10 Smart Back-to-School Savings Tips Every Family Should Know

Back-to-school shopping doesn’t have to drain your wallet. Whether you’re gearing up for their first day school or moving them into college, a little planning and budgeting can help you save big this year.

If you live in or near Missouri, don’t forget about Missouri’s Tax-Free Weekend (August 1–3, 2025) for extra savings on clothing, supplies, and even laptops.

Here are 10 ways to keep more money in your pocket while teaching the whole family smart money habits.

1. Shop During Missouri’s Tax-Free Weekend

If you live close enough to Missouri, plan a shopping trip during the tax-free holiday, August 1–3, 2025. Some of the eligible items include:

• Clothing under $100 per item
• School supplies up to $50 per purchase
• Personal computers up to $1,500

Stack these savings with store promotions and coupons for even bigger discounts.

2. Make a Shopping List & Stick to a Budget

Impulse buys can derail your budget fast. Write out everything you need, compare prices online, and decide what’s essential now versus what can wait until later in the semester.

Be sure to download the SCU Mobile App to stay on track! SCU Digital Banking makes it easy to monitor spending in real time and keep your budget under control, so you can win back time for homework, school events, and family nights.

3. Earn Extra Credit Every Time You Swipe

Give yourself some financial “extra credit” this school year with a Scott Credit Union CashBack Checking Account. Earn cash back just for using your SCU CashBack debit card. That’s money you can put toward school supplies, sports fees, or even a little reward for yourself.

4. Buy in Bulk for Year-Round Savings

Stock up on items [link to bulk buying blog when live] you’ll use all year, like notebooks, pencils, paper, snacks, or cleaning supplies. Warehouse clubs or big-box store sales can cut your cost per item significantly.

5. Start Smart Money Habits With a Youth Account

Back-to-school is the perfect time to teach kids how to manage money, and Scott Credit Union makes saving fun! Youth can open a SCU Kidz Club Share Account (12 and under) or Teen Share Account (13–17) to earn a higher rate on the first $1,000 and get rewarded for good grades through our Great Grades Program.

Plus, accounts are accessible through SCU Digital Banking, making it easy for families to track savings together.

6. Shop Secondhand or Swap Supplies

Thrift stores, consignment shops, and community swap groups can be gold mines for gently used backpacks, clothing, and even calculators. Consider hosting a “supply swap” with friends or neighbors to trade what you don’t need.

7. Shop Late-Season Clearance Deals

If you can, wait until the back-to-school rush dies down. Many stores deeply discount leftover supplies and clothing in late August and early September. Check clearance racks in-store or online for hidden bargains, especially on nonessential items.

8. Compare Prices Online Before You Buy

Don’t grab the first deal you see! Take a few minutes to compare prices online or with store apps. Some retailers will even price-match competitors, if you ask.

For teens, this is a great learning opportunity. If they have a Scott Credit Union Student Checking Account, encourage them to compare prices and manage a few of their own purchases for school supplies, lunches, or activities. It’s a simple way to practice smart spending and learn to stretch every dollar in today’s increasingly cashless world.

9. Buy Quality Where It Counts

Invest in durable items like backpacks, lunch boxes, and shoes. Spending a little more upfront on quality pieces can save you money in the long run since you won’t need to replace them mid-year. Stick to cheaper basics like notebooks and pencils for everything else.

10. Pack Lunches and Plan Snacks Ahead

Buying prepackaged lunches and snacks can add up fast. Save money by packing lunches at home and buying larger snack packs to portion out yourself.

Make This School Year a Financial Win

From Missouri’s Tax-Free Weekend to thrift shopping, clearance deals, and cash back rewards, every little bit of savings adds up. Scott Credit Union is here to help your family build smart money habits all year long with CashBack Checking, Youth Accounts, and easy-to-use Digital Banking tools.

Earn an A+ in smart money habits this school year because saving money shouldn’t be hard! With a little planning and the right tools, you can make this back-to-school season your most budget-friendly one yet.