Back-to-School Budgeting: Stress-Free Family Finance

Have you noticed that back-to-school shopping seems to start earlier every year here in the Memphis Midsouth? With prices on the rise, it’s no wonder local parents are jumping in ahead of time. Getting a head start and being a little strategic can help save money—and a lot of stress. Families across our area are bracing for big bills on supplies, clothes, and electronics, so it makes sense to look for bargains before everything gets picked over. Most people (both locally and nationally) start their shopping as early as July to scoop up those early deals.

What families are spending now

According to the National Retail Federation, families with school-age kids—right here in Memphis and across the country—are setting aside a big chunk of their budgets for all the essentials: electronics, clothes, supplies, and shoes. Even if the total is slightly less than last year, it’s still a lot. That’s why more families are spreading out their shopping over the summer instead of making one huge trip. It just makes the spending feel a little less overwhelming.

Start early, inventory first

Before you even hit the stores around Memphis or shop online, do a quick check around the house. Last year’s backpack might be just fine, and you probably have a few half-used notebooks lying around. If the kids haven’t outgrown all their clothes, you can cross a few things off the list. Sticking to what’s on the school’s list helps avoid those “oops, we already had that” moments. And if you start early, you’ll have time to stack sales, rewards, and coupons so you’re not paying full price for anything.

Prioritize needs, delay big-ticket items

It’s easy to get caught up in buying everything at once, but try to stick to the must-haves first. Those big-ticket items—such as laptops or tablets—often receive steep discounts later in the season or on Black Friday. Some schools even have loaner programs or student discounts, so it’s worth checking. If you’ve got teens, don’t forget to investigate refurbished or rental options, too.

Use tax holidays and stack savings

Keep an eye out for Tennessee’s state sales tax holiday—it’s an excellent way for Midsouth families to save a chunk of change. During the holiday, you can grab clothes and school supplies under $100, and even computers up to $1,500, without paying sales tax. Online buys often qualify, too! Combine these deals with store promos or loyalty programs, and you’ll stretch your budget.

Buy in bulk and share costs

Why not team up with other Memphis families for a bulk-buy run? Things like paper goods, pens, and sanitizer are way cheaper when you split the cost—and you’ll be set for the whole term. And when it comes to lunches, buying in bulk, prepping for the week, and using reusable containers can seriously cut costs, especially with food prices the way they are right now.

Pace the budget across the year

One smart move is to keep track of your spending this year, then break that number down into a monthly savings goal for next year. If you set up an automatic transfer (even a small one) into a back-to-school fund, you’ll barely notice the money leaving your account—and next year’s shopping will feel way less stressful.

Shop smarter, not longer

Another perk to shopping early? You get first pick of everything and can cash in on price matching at big stores and online. The savviest shoppers utilize store apps, sign up for rewards, and consult price comparison tools before making a purchase. If something can wait, they’ll grab it during an off-peak sale to help the budget go even further.

A calm, repeatable game plan

A stress-free back-to-school season here in the Memphis Midsouth comes down to a few good habits—start early, make a list, see what you already have, and match up with the school’s needs. Grab deals when you can, track what you’re spending, and you’ll be set for next year before you know it. Whether you’re shopping locally or keeping an eye on national trends, these steps help you skip the panic and focus on getting the kids ready for an excellent start to school.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, an offer, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Readers should consult a qualified financial professional about their specific circumstances before making financial decisions.

Sources:
https://nrf.com/media-center/press-releases/majority-back-class-shoppers-have-already-begun-purchasing-school-items
https://fortune.com/2025/08/06/back-to-school-shopping-starts-early-2025-tariff-jitters/
https://nrf.com/blog/trend-driven-and-wallet-wise-back-to-school-2025-is-here
https://nrf.com/media-center/press-releases/back-to-school-season-begins-early-for-majority-of-shoppers
https://nrf.com/research-insights/holiday-data-and-trends/back-to-school
https://www.advantageccs.org/blog/back-to-school-on-a-budget-smart-money-saving-tips-for-families/
https://www.mtcfederal.com/articles/back-to-school-budget-2025/
https://www.american.bank/news/back-to-school-spending-planning-and-strategies/
https://www.tn.gov/revenue/news/2025/7/11/annual-sales-tax-holiday-happening-july-25---july-27.html
https://clarksvillenow.com/local/sales-tax-holiday-how-to-buy-back-to-school-clothes-supplies-tax-free-in-tennessee/
https://www.kiplinger.com/taxes/tennessee-sales-tax-holiday
https://taxadmin.org/2025-sales-tax-holidays/

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