Back to School on a Budget: A Simple Game Plan

Back to school season is a marathon of small purchases, and that is exactly why it is easy to overspend. A staged plan keeps it under control.

First, split the list into needs and wants, and buy the needs early while stock and codes are plentiful. Wants can wait for a deeper discount later in the season.

Second, shop categories, not stores. The best price on backpacks, shoes, and electronics rarely lives under one roof — compare across a few trusted retailers and let the coupons decide.

Third, buy a size up on anything kids will grow into. A small stretch today saves a full-price replacement in a few months.