LEAVING FWCCU.ORG
4 Smart Ways to Budget for Back-to-School Expenses in 2025
Budgeting for Back-to-School: 4 Easy Ways to Save in 2025
As summer ends in Fort Worth, parents and students prepare for a new school year. This time often brings excitement, new routines, and expenses.
Whether you are buying crayons for a kindergartener or dorm supplies for a college freshman, back-to-school costs can add up fast. The National Retail Federation says families spend about $858 on back-to-school shopping. This includes supplies, technology, clothing, and fees.
But with a little planning, you can keep more money in your pocket while still preparing your student for success. At Fort Worth City Credit Union (FWCCU), we’re committed to helping you make smart money moves all year long. So let’s dive into 4 tried-and-true ways to stretch your back-to-school budget.
1. Understand Your Financial Situation
Before making a budget or getting the school supply list, know where your money comes from and where it goes.
Assess Income Sources
Make a list of income you expect this season including full-time or part-time work, summer jobs, child support, allowances, or financial aid.
Know the difference: Fixed vs. Variable Expenses
Organize your monthly spending into two categories:
Fixed expenses – predictable costs that stay the same each month, like rent, tuition, and subscriptions
Variable expenses – costs that can change month to month, such as groceries, gas, clothes, school supplies, and meals
Once you understand your cash flow, along with your fixed and variable expenses, budgeting for school-related costs becomes easier to manage and far less stressful.
💡 FWCCU Tip: Want to take control of your finances? Try this free budgeting worksheet from Consumer.gov to organize your expenses and find ways to save.
Create a Realistic Back-to-School Budget
Now that you’ve mapped out your income and spending, it’s time to set a back-to-school budget. The trick? Separate “needs” from “wants.”
Start with must-haves like:
Notebooks and calculators
School uniforms or dress code items
Lunch gear and backpacks
Textbooks or online access codes
Then look at optional or “nice-to-have” expenses like new tech, trendy clothes, or decorative dorm items.
📋 Bonus Tip: Remember to budget for hidden costs. These can include registration fees, school photos, activity dues, and last-minute supply requests.
2. Take Advantage of Texas Tax-Free Weekend
Mark your calendar! Texas holds a Tax-Free Weekend every August to help families save on back-to-school essentials. In 2025, it takes place from August 8–10. During this time, you can skip paying up to 8.25% in sales tax on qualifying purchases like school supplies, clothing, shoes, and backpacks priced under $100.
By planning your shopping around this weekend, you can stretch your dollar further especially on those high-priced items like shoes or backpacks.
3. Know the Scholarship Timeline and Start Early
Even if you're not applying for scholarships in July or August, planning ahead can save you money and stress. Starting early helps students and families prepare better applications. It also helps them avoid last-minute costs for tuition, books, and fees.
Most scholarships open between December and March, with deadlines typically in the spring. Use the fall and winter months to look for college scholarships in Texas. Start gathering application materials like essays, resumes, and letters of recommendation.
Where to look:
Local scholarship Resources:
Tarrant County College Foundation Scholarships
Fort Worth School District Scholarships
Statewide Texas Scholarship Portals:
Texas PTA Scholarship Program (Applications open September 15)
FWCCU’s Annual College Scholarship – offering $2,500 to a graduating high school senior who is a member in good standing. While applications open in early spring, it's never too early to start preparing. Bookmark FWCCU.org to stay updated on details.
Tips to Prepare Now:
Start building a strong scholarship portfolio early in the school year. Keep track of your academic and extracurricular achievements as they happen. Ask for letters of recommendation from teachers, coaches, or mentors while your accomplishments are still fresh in their minds.
Write a general personal statement that shows your goals and values. You can adjust it later for each scholarship application. Be sure to bookmark key scholarship websites, including FWCCU.org, so you’re ready when applications open in early spring.
Even if your student studies in their sophomore or junior year, they can still get organized and start planning early. A head start now can lead to real savings on college costs later.
4. Save on School Supplies and Food Costs
School supplies and snacks may seem minor, but these expenses for students can add up quickly during the school year.
Use these smart strategies to save money and stay on budget:
Compare Prices & Use Coupons
Before buying, comparison shop across stores or use apps that track deals. Many retailers offer price-matching during back-to-school sales.
Buy in Bulk & Share Costs
Purchase classroom staples like tissues, markers, or paper in bulk with other families. Split the cost and reduce fixed and variable expenses.
Reuse Supplies
Take inventory of what you already have like binders, backpacks, and scissors may last another academic year.
Shop Secondhand or Swap
Check thrift stores, online marketplaces, or local swap events for affordable essentials like uniforms, textbooks, calculators, and sports equipment. A great way to reduce your financial plan costs and support a more sustainable lifestyle.
Plan Meals to Cut Food Costs
Packing lunch instead of buying it every day can help students and families allocate funds more effectively.
Use grocery store loyalty programs and digital coupons
Cook in batches and freeze meals
Invest in reusable containers to stick to your month-to-month budget
Small changes like these encourage financial responsibility and help students and families stick to a realistic school budgeting plan.
BONUS: Help Kids and Teens Financial Responsibility
The back-to-school season is a great time to teach kids and teens the value of financial responsibility. A few simple steps now can help them build lifelong habits:
Discuss your school budgeting plan as a family. Show them how you divide money for supplies, clothes, and other expenses.
Encourage older kids to save money from summer jobs or after-school work.
Open a youth savings account to help them learn the basics of financial aid, saving, and smart spending.
💡 Click here to learn more about FWCCU Youth Savings options.
Final Thoughts: Plan Ahead and Enjoy the School Year
Back-to-school budgeting isn’t just about spending less. It's about helping your family succeed. This means reducing stress, making smart choices, and feeling prepared for the new school year.
At Fort Worth City Credit Union, we’re here to support you with tools, resources, and guidance that fit your needs. Whether you’re covering expenses for students, preparing for college, or reviewing your family’s financial plan, we’re with you every step of the way.
Let’s Make This School Year Your Best Yet!
Visit fwccu.org or stop by a local branch to:
Open a savings account for school expenses
Learn about upcoming scholarship opportunities
Start building your family’s financial confidence
We’re proud to serve Fort Worth families like yours and we’re with you every step of the way.
Make the Most of Your Credit Union Benefits
At FWCCU, we’re more than a place to bank we’re your partner in financial wellness.
From youth savings accounts to low-rate personal loans, we’ve got resources to help your family thrive this school year.
Here’s to a stress-free, budget-savvy back-to-school season, Fort Worth!