Back to school: how can you cut costs?

If there was an exam in back-to-school budgeting and planning, how would you fare?

‘Free education’ isn’t necessarily free, and it’s a tough time for parents trying to balance all the costs that come with a return to education, whether it is preschool, primary, or secondary. However, there are some things you can do to reduce the impact on your pocket and your stress levels.

A survey conducted by the Irish League of Credit Unions (ILCU) found that 62% of parents admitted that they found back to school a “financial burden,” while more than one in four parents get into debt to cover these costs.

Published in mid-July, the findings revealed that the total back to school spend in 2024 stands at €1,401 per child for secondary school parents, an increase of €113 on last year, while the primary school equivalent is €1,086 per child, a drop of €66 on 2023 levels.

The bill is much higher when you factor in that many families have more than one child.

There is some good news for parents, however, and the slight reduction in costs for primary school can be attributed to the impact of a number of Government initiatives, like the introduction of the free school books scheme in primary schools since last year, and the increase in the number of schools offering hot meals.

Onerous cost burden

While David Malone, CEO, Irish League of Credit Unions, admitted that the two schemes do seem to have eased the financial burden somewhat on primary school parents, he referred to the reality that there is still an “onerous cost burden” in terms of the expenses related to schooling and the cost of living.

“The 2024 research shows that 28% of parents, more than one in four, are taking on debt to cover back to school costs, with the average debt amount at €368, which is an increase of €62 on the same figure last year.

"The issue of debt is significant, and it should be noted that 32% of parents in debt have debts of over €500 to cover these costs.

“For back to school supplies, while many use income or savings, 19% of parents use a credit card. Interest is applied to the full remaining balance, with the rates being charged here ranging from 14% to over 25%,” Mr Malone warned.

Instead, he suggested that credit unions can help parents plan out and manage these expenses.

Wellness and parenting expert, Sheila O’Malley said it can be stressful because it is a very expensive time, but particularly so for those parenting alone.

“It’s really about cutting your cloth according to your measure,” said Sheila. “It is about planning in advance.”

While uniforms are preferred by the majority of parents, the rules vary from school to school, and the use of crested jumpers, tracksuits, etc has long been a bugbear of parents who cannot shop around for value and are limited to certain retailers.

Some do allow use of generic jumpers or tracksuits, and a scenario where crests could be stitched or ironed on by more schools would undoubtedly help cut costs, Sheila agreed.

“If you get a uniform, get a uniform that’s going to last. Don’t buy something that just about fits, and next minute you’re out getting another one. All my kids had quite long skirts,” the mother-of-three added.

Scour Facebook Marketplace, local buy/sell group pages, or local charity shops for new or nearly new uniforms, books or sports equipment at bargain prices.

Pressure for designer gear

Interestingly, the ILCU survey found that more than half of parents “felt pressured” to buy branded clothing, shoes, and other items for their children, up 11% on last year.

“What you can be dealing with nowadays is ‘I want a new this, and a new that’. Sometimes parents just need to have a conversation with children to say, ‘this is what we can do and this is what we can’t do. We are not trying to keep up with the Joneses here; this is how things are’,” advised Sheila.

“The parent can say no. This is what I’m buying, if you want the other expensive option, you have your communion money, your confirmation money, or you have your babysitting money, and you are more than welcome to pay the difference.”

Food costs

The cost of the grocery trolley keeps rising, and 56% of respondents said this is one of the biggest effects of the rising back-to-school costs.

Making lists, batch cooking, and planning ahead is key here to save money and cut down on food waste. TikTok and Instagram budgeting expert Caz Mooney has some video ideas for feeding a family of five for just €5.

While the latest expansion of the Hot School Meals Programme making 2,000 schools eligible for funding is welcome, there is still a considerable amount of work to do to ensure all schools benefit from this initiative.

Extra-curricular activities are another big cost, but Sheila advised parents to look for accessible and cost saving options like Scouts, Brownies and playing GAA or other low-cost sports, which are all hugely beneficial for a child’s development.