Families Face Record Breaking Back-to-School Costs, OnPoint Community Credit Union Offers Six Ways To Save (Photo) - 08/13/26
OnPoint offers practical tips to help families manage higher prices and save on costs throughout the school year
PORTLAND, Ore. – Back-to-school season is putting new pressure on family budgets, with spending expected to reach record levels for the 2026-2027 school year.
According to a National Retail Federation (NRF) survey, families with K–12 students expect to spend an average of $863.86 this year, pushing total spending to a record $43.3 billion. That includes the cost of basic school supplies, clothing and shoes. College students and their families expect to spend an average of $1,437.79, with total spending projected to reach a record $103.5 billion. That includes basic school supplies, clothing, shoes, electronics and dorm furnishings.
“Back-to-school costs can add up quickly, especially when families are already balancing other household expenses,” said Peter Rector, financial wellness manager at OnPoint Community Credit Union. “Starting with a clear budget and prioritizing what students need most can help families make thoughtful choices and avoid overspending.”
Six ways to save on back-to-school costs
OnPoint recommends the following strategies to help families and students manage back-to-school costs:
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Start with a plan and a clear budget. Before you shop, review what your kids already have and compare it with their school supply lists and clothing needs. Reuse backpacks, binders, lunchboxes and other supplies that are still in good condition to avoid buying duplicates. Then decide how much you can comfortably spend and prioritize the items students need most. You may also be able to wait on seasonal purchases, such as winter coats and boots, until better sales arrive.
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Shop smart by comparing prices and choosing store brands. Search for deals both online and in-store and compare prices across retailers before making purchases. Shopping early gives families more time to find sales, use coupons, and take advantage of loyalty programs. Store brands often offer the same quality as name brands at a lower price. Buying frequently used items in bulk can offer additional savings, especially for households with multiple children.
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Buy the essentials first. According to NRF, nearly half of shoppers plan to buy only what students need to start the school year and replenish supplies later. A similar share is waiting for better deals, and another 23% are spreading out spending to manage budgets. Focus first on what students need to start the year, then purchase additional supplies, clothing or gear later. This can help families take advantage of sales and avoid putting too much pressure on a single paycheck.
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Explore secondhand options and local resources. Thrift stores, consignment shops and community exchanges can offer gently used clothing, backpacks and sports gear at a fraction of retail prices. Local nonprofits may also host school supply drives or distribute free supplies to families. Check with organizations in your area to see what support is available.
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Include kids in budgeting and shopping decisions. According to a Deloitte survey, 59% of shoppers often are influenced by their child to spend more. Back-to-school shopping offers a natural opportunity to teach kids about budgeting. Give older children a spending limit for supplies or clothes and encourage them to make thoughtful choices. Younger kids can help look for sales or compare options between two similar items. Including children in the process teaches financial responsibility and helps them understand the value of money.
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Budget beyond the first day of school. Costs often continue throughout the year, from school lunches and club fees to field trips and sports gear. Planning for those expenses now can prevent financial surprises later. Consider setting up a small monthly savings fund for school-related needs to stay ahead of unexpected costs.
Back-to-school costs can put added pressure on family budgets, but planning ahead can help make them more manageable. OnPoint offers financial education resources and tools to help families prepare for seasonal expenses, build savings and make informed financial decisions throughout the year. Learn more at https://www.onpointcu.com/financial-education/.
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About OnPoint Community Credit Union
OnPoint Community Credit Union is the largest credit union headquartered in Oregon, serving more than 656,000 members throughout Oregon and southwest Washington. Founded in 1932, OnPoint Community Credit Union’s membership is available to anyone who lives or works in one of 33 Oregon counties (Baker, Benton, Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Coos, Crook, Curry, Deschutes, Douglas, Gilliam, Hood River, Jackson, Jefferson, Josephine, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Malheur, Marion, Morrow, Multnomah, Polk, Sherman, Tillamook, Umatilla, Union, Wallowa, Wasco, Washington, Wheeler and Yamhill) and who lives, works, worships, or attends school in one of four Washington counties (Clark, Cowlitz, Lewis, and Skamania), and their immediate family members. OnPoint Community Credit Union is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). More information is available at onpointcu.com.
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