School costs escalate by 7.3% due to tariffs, causing strain for parents during the back-to-school season

Parents across the nation are feeling the pinch of rising costs as they prepare for the new school year. According to a recent study by Capital One Shopping, household back-to-school budgets have decreased by $15.39 or 1.73% compared to the previous year. This trend is reflected in various school supply categories, as highlighted by Dr. Sarah Dickerson, a research economist at UNC Chapel Hill Kenan-Flagler Business School.

One area where parents can potentially save is meal planning. Christoforus, a financial advisor, suggests that meal planning can be a cost-effective measure, helping to manage daily lunch expenses. Making dinner and having leftovers for lunch is one way to do this, as well as buying in bulk during sales for basic supplies like pencils and pens.

Another cost-saving strategy is to opt for generic brands over name brands. Generic pencils, for example, can cost as little as a dollar compared to $5 for well-known brands. Thrift shopping for school supplies can also offer unexpected deals to help stretch budgets.

Electronics, however, are particularly affected by tariffs due to overseas manufacturing and imported components. Refurbished electronics with warranties are available from big retailers, as suggested by Christoforus. Looking for refurbished laptops and tablets with warranties can help manage costs for expensive electronics.

The good news is that many states offer tax-free shopping periods during the back-to-school season. According to the Federation of Tax Administrators, 18 states currently offer tax-free shopping periods, with some extending them throughout August. Parents are advised to take advantage of these periods to save on their back-to-school shopping expenses.

Unfortunately, there is no information indicating that any countries offered a tax exemption specifically for back-to-school shopping in 2025. The Century Foundation report indicates a 7.3% increase in back-to-school shopping costs this year, with Americans spending a total of $125.4 billion on back-to-school and college shopping in 2024, with the average household budgeting $874.68 for school supplies.

Index cards have seen a 42% price increase, while three-ring binders cost 12.9% more than last year. Wooden pencils, imported from Brazil, are also anticipated to have price hikes due to tariffs.

In conclusion, while the cost of back-to-school shopping is on the rise, there are still strategies parents can employ to save money. From meal planning and buying in bulk to choosing generic brands and thrift shopping, every little bit helps. And don't forget to take advantage of tax-free shopping periods when they become available. Happy shopping!