Back-to-School, Back-to-College, and Back in Control of Your Budget

Before you buy a single folder, write down every likely expense. Think beyond pencils and backpacks: clothing, shoes, technology, lunch supplies, school fees, sports, club dues, parking passes, dorm basics, textbooks, transportation, and move-in costs. For college students, include monthly expenses like groceries, subscriptions, laundry, gas, and spending money. 

“Once you see the full picture, you can decide what needs to happen now, what can wait, and what can be handled with a lower-cost option. That’s where the real savings begin,” says Brueske. 

Last year’s unused notebook pages, extra pencils, headphones, calculators, storage bins, and gently used backpacks can all give your budget a head start. Make it a family challenge: gather what you already have, cross those items off the list, and put the savings toward the things that truly matter. 

Back-to-school excitement is real, and it can make everything feel essential. Try sorting your list into three columns: 

• Needs: Required supplies, uniforms, textbooks, technology, and transportation. 

• Wants: Trendy accessories, upgraded dorm décor, name-brand items, or extra outfits. 

• Not yet: Items that can wait until sales, the first week of class, or after a professor confirms what is actually required. 

This keeps your plan flexible and helps everyone make thoughtful choices together. 

Set a spending limit for each category before you start shopping. If your family is paid biweekly or monthly, spread purchases across pay periods instead of trying to buy everything at once. For college students receiving financial aid refunds or family support, divide the money by the number of months in the semester so it lasts beyond move-in weekend. 

Brueske gives a simple example for college students. “If you have $1,200 for four months of flexible expenses, that’s $300 per month—or about $75 per week. Seeing the weekly number makes it easier to stay on track.” 

Comparison shopping may not sound exciting, but it can make a big difference. Watch for sales, use store apps and coupons, compare online prices, and consider buying frequently used supplies in bulk with another family. If there’s a sales tax holiday, review the eligible items before you shop so you can plan purchases wisely. 

For college families, look for student discounts on technology, software, streaming services, public transportation, and school supplies. And before buying new textbooks, check rental, used, digital, and campus library options. 

Every school year comes with a few “we forgot about that” moments: picture day, lab fees, field trips, club shirts, printer ink, or a late-night grocery run after move-in. Add a small buffer to your budget if you can. Even $25 to $50 set aside can help keep a surprise expense from becoming a bigger financial headache. 

Back-to-school season is a great time to help kids and young adults practice real-life money skills. Younger students can compare prices or choose between two lunchbox options. Teens can manage a clothing budget. A PenAir LevelUp account is a great way to teach younger members these lessons. College students can track spending, set savings goals, and learn how to use debit and credit responsibly.  

These small conversations can lead to big confidence because financial wellness is a life skill, not a one-time lesson. 

Once this year’s shopping is done, save your receipts and totals. You’ll have a realistic starting point for next year’s budget. Consider opening a dedicated savings account and setting up small automatic transfers throughout the year. Saving a little at a time can make next summer feel a lot lighter.