1. Take inventory before you shop
Before hitting the stores or filling your online cart, spend 15 minutes digging through what you already have. You might be surprised by how many unused pens, barely-worn shoes, or half-full notebooks are tucked away in drawers from last year.
It’s not the most glamorous task but crossing items off your list before you even spend a dollar? That’s budget magic.
2. Shop where you can earn cashback
If you’re going to spend, you might as well earn something back.
From school supplies and new kicks to laptops and lunch snacks, your Neo Credit card lets you earn cashback at thousands of partner stores across Canada—many offering bonus rewards just in time for back-to-school.
Tip: Check your app before you shop to see which stores are offering elevated cashback. Even small percentages can add up when you’re tackling a full supply list.
3. Use an additional card to stay organized (and on budget)
Heading into fall with a co-parent, partner, or teen? An additional card lets you keep all spending under one account while tracking who’s buying what.
Whether it’s school lunches, field trip forms, or a sudden "I need gym shoes by tomorrow!" situation, it’s a helpful way to streamline family finances and earn cashback together.
4. Help older kids build smart habits early
Heading off to university or college? It’s the perfect time to set your teen or young adult up with financial tools that teach responsibility without handing over the keys to your entire wallet.
Start with a set budget, show them how cashback works, and talk about smart spending. (Yes, even if 80% of their money still goes to coffee.)
5. Stack the Deals
Don’t be afraid to mix and match:
- Use store sales or promo codes
- Pay with your cashback card
- Add in student discounts where possible
This trio can shrink even the longest supply list into something much more manageable.
Back-to-school doesn’t have to feel like a financial shock. With a bit of planning and a little help from cashback and smart tools, you can start the school year strong, and maybe even have a little left over for that first-day photo coffee run.
