12 min read

Budgeting for High School Students

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • LinkedIn Copied link to Clipboard!

Learning to budget in high school can be an invaluable skill. It sets you on a path to financial success in adulthood. Research has shown that mandated financial literacy in public schools promotes improved credit behavior in young adults (Brown, Collins, Schmeiser, and Urban, 2014). Therefore, starting your financial journey in high school is a step in the right direction. One excellent way to practice is planning and implementing a back-to-school budget.

Teen-ager in a classroom writing in a white board and smiling Article Image
Yellow notepad with pen svg icon Lesson Notes:
  • Budgeting in high school helps teenagers learn the value of money
  • Learn to prioritize needs versus wants

Understanding the importance of budgeting for high school students

Learning how to budget isn’t just for adults managing household expenses; it’s a critical skill for teens as well. As a high school student, understanding how to manage money will enable you to be independent. Furthermore, you make informed financial decisions and reduce the need for constant parental support.

Why budgeting is crucial for students

Budgeting for high school students is a cornerstone of financial literacy for kids. It helps students learn the value of money, how to prioritize spending and how to save for future goals. Knowing how to budget teaches you to live within your means and avoid unnecessary debt. These skills will serve you well throughout your life.

Developing good financial habits early on has long-term benefits. It prepares you for future financial responsibilities and helps you avoid debt. Most importantly, good financial habits translate into a good credit score and cultivate a mindset of saving and investing. In short, if you want a financially secure future, start budgeting and developing healthy financial habits now.

Creating a back-to school budget

One of the most practical ways to teach high school students about budgeting is to have them manage their own back-to-school budgets. This hands-on experience not only introduces them to the concept of budgeting but also helps them understand the value of money and the importance of financial planning.

Start by setting a realistic budget that covers essential items such as school supplies, clothes, and any additional expenses like sports equipment or extracurricular fees. Sit down with your teenager to discuss their needs versus wants, and help them prioritize their spending. Encourage them to research prices, look for sales, and compare options to make the most of their budget.

By managing their own back-to-school budget, students learn to make informed financial decisions, practice self-discipline, and develop critical thinking skills. They also experience the consequences of overspending or making impulsive purchases, which can lead to valuable lessons about financial responsibility. This exercise empowers them to take control of their finances and prepares them for more significant financial responsibilities in the future.

Step-by-step guide to setting up a budget

  1. Identify income sources: Determine how much money you have to work with. Typically, allowances, part-time job earnings or cash from chores form the bulk of teen income.
  2. List expenses: Write down all the potential expenses for the school year. This includes school supplies, clothing, extracurricular activities and other personal expenses.
  3. Categorize expenses: Divide expenses into categories such as necessary items (e.g., textbooks, notebooks) and discretionary items (e.g., trendy clothing, accessories).
  4. Set spending limits: Allocate a specific amount of money to each category based on priority and necessity.
  5. Track your spending: Record your expenditures to ensure you stay within your budget.

Essential items to include in your budget

  • School supplies: Pens, pencils, notebooks, binders and calculators.
  • Clothing and uniforms: School-specific clothing or uniforms.
  • Technology: Laptops, tablets and any necessary software.
  • Extracurricular activities: Fees for sports, clubs or music lessons.
  • Personal care items: Hygiene products, gym clothes and other personal items.

Smart shopping tips for school supplies

Now that your high school budget is complete, it’s time to go shopping! Always start with essentials and then move down your priority list. In addition, finding the best deals and prioritizing your needs can stretch your money further and avoid unnecessary expenses. To find the best deals:

  • Take an inventory: Review what you already have and cross those items off your list.
  • Compare prices: Use online tools and apps like Google Shopping and Shopzilla to compare prices across different stores.
  • Buy in bulk: For items like pens, paper and notebooks, buying in bulk will save money.
  • Take advantage of sales: Look for back-to-school sales and clearance events.
  • Shop at discount stores: Stores like Dollar Tree or Five Below often have school supplies at lower prices.

How to prioritize needs versus wants

It’s essential to differentiate between what you need and what you want. Needs are items you must have for school, while wants are nice but unnecessary. A budgeting plan for high school students should first focus on purchasing essential items needed for school. It’s advisable to have a list of everything you need to avoid impulse purchases. If you have money left over, you can consider buying some of the “wants” like trendy clothing.

Maximizing savings with back-to-school sales

Maximizing your back-to-school savings is all about timing and strategy. By planning your purchases and taking advantage of discounts, you can make the most of your budget. Consider the following approaches.

Timing your purchases for the best deals

  • Start early: Begin shopping early to take advantage of early bird sales and avoid last-minute price hikes.
  • End-of-season sales: Shop for clothing and supplies at the end of the season when retailers offer steep discounts to clear out inventory.

Utilizing coupons and student discounts

  • Coupons: Collect and use coupons from newspapers, online coupon sites and store apps.
  • Student discounts: Always ask if a store offers student discounts. Many retailers, both online and offline, provide discounts to students with a valid ID.
  • Utilize price matching: Many stores offer price matching, allowing you to get the best deals by comparing prices without needing to visit multiple locations.

FAQs

What are the key components of a back-to-school budget for high school students?

The key components include income sources, categorized expenses (school supplies, clothing, technology, extracurricular activities and personal care items) and allocated spending limits for each category.

How can high school students save money on school supplies?

Students can save money by comparing prices, buying in bulk, taking advantage of sales and discounts, shopping at discount stores and prioritizing essential items over non-essentials.

What are some common budgeting mistakes, and how can students avoid them?

Common mistakes include not tracking spending, underestimating expenses and confusing wants with needs. You can avoid these by regularly reviewing your budget, keeping a detailed record of expenditures and prioritizing essential items.

How often should students review and adjust their budget?

You should review and adjust your budget at least once a month to account for any changes in expenses or income and to ensure they stay on track with their financial goals.

Citations

Alexandra Brown, J. Michael Collins, Maximilian Schmeiser, Carly Urbank (2014). State Mandated Financial Education and the Credit Behavior of Young Adults.

*PLEASE NOTE: This article is intended to be used for informational purposes and should not be considered financial advice. Consult a financial advisor, accountant or other financial professional to learn more about what strategies are appropriate for your situation.

Related Resources

View All