By July 1, 2025
Financial Wellness Tips from Verity’s Financial Coach
School may be out for summer, and the fun has begun, but did you know that July is the perfect time to start planning for back-to-school? Preparing early can help ease the financial stress and ensure your kids are ready when the bell rings this fall.
Here are some simple ways to make your back-to-school shopping more budget-friendly:
Start with a list and budget.
Before you head to the store (or shop online), write down exactly what you need—from clothing to classroom supplies. Use this list to estimate the costs involved and set a realistic budget. Pro-tip: Scope out back-to-school deals, comparing prices across different retailers, before making any purchases.
Reuse what you already have.
Check around the house before buying anything new. You might be surprised at how many supplies you already have—like scissors, notebooks, or lunch boxes—that are in good condition from previous years.
Be careful with Buy Now, Pay Later plans.
These can be helpful if used wisely but try not to overextend yourself with multiple payments. This will help avoid creating a financial hardship from potentially missed payments, leading to costly late fees. Only commit to what you can comfortably afford.
Focus on essentials first.
It’s perfectly okay to only purchase the must-haves on your class list up front. In several classrooms, supplies are pooled for everyone to use. Other items can be purchased later as needed.
Spread out your purchases.
Instead of buying everything all at once, break up your purchases over the next few months. Take advantage of seasonal sales from July to September. Many major retailers begin their back-to-school promotions shortly after the Fourth of July.
Ask for support.
Some schools and districts offer school supply assistance for families. Reach out to your school office to see what might be available.
For even more smart savings strategies, including shopping secondhand, tracking expenses, and involving your kids, check out this helpful article from GreenPath: Back-to-School on a Budget: 10 Ways to Shop Smart.
GreenPath Webinar- Back to School
Live Educational Webinar: Tips for Successful Back-to-School Planning
Wednesday, July 16 (2:00 - 2:45 PM ET)
Register here
Get insights on budgeting, planning, and making the most of back-to-school season—without breaking the bank
The information provided on this blog is for general informational and educational purposes only. All content is written in good faith and is intended to be accurate as of the date of publication. However, laws, regulations, industry standards, and best practices may change over time, and information may become outdated.