The start of a new school year means more than just a new notebook. Students heading back to class may need new shoes, a backpack, a lunch box and sometimes a new computer. Checking off every item can quickly add up and not having a plan before you buy can put a strain on your wallet.

According to WalletHub’s 2025 Back-to-School Shopping Survey , 72% of parents think their child’s education is worth going into debt.

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Writer and analyst Chip Lupo says smart shopping starts by making a budget and sticking to it.

“What comes down to is parents have to make what we call budget-conscious trade-offs,” said Lupo. “Maybe cut back a little bit on tech and clothing and stick to the essentials like school supplies, educati

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