As the financial year approaches its end, many schools look to use remaining budgets to upgrade or refresh their IT equipment. This article explores five key questions schools should ask before ordering new devices, helping decision-makers avoid rushed purchases and ensure the right technology investments. It highlights considerations such as whether brand-new devices are necessary, the true lifecycle cost of equipment, choosing the right specifications, aligning purchases with upcoming rollout plans, and the importance of sustainability. With careful planning, schools can make smarter purchasing decisions that maximise budgets while supporting long-term IT strategies.