Back-to-school budgeting hacks

If the approaching back-to-school frenzy fills you with dread, you are not alone! However, the mayhem can be managed. 

John Manyike, head of financial education at Old Mutual, and Amanda Ndlangisa, founder of parenting and lifestyle channel The Millennial Mom, share some helpful hints on beating the back-to-school budgetary blues.

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Think ahead and budget

Planning and budgeting are a starting point to set the new school year on the right track, advises Manyike.

“For some people, December is all about celebrating; however, the most important thing is not to overspend. It’s always advisable to set a budget before the festive season, and to stick to it,” he says.

“By planning and being disciplined, you can take the pressure off yourself in January.”

For mother of two Ndlangisa, starting early is the secret to minimising stress and saving money. She starts putting aside money for the next school year around June.

“Even if you only save a few hundred rand each month, it comes in handy,” she says, “especially if you don’t get a bonus or 13th cheque in December.”

Shop smart

Back-to-school shopping is expensive, Manyike notes, so start by checking what you already have. “Then, make a list and stick to it, prioritising what your child needs, not what they want,” he says.

As a single parent, Ndlangisa has learned to scrutinise and prioritise essential purchases. “As soon as the school releases the stationery and textbook list for the following year, which is usually around October, I buy those immediately,” she says.

“When most families are focusing on the festive season and festive buying, I buy uniforms and stationery, to avoid the price hikes around the end of December and beginning of January.

“Usually,” Ndlangisa continues, “schools will recommend which stationery shops we should buy from. These can be expensive, so I buy my kids’ stationery in Chinatown or at discount stores, unless it’s something specific to the recommended shops.”

Plan for additional expenses

Even if you have the required stationery, uniform, and sports kit lined up early in January, there will be other expenses; from transport and aftercare to school excursions and extramural activities.

Ndlangisa says, “Inevitably, there’ll be some expenses that the school won’t warn me about or which I might forget. So, I put aside about R2,000 to cover these items.”

If this seems impossible, and you’re having difficulty managing your financial demands, Manyike recommends consulting a financial adviser. Alternatively, a free online budgeting tool can help you plan.

“Whether it’s for your child or yourself, having money when you need it makes all the difference to your quality of life and wellbeing,” he says.

While for some it may be too late to get properly organised for this school year, it’s not too late to start planning now for a stress-free 2025. Small changes over time can make a significant difference.

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