02-08-2025
Inflation on the minds of back-to-school shoppers. 5 ways to stay within budget
With back-to-school shopping season already getting underway, a new survey from Bankrate says 30% of shoppers are changing how they shop due to inflation.
According to the study conducted in June, inflation continues to change the way many people consider purchases, although fewer say they are concerned than previously. That figure is down from 32% in 2024 and 41% in 2022, Bankrate said, linking the drop to Americans adjusting to higher price tags.
Almost half of shoppers (49%) say they plan to employ money-saving strategies this fall, from finding cheaper brands to budgeting to buying less, according to Bankrate, a website that provides financial data and analysis.
'The cumulative effects of higher prices and high interest rates are still weighing on many households,' says Ted Rossman, Bankrate senior industry analyst. 'Tariff concerns are also significantly impacting consumer sentiment.'
Consumer prices rose 0.3% between May and June, Bankrate said, the fastest pace since January, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' latest monthly consumer price index report. Many items exposed to tariffs — from household furnishings and furniture to appliances and toys — rose the most in years.
More price hikes could also still be coming down the pipeline. The majority of economists expect inflation to stay elevated through 2027, primarily driven by higher import taxes, according to Bankrate's latest Economic Indicator Survey.
Back-to-school shoppers remain concerned about inflation
Inflation was at 2.4% when the survey was done, according to Bankrate. While that was below the 9% peak in June 2022, prices are still 23.7% higher than before the pandemic.
One in 5 shoppers say inflation costs will or are straining their budgets and around 1 in 10 feel pressured to spend more than they're comfortable with.
Sixteen percent said they would buy fewer school supplies than in previous years due to the cost, compared to 36% in 2022.
'Consider asking your child's teacher what's essential on day one versus what can wait until later in the year,' Rossman says. "Your kids may not need everything on the list right away. They might also be able to use last year's backpack, folders, pens and pencils and more."
How has inflation affected these school supplies categories?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics doesn't track the price of school supplies so Bankrate compared the price of similar categories from May 2025 to 2024.
Stationery, stationary supplies and gift warp were 4.7% more expensive.
Educational books and supplies were 9.4% more expensive.
Computers, peripherals and smart home assistant were 3.5% cheaper while computer software and accessories were 6.1% more expensive.
Boys' apparel was 2.1% more expensive while girls' apparel was 1.3% cheaper.
How to save more this back-to-school season
Bankrate suggests five ways to stretch your dollar while preparing for school this fall.
Set a budget. Plan ahead for back-to-school season by setting a budget for supplies and making a category in that month's budget.
Make a shopping list. While planning a budget, Bankrate suggests making a shopping list of needed supplies and look for ways to reuse supplies from the previous year.
Stack discounts. Try 'combining a rewards credit card with store promotions, online shopping portals and/or card-linked offers,' Rossman advises. Those small savings can add up for a big shopping list.
Shop secondhand. Thrifting clothes and supplies, when possible, can help you get lower prices while helping the environment. Laney and her kids often shop secondhand and re-wear items. 'I'm always surprised at the high quality of clothes I can get secondhand,' she says. 'We're happy to wear hand-me-downs or yard sale treasures.'
Include kids in the process. Bankrate suggests using back-to-school shopping as a teaching moment for kids about budgeting and money.
Methodology
Bankrate commissioned YouGov Plc to conduct the survey used in this article. The sample size was 2,616 adults with 914 have or will do back-to-school shopping this year. The survey was carried out online between June 2 to 4.
— Cassidey Kavathas is the politics and court reporter at The Holland Sentinel. Contact her at ckavathas@ Follow her on X formerly known as Twitter @cassideykava.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Inflation remains concern among Americans for back-to-school. 5 tips, tricks to save
