How I keep my kids ready for school (and my wallet from crying) for under $100
by Caitlin McCormack
Welcome to the monthly series about finances and single parenting.
Few things stress me out more than back-to-school shopping. The lists. The sales. The dragging of unwilling children to try on shoes and clothes. The pressure to keep up with Pinterest-worthy lunch gear and matching backpacks. After one too many expensive lead-ups to the first day of school, I decided to take a more laid-back approach, one that doesn’t blow my budget or everyone’s sanity! Here’s how I make back-to-school happen for under $100 per kid, without skimping on what they actually need.
1. Start with a list (but not the school’s!)
Yes, the school supply list matters. But before I go blindly purchasing item by item, I make my own list of what each kid actually needs. Because let’s be honest, they likely don’t need a full set of brand new pencil crayons each September.
I start by taking inventory of what we already have. Last year’s backpack still holding strong? Awesome! They’re rocking that again this year, even if (gasp) it doesn’t match their lunch bag. Pencil case still zips? They’re gonna use it, even if red is no longer their favourite colour. Taking 30 minutes or so to go through what we have on hand helps save me from buying doubles or giving in to every back-to-school aisle impulse.
2. Set a hard budget and share it with the kids
As my kids have gotten older, I’ve found it helpful to be upfront with them about our budget. I let them know we have $100 to get them what they need, and they help me plan and shop. This allows them to feel empowered (with limits, of course) to spend “their” money on what they need and want. New shoes are always a must, and after that they can decide if they want a fancy binder, fresh outfit for the first day, or anything else.
Read: Building the ship while at sea: Lessons in solo parenting
3. Shop at home first
Before buying anything, I make the kids dig through our arts and crafts bin, office supplies, and junk drawers for items they need. We’ve found fresh pencils, highlighters, and erasers with plenty of life still left in them just waiting for another use. I love that this also teaches them to be resourceful, which is a life skill I’m happy to sneak in!
4. Thrift what you can and skip what you don’t need yet
I’ve found clothing to be one line item of my budget where costs can spiral fast. So, I focus on the essentials — a few basics to get us through September, and then thrift the rest. Local consignment stores, online swaps and parent-to-parent groups, and hand-me-downs from friends are all fair game. I don’t stress about fall clothes until fall actually arrives. My boys will happily wear their favourite shorts in the middle of winter, so I know they aren’t going to freeze in a hoodie and sneakers in September if the temps take a drop. Plus, come October those clearance racks are a goldmine.
5. Stack savings like a pro
I am militant about waiting for sales, using coupon codes when online shopping, and paying with points if I’ve got them. I’ll also check flyers and apps to compare prices before making a purchase.
It’s not always easy, but it’s doable. I honestly don’t get the sense from my kids that they feel like they’re missing out, so for now we’ll continue this method and avoid unnecessary back-to-school credit card debt and regret.
If you’re staring down the back-to-school scramble on a budget, know that you’re not alone. There’s also no one “right” way to do it. If a few of these tips help you save a bit of money (and maybe a bit of your sanity) then that’s a win. Most importantly, do what works best for your family and your budget.
Caitlin McCormack is a freelance writer and full-time marketing professional who shares practical insights on work, money, and life. A single parent of two boys, she brings a relatable, real-world perspective to her work.
This week’s readings:
Here are the 5 biggest differences between rich and poor Canadians - which side do you fall on? (Money.ca)
By me, with one of my favourite closing quotes this year: Four estate-planning guardrails to help wealthy families prep for cognitive decline (Canadian Family Offices)
By Caitlin: Car Thefts Have Declined in 2025. Will Insurance Rates Follow (Surex)
Is now the time to overhaul Canada’s Old Age Security? Why some urge yes (Global News)
‘Completely devastated:’ How two Ontario women lost $50K by clicking a link texted to them (CP24)
A reminder that subscriptions go towards paying writers who appear here. If you can, consider subscribing, upgrading or pay what you can. If not, you can always buy us a ko-fi.