Hello Reader,
If you are a parent or grandparent who assists with the grandkids continue to read. If you don't have kids, please feel free to skip this edition (unless you are planning to have kids in the future then the freebie might be helpful in the future.)
Now I am sure it feels like summer just started, but for parents, back-to-school season is already knocking. Between supply lists, lunch plans, registration fees, and shifting routines, the mental (and financial) load is real. And if your budget is still in beach mode, you’re not alone.
Planning now doesn’t just save money, it saves you from the chaos. Let’s talk about what to expect, what to prep, and how to stay sane while doing it.
💬 Rant:
The back-to-school season isn’t just about backpacks and pencils. Seriously it’s about everything shifting at once.
New schedules. New expenses. New needs. It is truly a whole different season in our lives that changes yearly. (New extracurriculars, different supply lists for the grades, changing passions .etc.) And yet, many of us wait until July or August (depending on when school starts for you) and for some even the week before school starts to prepare.
❌ We think we’ll “figure it out.”
❌ We think it’s just about supplies.
❌ We forget to prep our budgets, not just our kids.
Here’s the thing: this season shows up every year and still somehow catches us off guard. But giving your budget a back-to-school refresh now can take the edge off.
It’s not just about shopping lists. It’s about making space in your money plan for transitions. Because transitions cost money and energy.
👀 Reflection:
When my oldest started public school, we were relieved at first because it meant no more daycare bill! But then… the extra expenses started rolling in.
School supplies. Lunches. Before-school care. Spirit shirts. Birthday party invites. Fundraisers. Trip fees. And now that summer camp is in full swing? That’s another cost I didn’t used to factor in.
Even though I’m not working at full capacity right now, we had to plan ahead to cover summer costs, post-partum recovery appointments, and the upcoming school year because the rhythm of family life directly impacts our budget rhythm.
We’ve learned the hard way that prepping early makes things smoother. No more scrambling. Just steady planning. And scoping out some school supply deals early because when back to school shopping hits, the stores are ransacked HARD.
🔗 Resources:
🎒 Back-to-School Budget Checklist
A one-page tool to help you prep for what’s coming including things we often forget like transportation, lunch, activity fees, and care coverage.
Download the checklist here → Back to school budget checklist PDF
💡 Quick tip: Review your last August/September spending. Use it as a guide for what to expect (and avoid surprises) this year.
P.S. Want help mapping out your family’s back-to-school budget? Book a free Q/A call to see if coaching is a fit for you
Here’s to starting the school year with less chaos and more confidence,
Coach Becca
📩 Unmuted Money | Debt Tale
📆 Free Q/A Call | 📽️ Watch on YouTube