Back-to-school season tends to come with a flurry of receipts, last-minute runs to the store, and more expenses than expected. But with a simple, thoughtful budget in place, you can reduce stress, protect your savings, and start the school year feeling prepared—not overwhelmed.
Here’s how we guide clients through this process:
1. Sort What’s Needed Now From What Can Wait
Not everything on the supply list is urgent—and not everything labeled a “need” truly is.
Start by sitting down with your child (or minor) to review the list together and label each item:
- Need: Uniforms, notebooks, tuition, basic shoes
- Want: Branded gear, extras, or upgrades
- Save-for-Later: Tech or seasonal items that can wait
This simple step builds healthy expectations around urgent versus important and reinforces smart spending boundaries early.
2. Build a Budget With Categories That Reflect Real Life
Set up a spreadsheet or use your budgeting app to create school-specific categories:
- Tuition or activity fees
- Supplies and clothing
- Transportation or meal plans
- College-bound extras: bedding, storage, dorm supplies
Knowing your limits by category can help prevent surprises—and protect your emergency savings later.
3. Time Your Purchases Strategically
Buy in phases, especially for growing kids whose shoe size may change between now and October.
- Look for tax-free weekends and bundle deals
- Reuse what you can from last year (especially for college students)
- Don’t rush to buy everything new—many dorm “essentials” are already sitting at home
4. Track Receipts and Reimbursements Early
If your student receives support or services, organizing your records now saves time—and potential refunds—later:
- Create a simple folder (digital or paper) for receipts
- Group by category (therapy, tutoring, supplies)
- Flag anything that might qualify for tax deductions or reimbursement
With a plan in place, you’ll be ready for the school year—and everything that comes with it.
If you’d like support building your budget, organizing receipts, or tracking school-related expenses, we’re here to help. Let’s make this season feel a little smoother—and a lot more aligned with your goals.
Jeremy Zizmor is the founder of Assurance Family Partners, a company whose mission is to assist and empower individuals and families who need help managing their personal day-to-day finances. He is responsible for running all facets of the business.
