Back-to-school shopping can be one of the most expensive times of year for parents.
In fact, the National Retail Federation found that families with kids in K-12 planned to spend an average of $858.07 on clothing, shoes, school supplies and electronics in 2025. That’s slightly less than families expected to spend in 2024—but still a whole lot of money.
If you’re looking to maximize your family’s budget this year, here are some back-to-school savings strategies and tricks to earn a little extra money before school is back in session.
Offer amounts are subject to change and may vary.
1. Earn Money While You Shop
The most popular destination for back-to-school shopping? Online, according to the NRF.
As you shop online, skip the hunt for coupon codes. If you’ve got a phone, all you have to do is install the free KashBack browser extension. You can add the extension to your Safari browser on your iPhone, and/or Chrome and Edge on desktop.
You’ll earn a $2 reward and kash back from popular online brands, including Walmart, Macy’s, Office Depot and more. The KashBack rewards will roll directly into your KashKick account.
2. Turn Surveys into School Supplies
Got a few minutes while waiting in line or picking the kids up from camp? Take surveys on KashKick to earn extra money for your back-to-school fund.
Paid surveys are an easy, low-effort way to turn downtime into dollars. You won’t get rich overnight, but you could turn a few surveys into a new lunchbox or notebook! Plus, to unlock KashKick surveys, all you have to do is complete your general profile—which takes about 2 minutes and scores you an instant $1.
3. Teach Your Kids About Money
Greenlight is a debit card for kids that teaches them how to earn, save and invest.
When you sign up through KashKick, you’ll earn a bonus. It’s a win-win: You get extra kash, and your kid learns how to budget and save.
Even better? They can start saving for next year’s back-to-school haul themselves!
4. Decompress With Games
This time of year got you feeling frantic? Same. When your brain needs a mini-vacation, choose a game to play through KashKick.
From FarmVille to Scrabble to Solitaire, you can disconnect and earn some extra money to stash away for back-to-school shopping.
5. Find Freebies
Join your neighborhood’s Buy Nothing Facebook group to find gently used clothes, art supplies, backpacks and more—all for free. There’s no catch. Then, remember, when you have something you’re ready to part with, you can pass it on, too!
6. Buy in Bulk
Team with other families and hit up a big warehouse club and buy school supplies in bulk, then split them up. Buying in bulk usually saves money—just be sure to check the unit price on shelf tags.
7. Watch For Sales
Another great way to save during the back-to-school season is to wait for sales.
Keep your eye out for a tax-free weekend. Each state sets its own dates and rules, so check your local tax authority’s website for details.
And don’t forget, Labor Day—the first Monday in September—is a big time for sales, too! This is a great time to find markdowns on clothing and shoes.
✏️ Back-to-school shopping is expensive, but with a mix of savings and earnings, you can make sure your kids have everything they need while maintaining your budget.
You’ve got this!
