Tips to Save Money with ALL your School Expenses from Fees to Devices

Are you struggling to afford all the school expenses related to your kids going back to school?

Education expenses have skyrocketed in recent years with electronics such as iPads becoming essential to your child’s education.

Add to that what we have had to do and programs we needed to homeschool with all the issues around the world recently.

When you add up school fees, uniforms, book packs, school shoes, school bags, labels, lunch boxes, electronics, school excursions, school camps, fundraisers and all the other extras, it costs thousands each year.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links to products and services I use.

School Fees

School fees are set by the school but some schools allow payment plans, others only have a voluntary contribution.

Overall, school fees are an unavoidable cost you can’t reduce unless you get scholarships or some financial exemptions.

Discuss your position with the school to see if they have any options for you.

Check if they reduce fees for more than 1 child at the school or if you pay by a certain time. This can save as much as 20% from what I have seen.

Start saving this year for fees next year, even if it is only something like saving every $5 note you get, every bit helps.

You could try one of these 9 savings challenges to help you get the money and join Savers Plus if you are eligible to get extra help.

Voluntary Contributions

Technically, they are voluntary, not compulsory, however, every parent I have spoken to says the school will hound you until you pay it if you don’t pay it.

These contributions are used to improve the school, pay for extra programs and I think they contribute greatly to the school and by default the education of your child.

If you can afford to pay it, it’s nice to do so.

Book Packs

Each year schools send out a book pack list where you can purchase the whole pack through them or purchase the required items elsewhere.

Before heading out and buying everything on the list, go through the items that came home last year and use whatever you can.

Most years, kids have resources leftover such as books, textas, pencils etc.

Items like a pencil case, pencil sharpener, ruler and so on can be used the following year.

Not only will it save you money buying only what you need, but it also reduces waste and is environmentally friendly.

Once you work out what you need to buy, print the list and take it to places like Officeworks who will price match and even beat other prices.

When purchasing items, consider quality not just price. As an example, cheap glue doesn’t last or work well at all and will cost you more as you need to replace them faster.

Shop around, compare prices online and make sure you are getting the best deal for everything you need to buy.

Textbooks

Textbooks can be expensive and you don’t know until the end of the year which ones were actually used and needed.

You can buy second-hand ones or trade them on school notice boards and fortunately, some places allow you to use online versions instead of buying them now.

If you buy second hand, make sure you only go one year back because too much older and your child might have issues with it matching the curriculum now.

Once you’ve finished with your textbooks sell them.

Uniforms

Where possible buy second-hand or generic uniforms.

If you are able to buy generic or your school is mainly colour-coded, buy the items at Target, Kmart, Lowes, Big W or similar and buy the next size up too.

If your school has a second-hand uniform stall that can be super cheap.

If not, see if you can start one. Also, check your local second-hand stores as most have a uniform section.

If it’s difficult getting the uniforms, choose to buy two, that way one can be worn while the other is being washed and dried plus if one gets damaged you have time to fix it if possible.

Lastly, if it is completely out of your reach, chat to the school and see if there are any options, payment plans or layby so your child can have a uniform.

Delaying the payments doesn’t make the cost go away; it gives you time to work it out or come up with the money.

Some schools also allow the unclaimed lost property to go to families in need, so it pays to ask.

School Shoes

Supportive shoes that fit your child’s foot are important.

The long-term effects of shoes that are not supportive can mean bad backs, growth issues and other problems.

If you cannot afford to get your kids fitted or don’t feel the need to, Target has often come out on top for the best quality school shoes.

If your kids are allowed to wear sneakers, Kmart, Big W and Target all have affordable shoes.

School Bags

Kathmandu backpacks on sale are great value for money. They often have 30% to 40% off sales and their backpacks last years.

Kids often use their backpacks like soccer balls, throwing them around, kicking and not really caring.

Kathmandu can handle this, whereas cheap backpacks fall apart quickly.

The price of Kathmandu backpacks on sale are the same as ones from Target, Big W and Kmart anyway, so it is worth it to get them when you can.

When choosing a bag, always check the stitching, the zipper, seams and pockets to make sure it will stand up to being used every day.

Get the best quality you can afford, and remember expensive does not always equate to quality.

Another option is second-hand.

Lunchboxes

Get small lunch containers, a cooler bag and drink bottle.

They can be purchased on sale and often go on a steep clearance once school goes back.

Electronics – iPads, Laptops, Phones etc.

Kids require devices for school now, it is unavoidable in most cases.

Since kids are being taught by apps, learning coding, podcasting and social media, so these devices are essential for your children and schooling. Expensive, but essential.

To Reduce Costs

Ask the school exactly which devices are needed, why it is needed, what the children will be doing on it and if there are any payment plans or discounts with specific retailers.

Shop around, compare prices and make sure whichever device you purchase, you are getting the best rate on it.

Look for cashback sites that let you know if there are cashback options available for what you want to purchase. Read how to get cash back and combine discounts to save more.

You can sign up and then install the extension in your browser so you can check it all online and claim right away.

Opt for second-hand or refurbished items.

If you decide to buy off gumtree, eBay or similar sites, or if you choose to buy from a reseller, make sure they are reputable, check everything thoroughly, buy in person, pay by PayPal for some protection and never do a bank transfer.

Know what you are buying, the value and be cautious.

Protect whatever you buy. Get screen protectors, cases and anything else you need to protect it plus add the electronics to your home and contents insurance policy.

Many policies have the option for certain items to be insured outside the home.

Excursions, Camps and Fundraisers

All of these are optional, but highly advisable. They contribute to their education, overall school experience, and friendships.

Start putting aside money now, even $5 per week so you aren’t trying to come up with $200 or more when a camp crops up.

If you don’t have the money, ask about payment plans or look at ways you can make some extra money such as 10 ways to make $1,000 in a month or 24 ways to make more than $25hr.

Kids don’t have to do or participate in everything.

Do what works for your family.

How do you find the money you need for schooling?

Try any of these options:

43 ways for single mums to make money
The best Australian online survey sites (you can make over $1,000 with this)

Work out how much you need to make to cover educational expenses for your children then look at how you can make that happen.

Set up a separate account and put all the money in there for their education.

What tips would you add?

Also, check out the real cost of raising kids and how to reduce it for more tips.

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