How to Prepare for Back-to-School: Tips for Military Families

Aug 16, 2024

As summer winds down, families across the country begin to focus on how to prepare for back to school, and military families are no exception. Balancing the unique demands of military life while ensuring children have everything they need for school can be challenging. However, with the right strategies, military families can save money and get ready for the new school year effectively. Here are some practical back-to-school tips and a comprehensive back-to-school checklist tailored specifically for military families.

Utilize Military Discounts

Many retailers offer special discounts for military families, making back-to-school shopping an excellent opportunity to save. Stores like Old Navy, Foot Locker, and Apple provide military discounts on clothing, footwear, and electronics. Always ask about military discounts at checkout, both in-store and online. Websites like Military.com and RetailMeNot regularly update lists of current military discounts to help you save even more.

Shop Tax-Free

Several states offer tax-free shopping days during the back-to-school season. During these periods, you can purchase school supplies, clothing, and other essentials without paying sales tax. Check your state’s tax-free dates and plan your shopping accordingly. For military families stationed in different states, it’s worth checking the tax policies of your home state as well.

Access Base Resources

Military bases often provide valuable resources that can help with back-to-school expenses. The Base Exchange (BX) or Post Exchange (PX) offers tax-free shopping and sometimes additional discounts on school supplies and clothing. Additionally, base thrift stores can be a treasure trove for gently used items at a fraction of the cost. The Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) office might also offer programs or events that provide free or discounted school supplies.

Take Advantage of Commissary Sales

The commissary is another essential resource for military families, especially as the school year approaches. Commissaries often have sales on snacks, lunch items, and other necessities. Look for bulk deals and combine them with coupons for extra savings. Many commissaries also participate in the “Kids Eat Free” program, which can help reduce meal costs for school-aged children.

Use Technology for Savings

Several apps and websites can help you find the best deals on back-to-school items. Apps like Honey and Rakuten offer cash-back rewards and discounts when shopping online. Websites like Slickdeals and CamelCamelCamel track price drops on school supplies, electronics, and more. For military-specific deals, consider signing up for newsletters from MilitaryLifeNews and MyMilitarySavings.

Participate in School Supply Drives

Organizations such as Operation Homefront and the USO often host school supply drives for military families. These events provide free school supplies to military children, alleviating some of the financial burden. Check with your local military support organizations to find out about upcoming drives in your area.

Plan and Budget

Effective planning and budgeting can significantly impact your back-to-school expenses. Create a back-to-school checklist, and prioritize necessary items. Set a budget and stick to it, focusing on essentials first. Spread out purchases over several weeks to avoid a large upfront cost. Consider buying in bulk for items like notebooks, pens, and lunch supplies to save money in the long run.

Seek Out Community Resources

Local communities often support military families through various programs. Churches, civic organizations, and community centers might offer free or discounted school supplies. Participate in community events and network with other military families to learn about available resources and share back-to-school tips.

Conclusion

Preparing for the school year can be stressful and expensive for military families, but knowing how to prepare for back to school with the right strategies and resources can make all the difference. By utilizing military discounts, shopping tax-free, accessing base resources, and planning effectively, you can make the back-to-school season smoother and more affordable. Remember, many organizations and communities are there to support you—don’t hesitate to reach out and take advantage of the resources available to military families.