According to the annual Back-To-School Survey conducted by Myvesta.org, the average back-to-school shopper planned on spending $3,184 on back-to-school supplies this year.

“You would need to have eight children for the IRS checks to completely cover your back-to-school expenses,” Mr Rhode said. “But then again, if you have eight children heading back to school, your expenses are most likely a bit more than the average family.”

According to the Myvesta.org survey, the costs go up as kids get older. Those with children in their household under 6 years old planned on spending $2,866; those with children in their household aged 6–12 planned on spending $2,992; and those with children in their household aged 13–17 planned on spending $4,081. The national average of $3,184 includes those age groups, as well as college students and adults going back to school.

“After the kids are settled back into their school routines and you’ve gotten all of your bills from your back-to-school shopping, take a moment to tally everything up. Then you can develop a realistic picture of what your expenses will be next year, and you can start planning now,” Mr Rhode said.