It’s back-to-school time and that means spending money on supplies, snacks, clothes, and more. Before you venture out, plan ahead and take advantage of these savvy ways to save.  

The Power of Saving and Planning Ahead

The first day of school has a way of sneaking up on us. One minute it’s summer break, and the next you’re filling up a shopping cart with notebooks, backpacks, clothes, and other back-to-school essentials. Before you know it, those “little purchases” have turned into a bigger bill than expected. That's why it’s important to back-to-school shop with a list, stick to a budget, and take advantage of resources for saving that are available to you.

Shop with a Plan, Not on Impulse

Walking into a store without a shopping list can quickly lead to impulse purchases and overspending. Before you head out for back-to-school shopping, take a moment to check around your house for pencils, pens, notepads or other school materials that you already have and make a list of only the things you need. 

Setting a plan and equipping yourself with a list will help you conquer back-to-school shopping while staying on budget. To help you stay organized and on track, consider separating your shopping list into categories:

• Stationary items
• Clothing and shoes
• Technology and electronics
• Backpack and accessories
• Lunches and snacks
• Sports or extracurricular activities

Another helpful and savvy tip to keep your finances on track – use mobile banking to check your account balance 24/7, transfer money to different accounts, and set alerts for low balances and more.

Make Every Dollar Stretch a Little Further 

Back-to-school shopping doesn’t have to mean overpaying for essentials. There are many ways to stretch a dollar and stay within your budget. Here are a few shopping hacks that can help you save money. 

• Take advantage of sales, digital coupons, price matching, and more. Saving a few dollars here and there adds up faster than you think. Before checking out, take a minute to look for additional discounts, promo codes, and other savings. If you find a better deal online than in-store, ask for a price match – many retailers are willing to honor website prices.
• Try thrifting or buying gently used items instead of brand-new. Thrift stores offer stylish, affordable, and sometimes even new clothing. Several big-name retailers also resell clothes and shoes at a discounted price , which means added savings on your favorite brands.
• When stocking up on school supplies, snacks, or other school essentials, don’t overlook store brands. They often offer the same quality as name brands at a lower price, helping you get more value for your money. 
• Buying in bulk can be a great way to save on items you know you’ll use throughout the school year. Just make sure you’re buying products your family will actually use so you can avoid waste.
• Double up on your rewards by pairing your favorite store or gas station rewards program with your Peach State Visa Credit Card. You’ll earn rewards from both, making every purchase go a little further.
• Try cash-back tools and other money-saving apps like Rakuten, a free platform that lets you earn cash back when you shop through participating retailers.
• Save on meals, snacks, and more with Too Good To Go. It allows you to purchase surplus food from local restaurants and stores at a discount, helping save money and reduce food waste.
• Use student discounts whenever you can. From school supplies and laptops to clothing and streaming services, many brands offer special pricing for students.

These are just a few ways to help stretch your dollars and avoid extra spending. For more back-to-school saving hacks, check out this blog!

Level Up Your Savings

Saving during back-to-school season can help you stay on budget, but building strong financial habits can make those savings last. Financial literacy gives you the tools to make informed decisions about spending, saving, and planning for the future. 

Here are a few ways Peach State can help you build smart saving habits that last:

• For Young Savers Birth to Age 13: Our Berenstain Bears Cub Account introduces your child to the importance of regular saving from an early age and includes fun printable resources that the whole family can enjoy.
• For Teens: Open a savings account and start setting money aside for future expenses and unexpected costs. Even if you can only save a small amount each week or month, building a consistent savings habit now can help you prepare for future textbooks, emergencies, and other expenses. 
• College Students: Plan ahead and break savings into attainable financial goals with a sinking fund. A sinking fund is money you put away now for a specific expense or financial goal in the future. As your savings grow, consider opening a credit card and using it responsibly for planned purchases you can pay off in full each month. This can help you build credit while keeping your savings intact for true emergencies.
• All Ages: Take advantage of our financial educational resources, including our blogs, resource center, podcast, and the free Balance financial wellness program. From budgeting tips to saving strategies, these tools can help you refine your saving techniques for better money management.

Back-to-school season is the perfect time to build money habits that’ll last beyond the first day of class. Whether you’re teaching your child the value of money or learning how to manage your own finances, developing healthy saving habits today can help you create a stronger financial future.

Peach State is Here for You Through Every Financial Milestone

As the school year gets underway, remember that every step you take to manage your money matters and can make a meaningful difference in your life. Whether you’re shopping for school essentials, looking for new ways to save, or strengthening your financial knowledge and long-term habits, each smart decision you make can help move you closer to your goals.  

At Peach State, we’re here to help you unlock the power of saving and support you at every stage of your financial journey. From opening your first savings or checking account, to building smart saving strategies for major milestones and retirement, we offer the resources, guidance, and personalized support to help you grow your financial confidence. If you’d like to learn more about how we can help you and your family build a brighter financial future, please contact us today!