Back-to-school shopping? A Kansas City financial expert shares how to save
"The first thing that they really should do is shop your home," said Marilyn Chappell, founder of Exceeds Expectations, a financial literacy non-profit.
"The first thing that they really should do is shop your home," said Marilyn Chappell, founder of Exceeds Expectations, a financial literacy non-profit.
Back-to-school shopping can be expensive and a hassle, but we're hoping to make it a little easier for you with some tips to keep in mind.
Pens, pencil bags and backpacks add up, but you can snag supplies for free at local resource fairs.
"There's like three to four "back-to-school resource fairs" going on each week, so find out which ones are offering what items and then just make your plan," Marilyn Chappell said.
Chappell is the president and founder of Exceeds Expectations Inc., a KCMO nonprofit focused on teaching financial and digital literacy. The organization has been around for 10 years.
She recommends shopping your home first, then recruit family and friends to join together and buy supplies in bulk.
"Especially when they have a lot of children," Chappell said. "If you have that child that is like, mom, I do not want to use those supplies from last year, they're old, get creative. So, nowadays kids love to create things, so buy their favorite stickers and just make that folder fun."
Another option is to ask friends or neighbors to do a school supplies swap.
Exceeds Expectations just hosted a back-to-school drive of its own, offering a free meal and free school supplies to over 200 students in the Metro. The nonprofit has hosted a fair like this the past six years.
If you are looking to save on school lunches, do your research and first see if your student's school offers free/reduced lunches. Chappell said if you need to pack lunches yourself, meal plan for the week on Sundays to avoid having to go to the grocery store in the middle of the week.
She explains you can also save by buying bulk containers as opposed to small one-time-use plastic bags.
The hope is that these resources lighten the burden.
"A breath of fresh air. We're hoping that they leave just joyful and feeling like that's one thing that I don't have to worry about going out and to purchase," Chappell said.
And get this: If you're looking for a free refurbished laptop for your teenager, this nonprofit is hosting a Digital Finance Skills Class August 12, 2026, from 8 a.m. - noon. The class is also free. You can RSVP here.
As a reminder, Missouri's back-to-school tax-free weekend is Friday, August 7, 2026 through Sunday, August 9, 2026.
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