Smart shopping expert Trae Bodge is providing parents with strategies to reduce expenses during the current back-to-school shopping season.
These tips arrive as families face increasing financial stress and time constraints while preparing for the new academic year. Reducing the cost of essential supplies allows households to manage limited budgets more effectively during a high-spending period.
Bodge said these insights on the ABC News Live YouTube channel to help parents navigate the market. The advice coincides with a trend of American families beginning their shopping trips earlier than in previous years, with some starting as early as mid-July 2026 [2].
Strategies to lower costs include the use of cash-back applications and strategic timing. Other resources, such as those provided by U.S. News, have highlighted 10 ways [1] to save on school purchases. These methods often involve comparing prices across different retailers, and prioritizing essential items over luxury goods.
Shopping early is cited as a primary way to avoid the price hikes and inventory shortages that typically occur closer to the start of the school term. By purchasing supplies in mid-July 2026 [2], parents can secure better deals and avoid the stress of last-minute shopping.
Experts suggest that organizing a detailed list of required materials prevents impulse buying. This disciplined approach, combined with digital coupons and loyalty programs, helps families stretch their dollars further. The focus remains on balancing the need for quality educational tools with the reality of household budget constraints.
As the 2026 [2] school year approaches, the emphasis on financial literacy for parents has grown. The integration of technology, specifically shopping apps, has become a central part of the modern budgeting process for families across the U.S.
“Parents are feeling financially stressed and time-strapped.”
The shift toward earlier shopping and the reliance on digital saving tools reflect a broader economic trend where consumers are proactively managing inflation and rising costs of living. By moving the shopping window to mid-July, families are attempting to decouple their purchasing from the peak-demand pricing typical of August.
