Back-to-School Countdown… Spend Smartly!

With the new school year just a month away, many parents are scrambling to complete their back-to-school shopping. But Garvin Grandison, financial expert at the JN Financial Academy and head of finance and regulatory reporting at JN Bank, is urging families not to panic.

“It is easy to stress when you are behind on any task, but stress and panic will only make the situation far worse,” he said.

Mr Grandison advised that while time is short, there are still ways to be strategic and save money.

“Though you’re shopping in a rush, you don’t want to overspend or buy what you don’t need,” he warned. “Whether you’re starting out early or late, the principles remain the same: get organised and be intentional with your spending.”

Start with a List and a Budget

His first recommendation is to prepare a list of school needs, prioritise the most essential items such as uniforms and textbooks and then work out a budget.

“Even if you’re behind, it’s important to avoid impulse buying. Stick to your list and buy only what’s absolutely necessary,” he advised.

Use What You Already Have

Mr Grandison also reminded parents that not everything needs to be brand new.

“Take stock of what your child already has. Uniforms, lunch kits, school bags, and even shoes may still be in good condition,” he said. “This is why it’s important to buy durable items and teach children to take care of them.”

Take Advantage of Deals, Resources and Opportunities

Parents should shop around for textbooks and supplies and explore alternatives to traditional retail stores.

“Go online, call around—don’t waste gas going store to store. You can also ask family and friends if they have used books,” he suggested.

He also pointed to opportunities to get free or discounted school supplies from churches, community groups, and book drives.

Mr Grandison highlighted the arrival of the Logos Hope ship, currently docked in Jamaica, as a timely opportunity. The ship, known for selling books at heavily discounted prices, may offer textbooks, educational resources, and storybooks that parents can use to support their child’s learning.

“Even if it’s not the exact schoolbook, you can find affordable learning materials, including storybooks and subject guides that will benefit your child academically,” he said.

Leverage Rewards and Loyalty Programmes

Another underused tool, he said, are loyalty and rewards programmes offered by many financial institutions and retailers.

“If you’ve been using a debit or credit card linked to a rewards system, now is a good time to redeem your points for school-related items, such as stationery, bags, or even supermarket vouchers,” he advised.

Plan Ahead

He stressed the importance of saving for back-to-school expenses well in advance.

“This is not an emergency expense; it’s a recurring, predictable cost that should be built into your savings plan,” Mr Grandison said.

While he acknowledged that it’s late in the game for many of the scholarships and grant opportunities, she encouraged parents to mark their calendars for the next application period and get an early start next year.

Use Credit Wisely

Lastly, Mr Grandison noted that while loans are an option, parents should be prudent.

“Only borrow what you can afford to repay and use credit facilities for critical items – not for things you can do without or already have at home,” he cautioned.

As families rush to get ready for the school bell, Mr Grandison’s advice is simple but powerful: plan, prioritise, and stay calm.

“Back-to-school shopping doesn’t have to break the bank,” he said. “Smart spending makes for a smarter start to the school year.”