August 24th 2024.
Are you excited for your kids to go back to school this month? I bet you are! But let's be real, your bank account probably isn't feeling the same excitement. According to new data from Hodge Bank, the cost of back-to-school shopping can add up to a whopping £1100. This includes not only the cost of uniforms, but also fuel for the school run and the expenses of school lunches and packed meals. Yikes!
Thankfully, there are ways to cut down on these costs. Here are five suggestions that can help you save some money during this expensive time of year.
First off, let's talk about uniforms. Did you know that the average parent spends £422 on secondary school uniforms and £287 on primary uniforms? That's a lot of money! But fear not, some schools offer recycling schemes or have secondhand shops where you can find gently used uniforms at a lower price. You can also check the school's Facebook page for any individual sales, or use websites like Uniformd to search for specific school uniforms.
If your child's school allows it, you can also opt for non-branded uniform items from supermarkets, as they tend to be cheaper than the school's official uniform shop.
Next, let's address the dreaded cost of school shoes. They can really put a dent in your wallet! But here's a tip: look for shoe stores that offer discounts if you bring in an old pair of school shoes to swap for new ones. For example, Schuh's "Too Big for Your Boots" campaign gives you a £5 voucher, and M&S offers a five pound voucher for recycling clothes or shoes (as long as one item is M&S branded). And if your child wears Kickers, you can even get a £15 voucher by sending in their old pair through their "Reskinned" campaign.
Are you worried about the cost of school meals or packed lunches? You're not alone. On average, packed lunches can cost over £500 a year, and school meals can add up to £2.65 each. But don't worry, there are options. In some areas, all young children are eligible for free school meals, while in others it depends on your income. You can use the government's checker tool to see if your family qualifies. And even if your child receives universal free meals, it's still worth informing the school about your low income or benefits, as they may receive extra funding for your child's enrichment activities.
Technology is becoming increasingly important for schoolwork, but it can also be expensive to keep up with the latest gadgets. Consider buying refurbished laptops or tablets instead of brand new ones. Just make sure they come with a warranty in case anything goes wrong. Websites like Back Market offer refurbished technology with a minimum twelve-month warranty. And for those on a low income, the Digital Poverty Alliance, in partnership with Currys, offers access to laptops in certain areas of the country (with a referral from someone in the community).
Last but not least, let's talk about labeling. We all know that back-to-school essentials have a tendency to get lost, which can be a costly and frustrating experience. Make sure to properly label your child's items with a sharpie pen for clothing and sticky labels for shoes and calculators. And for really valuable items like laptops or instruments, consider using an AirTag or similar tracking device. It's also a good idea to check if these items are covered by your home insurance when your child takes them to and from school.
Do you have any money-saving tips for back-to-school shopping? Share your story by emailing us at [insert email address]. We'd love to hear from you!
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