Back to school without going into debt: the plan for supplies, uniforms and books

The 2026 back-to-school season costs between RD$12,000 and RD$15,000 per student in supplies and uniforms, according to prices reported by Listín Diario on Juan Pablo Duarte avenue. With tuition rising up to RD$8,000, returning to classes can throw the family budget off track if everything is bought at once.

1. Budget first

Before buying, set the total cap. The 50/30/20 rule (50% needs, 30% wants, 20% savings) helps place school spending within needs, not as a surprise expense.

2. Buy in stages

Do not buy everything in one week: purchase what is essential for the first two weeks of classes and the rest next month. That spreads the impact across the family cash flow.

3. Compare prices

Walk areas like Juan Pablo Duarte avenue, compare between stores and take advantage of back-to-school fairs and card discounts. The same notebook can cost RD$55 or RD$179 depending on the place.

4. Reuse and swap

Check backpacks, pencil cases and uniforms from last year: many can be kept with a good cleaning. For books, coordinate with other families to buy used texts or trade.

5. Scheduled savings

If the school year caught you by surprise, open an automatic savings plan right away for the next cycle. Scheduled savings plans make it possible to build a fund for unexpected scenarios without relying on willpower.

The key figure: RD$12,000 to RD$15,000 per student: plan it before August 24 arrives.