On Target Financial

 

5301 SW 7th Street, Topeka, KS 66606

 

Phone:  785-272-5000

Fax:      785-272-6725

 

Joseph G. Prokop, CFP®, CRPC®

 

Website: www.ruontarget.com

July/August 2026

Back-To-School- Shopping Tips

Back-To-School- Shopping Tips

Back-to-school shopping is an exciting but costly time for families. Households with K-12 students are expected to spend about $850–$900 on clothing, shoes, supplies, and electronics, according to the National Retail Federation. As costs increase, smart budgeting and saving strategies can help manage expenses without sacrificing quality.


Begin with a realistic budget and a prioritized list
Check your child's school supply list and take stock of what you already have at home—many notebooks, pens, or backpacks from last year might still be usable. Categorize needs into "must-haves" (essentials like binders and calculators) and "nice-to-haves" (new outfits or gadgets).


Shop sales and timing carefully
Back-to-school deals hit their peak in July and August—check weekly ads from stores like Target, Walmart, and Amazon. Take advantage of sales tax holidays in many states, and spread out your purchases to get the best discounts instead of buying everything at once.


Hunt for extra savings
Use coupons, cash-back apps, and credit card rewards. Buy gently used or refurbished clothing and tech from thrift stores, online marketplaces, or community groups. Think about buying in bulk for shared supplies like glue sticks or markers.


Involve the family
Establish spending limits together and promote reusing or repurposing items. These actions not only lower expenses but also help teach essential money-management skills.


With careful planning, you can outfit your student for success while staying financially comfortable.


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Investment advisory services offered through Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Joseph Prokop, Investment Adviser Representative. Cambridge and On Target Financial are not affiliated.
On Target Financial and LTM Marketing Solutions, LLC are unrelated companies. This publication was prepared for the publication’s provider by LTM Marketing Solutions, LLC, an unrelated third party. Articles are not written or produced by the named representative.

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