As the new school year approaches, excitement fills the air for many students eager to showcase new outfits and accessories. However, parents are confronting a starkly different reality: sticker shock.

An alarming average of over $600 is what parents are expected to spend per student on back-to-school supplies this year.

In a bid to manage these rising expenses — ranging from clothing and shoes to essential school supplies — many parents are attempting to set budgets. Yet, widespread economic uncertainty, including impending tariff increases and persistent inflation, has prompted experts to advise early shopping as a crucial strategy for saving money.

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"The fact of the matter is, is that tarif

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