Back to school savings can feel like a second job during this time of year. Whether you’re preparing your kindergartener for crayons and snack packs or helping your college-bound teen navigate dorm life and financial aid, Curis Financial Credit Union is here to help you with back to school savings. Let’s walk through budgeting tips and tools that work for every stage of education, from the basics to the big transitions.
Make the Most of Your Back-to-School Budget This Year
It’s easy to get overwhelmed by school supply wishlists, but taking time to plan your budget can stretch your dollars further. Start with a simple checklist and compare prices online before heading into stores.
Don’t forget to factor in things beyond supplies: activity fees, clothing, lunch plans, and transportation all add up quickly. A little planning goes a long way. When you know what you’re working with, it’s easier to make budget-friendly choices and avoid those ‘how did we spend that much?’ moments.
Kindergarten & Elementary School: Start with the Basics
You don’t need to buy everything at once. Start with what your child needs the first few weeks, then space out other purchases. For more practical ways to save on early school year costs, this back-to-school savings guide has some great tips for families with younger kids.
Now is also a great time to start building healthy money habits. Opening a savings account at Curis Financial can help your child learn how to set aside a bit of birthday cash or allowance. It doesn’t take much to get started, and those early habits often stick for life.
Middle School: Prepping for Independence
Middle schoolers often come with bigger opinions and bigger price tags. Tablets, sports equipment, and more complex schedules mean more costs. Get them involved in budgeting by letting them compare options or choose between two “wants.” This is a perfect moment to talk about value, cost, and saving up for the extras.
Set savings goals together for things like school trips or electronics. Club savings accounts from Curis Financial can help them (and you) plan ahead for seasonal spending without last-minute panic.
High School: Planning for Teen Needs and New Expenses
Between extracurriculars, cars, part-time jobs, and college prep, high schoolers are expensive. Encourage your teen to contribute to their own expenses by budgeting their income from summer or part-time work. It’s also the right time to start discussing credit, especially if they’re getting their first job or opening a checking account.
Help them build financial independence with a savings account. It’s not just about discipline, it’s about education, and Curis Financial is here to support both.
College: Big Transitions, Bigger Budgets, But Smart Savings
College brings major money moves. Between tuition, books, living expenses, and that weekly coffee habit, students can quickly lose track of spending. Help your college student create a simple monthly budget that includes financial aid, scholarships, and any side income.
Encourage them to apply for student-friendly financing like the Smart Option Student Loan through Curis Financial. Also, teach them how to research financial aid tips and compare costs beyond tuition: housing, meal plans, even transportation.
Want to go deeper? Check out this helpful guide on how much to save and spend depending on your child’s stage.
Credit Union Tools to Help You Save at Every Stage
Curis Financial offers more than just savings accounts. Our back-to-school club accounts let you automatically set aside money throughout the year so you’re not scrambling every August. We also offer financial resources, coaching, and mobile banking to keep everything at your fingertips.
Whether you’re just beginning the school journey or navigating college, Curis Financial is here to help you stay on track, spend wisely, and plan with purpose.
