Your Back-to-School Saving$ Guide

Do you smell that? 🍎

That crisp, slightly chaotic scent in the air? It’s not pumpkin spice (yet), it’s the scent of new notebooks, freshly sharpened pencils, and some seriously big receipts.

The costs add up fast! So let’s talk about how to ace back-to-school shopping without flunking your budget (and sacrificing the good stuff).

_{Not seeing your desired job role? Explore more transparent jobs here!}

_{Are you an employer looking to post roles on our job board? Contact us here.}

Whether you’re a teacher buying classroom supplies, a parent shopping for your kid, or a student trying to stretch your budget, there are tons of ways to save this back-to-school season. From exclusive educator discounts to tech deals and even tax-free weekends, here’s a roundup of the best offers to check out before the bell rings!

🍎 Discounts for Teachers

Teachers don’t just shape futures, they also foot the bill for many classroom supplies. The good news? Retailers are finally giving teachers the love (and savings) they deserve!

• Half Price Books is offering 10% off all in-store purchases with their Educator Discount Program

• Staples is offering 20% off online and in-store purchases (ends 9/13)

• Canva offers free access for teachers at eligible schools

• Adobe Creative Cloud is offering up to 60% off Creative Cloud subscriptions

• Microsoft gives educators 10% off Windows devices and accessories

• Loom's Education Plan is 100% free for verified teachers (and students)

• Babbel offers six months of language lessons for just $36 (that's 60% off!)

• AT&T offers 25% off plans for teachers AND their families (ends 8/31)

• Codeacademy offers 50% off their pro plan for teachers

Want more savings? WeAreTeachers.com will keep you updated on back-to-school discounts all year long, and sites like Oriental Trading and Wholesale School Supplies offer bulk classroom essentials shipped straight to you.

🎒 Discounts for Students

• Apple: Buy a Mac or iPad with the education discount and receive a complimentary accessory, such as AirPods or an Apple Pencil.

• Microsoft: Students and parents can save up to 10% on select products

• Adobe Creative Cloud: Students can snag up to 60% off on Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, and more.

• Canva offers free access for students at eligible schools

• Amtrak: Save 15% on train travel if you’re 17–24 (a lifesaver for getting home on long weekends without draining your bank account)

• Codeacademy: College and high school students get 35% off all pro plan features.

• Dell: Students can get up to 10% off select laptops and accessories.

• BackpacksUSA: Find affordable backpacks and supply kits.

Want more savings? Sign up for sites like UNiDAYS and Student Beans for discounts on brands like Nike, Samsung, ASOS, and more.

💡 Ways to Save Even More

🤝 Team up with others – If you’re a teacher, split costs with colleagues who teach different periods. Parents, coordinate with other families for bulk buying.

💻 Go digital when possible – Check if digital versions of textbooks are allowed. They're usually way cheaper, and your back will thank you for not lugging around heavy books.

⏰ Timing is everything – The sweet spot for basic supplies? The end of the school year and early June. Think notebooks, pencils, pens, the stuff that you'll always need.

📦 Audit your existing stash – Seriously, dig through that leftover supply drawer or box. You might be surprised at what you find!

🗓️ Stagger your shopping – Don’t feel pressure to buy everything in one trip. Spread it out to avoid overspending (or take one kid at a time).

🔍 Price match like a pro – Do your homework online, then use that intel to get better deals in stores. Most big-box stores honor online deals if you show proof.

💳 Rewards & extensions – Tools like Ibotta, Rakuten, or credit cards can turn your back-to-school shopping into points and cash back.

🏷️ Sales tax holidays – Take advantage of your state’s tax-free weekend if you have one to shop without tax.

🛍️ Don't sleep on thrift stores – You'd be amazed at what you can find, especially for backpacks, dorm essentials, and even calculators.

👥 Tap your network – Ask around! Other parents, teachers, and students might know about deals you haven't heard of. Work smarter, not harder.

Remember, back-to-school season doesn't have to drain your bank account. With a bit of planning and these insider tips, you can get what you need without the financial stress.

Happy shopping, and here's to a great school year that doesn't break the bank! 🙌

In this week's Two Cents episode, James and Hannah discuss ways for teachers, students, and families to save money on back-to-school essentials.

They share strategies for families to work together to save on costs and frustrations with broken systems, like textbook buyback programs. Tune in here!

• Need a creative career switch? 🎨 Scratch your itch and start here

• Are you underpaid? 🤔 Take our free quiz to find out

• Shopping smart 🛒 Teach your kids how to save while shopping

• Get out of your comfort zone 📤 How to send scary emails

• Does your income fit your vibe? ✨ Find out your personality’s earning potential

See you next week for more career tips, money moves, and transparent advice! 💚