a lot of families are starting to tally up how much they spent in recent weeks to get ready for the new school year.
With students at Washington State University and several districts in Jefferson and Lewis Counties back in school on Monday, a lot of families are starting to tally up how much they spent in recent weeks to get ready for the new school year.
According to the National Retail Federation, families with students in elementary school, middle school, and high school spent an average of $863.86 on items this year—up slightly from $858.07 in 2025.
And college students spent an average of more than $1,400 to set up their dorms and apartments.
Some studies show the more you use AI and social media, the more money you'll spend compared to just making a list and sticking to it.
Financial advisor Adam Powell spoke with ARC Seattle co-anchors Steve McCarron and Holly Menino.
To save money, Powell suggests using social media sites that allow you to exchange items needed for school with neighbors.
FILE - Children exit a school bus. (KOMO)You can also buy gently-used items at thrift stores or Play It Again Sports, Powell said. You can also wait for sales over the coming weeks, especially for clothes.
"If you just buy what's required - maybe for your student... wait a few weeks after school starts and you're going to have some great specials out there as the retailers change their inventory," said Powell. He works for Private Advisory Group. "There's going to be some great discounts available so we can buy those new pair of jeans, maybe another pair of shoes, things like that."
Powell says start setting money aside next March or April for the start of the 2027-2028 school year in August or September.
That way you're ahead of the curve for back-to-school shopping, Powell said.
