Thoughts
With a little planning and savvy shopping, you can save big on back-to-school essentials. From thrift finds to coupon stacking, these tips help you stretch your budget while keeping your kids well-equipped and stylish. Here’s one more tip: with a First Internet Bank Money Market Savings account, you can earn 3.61% Annual Percentage Yield (APY)* – 6x the national average – and open your account with as little as $100. It’s a great way to get a head start on next year’s back-to-school shopping!
*As of 7/10/2025, the national average annual percentage yield (APY) for Money Market Savings accounts is 0.59%, as published in the FDIC’s Weekly National Rates and Rate Caps; average rate used is for deposits up to $100,000. Rates last updated 7/3/2025. Rates are subject to change on any day and will be updated by 10:00 AM EST. Please be sure to check this page after 10:00 AM EST for the rate that will be honored today. Fees may reduce earnings on account. The Daily Balance method is used to calculate interest. To avoid a monthly maintenance fee, you must maintain an average daily balance of $4,000 for the Money Market savings account. The Money Market Savings Account is a tiered rate account, the lower APY is stated above with no minimum balance requirements to earn interest. Higher APY rates may apply to balances over $1,000,000. For additional information, visit our Disclosures page.