The Kitchen Table
Back 2 School
- July 22, 2024
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By: Sheri Wilford
With the growth of inflation, the cost of getting your kids back in school continues to rise. It is estimated that in 2024 the average cost per child will be $900! Have you had the chance to think of everything involved so you can be ready without breaking the family budget?
What are some things you should consider?
- School Supplies. Some of the basic supplies needed, like backpacks, notebooks, pens, pencils, and calculators can run over $100 per student.
- New School Clothing & Shoes. Have your kids grown over the summer? Often, parents will need to buy new clothes and shoes each year to accommodate the growth of their child. It can easily run you between $200-$250 extra dollars for these items.
- School Fees, Lunches & Transportation. School registration and program fees can run from $50 to several hundred per child. Lunches and meals for a 180-day school year can total around $450 per child; along with the increased cost of gas, bus passes, or other methods of transportation, this all adds up.
- Larger Purchase Items. Depending on your student, you may be required to purchase larger ticket items such as laptops, band instruments, sports equipment, uniforms, and sports physicals. These costs can easily come in at $300 or more for your student.
What is a parent to do?
Start with a budget and a shopping list. Which costs are fixed, such as the price of school registration, and which costs are variable, such as clothing and supplies? Take advantage of Iowa’s tax-free weekend and look for sales and discounts for your purchases. Do some price comparisons to get the best price and shop from free shipping sites. You can also reuse and recycle. Many communities have “Buy Nothing” sites where the community will give things away for free to help out others!
🎒 Check out this link for the most popular 2024 kids backpacks! https://www.goodhousekeeping.c...