School is out for summer, but in just a few weeks class will be back in session. Public school students in Orange and Osceola counties both will return to classrooms the week of Aug. 10. Waiting until the last minute can make back-to-school shopping feel more stressful and more expensive than it needs to be.
Back-to-school season can bring real financial pressure, and some families may feel tempted to stretch their budget, use emergency savings or delay another bill to cover school-related purchases.
It is important to remember: No bill or purchase should come before the roof over your head.
A school shopping list can grow quickly. Supplies may cost more than expected. Children may have outgrown their shoes or clothes. A new school year may also bring fees, sports costs, uniforms, technology needs or other expenses.
That is why planning ahead, even during summer, can make a big difference. Here are a few ways to start preparing now:
- Start saving now. Set aside a small amount each week for back-to-school expenses. Even a little at a time can help reduce the pressure later.
- Watch for sales. Summer sales and store promotions can help you save if you plan ahead. Florida’s Back to School Sales Tax Holiday also runs now through Aug. 20
- Check what you already have. Before shopping, look through existing clothes and last year’s supplies. You may already have usable backpacks, folders, notebooks, shoes or clothing.
Living within your means is important, and teaching children that lesson is valuable too. Starting now can help make back-to-school shopping feel more manageable, protect your emergency savings and keep your mortgage payments on track. If you need assistance managing your finances, our Orange County Financial Empowerment Counselors are here to help you navigate financial challenges and reach your financial goals. Whether you’re looking to create a budget, set savings goals, improve your credit, reduce debt, protect and preserve assets (NEW!) or work toward another financial milestone, our counselors offer free, one-on-one sessions tailored to your needs.