How parents can reduce living costs as NSW schools resume for Term 3

Many households are feeling the pinch as inflation continues to soar. Here’s how parents can save some cash as they prepare to send their kids back to school for Term 3 on Monday.

As families prepare for the school return next Monday, there are a number of ways that parents can keep costs low while getting the kids ready to tackle another term of learning.

Many households are already feeling the pinch as inflation continues to soar and push up living costs.

Gas and electricity bills are set to rise and interest rates are going up, meaning money-saving tactics have become more important than ever.

Some financial pressure is likely to be alleviated for families during tax time, especially with the enlarged Low and Middle Income Tax Offset of up to $1500, but people are being warned not to rush.

We’ve put together a guide on how to reduce expenses and spend less on the essential school shop as the young ones head back to the classroom.

Despite the rise of living costs, families can still grab a bargain. Picture: istock

CHEAP STUDY SUPPLIES UNDER $10

Major retailers are keeping costs low on basic office supplies and apparel with new deals ahead of the school term.

Students are due to go back to school for Term 3 on Monday.

Multi-page ruled binder books are priced for as little as 80c at Officeworks while basic stationery such as pencils, rulers and textas start at 98c.

Affordable winter uniforms are available from Target and Big W, including a range of pullover jumpers from $6 and track pants on sale from $8.

Electronic headsets and noise isolation earbuds can be snapped up for $10 at Big W.

At Williams, parents can score half price of a second pair of full leather, lace-up or sneaker-styled school shoes.

Bargains are popping up across retailers and supermarkets as kids head back to school.

QUICK, HEALTHY AND CHEAP MEALS

Overcome the dread of packing the school lunch box with these last-minute food ideas for kids.

Switch up the controversial ham sandwich for a range of sweet and savoury lunch options, including mini quiches, wraps and muffins, that take less than an hour on average to make.

For nutrition-packed dinners on a budget, you can feed a family of four for $15. There’s a zucchini slice that makes enough to serve up seconds at $1.40 per piece.

The ham sandwich debacle caused a public stir, but kids still enjoy the popular lunch choice. Picture: Justin Lloyd.

BEST GROCERY SHOPPING BARGAINS

Lettuce is a hot commodity right now, but families can still save big on fruit and vegetables at major supermarkets and independent retailers.

Back to school specials in the latest Coles catalogue have discounted cheese slices, yoghurt pouches and juice poppers, which are suitable for kids’ lunch boxes.

At Woolworths, multipack biscuit varieties have been slashed by 30 per cent and popular Messy Monkey popcorn packets are 40 per cent off.

Supermarket prices have soared, but savings can still be made if you shop around.

NSW GOVERNMENT VOUCHERS FOR PARENTS

Although the expiry date for Dine and Discover has passed, several other vouchers remain available to claim.

Parents, carers and guardians who have kids in primary school can apply for a $500 voucher to use on out-of-hours school care for each child with the Before and After School Care (BASC) voucher.

Those with schoolchildren up to and including 18-years-old can gain up to $250 per household via the Parents NSW voucher to spend on leisure and accommodation.

And for families with little folk who aren’t yet enrolled in school between ages three and six, there is a First Lap voucher worth $100 to use for swimming lessons.