Article By: Christine Robert Kelly MBA / CEO
Contributing Writer

Dear Gentle reader (can you tell I watched Bridgeton?)

In my neck of the woods, school is just a few short weeks away. A new school year signifies a
fresh start, giving students the opportunity to set new goals, meet new friends, and engage in
new activities. This can be incredibly exciting as it provides a chance to improve and excel in
different areas of academic and personal life. But for parents the cost of school supplies,
uniforms, extracurricular fees, and other expenses can be a significant burden.
Financial planning and budgeting become crucial to manage these costs without undue stress.
If you have read my column before then you know I am about to give you a plan. And all good
plans start with … you guessed it, a Budget! I know I sound like a broken record with some of
this advice, but I swear it is worth the effort.
So here we go ladies …

Let’s start by assessing needs versus wants. The fact is our kids have a never-ending list of wants
and we as parents can feel guilty about not supplying all of them, but ladies, I am here to keep
us focused (so blame me when they start whining). List essential items (uniforms, supplies) and
non-essentials (trendy accessories). Set a spending limit to determine a realistic budget based
on your financial situation. Then start allocating the funds. Break down the budget into
categories (supplies, clothes, electronics, etc.).
Next check your Inventory!
Check for leftover supplies from last year. My kids always had a few leftovers from yearend, and
they came in handy.
I am a fan of reuse and recycle in every part of my life. Encourage reusing items like backpacks
and binders that are still in good condition. One of the best investments for my middle school
kids was a quality backpack. They both carried their Jansport backpacks until they graduated
from high school.

I LOVE A GOOD DEAL. So, shop smart ladies. Wait for sales and discounts. Look for back-to-
school sales, tax-free weekends, and online deals. Take advantage of coupons and Apps. Use

coupon websites and shopping apps to find additional savings. When possible and when it
makes sense buy in bulk. Purchase frequently used items in bulk to save money over the long
term. Kleenex and copier paper are great bulk purchases.
In the age of technology the requirements for students have become pricey.
When needing to buy big ticket Items, consider refurbished or gently used electronics and
gadgets to save money. Need a graphing calculator? Getting one second hand will help you

save a pretty penny. Research and compare prices from different retailers before making a
purchase.
The next suggestion may not be approved by the teenagers in our homes, but it might pass
muster with the littles. Pack a lunch box. Prepare and pack lunches; find out if your school offers
free or reduced lunches to save on cafeteria costs.
Looking back fondly, my sons played sports every season, so I meticulously had to plan for
extracurricular activities. Budget for sports, clubs, and other extracurricular activities. If possible,
discuss in advance what they would like to participate in. When and if uniforms and equipment
are needed look for second-hand options or rental programs. Gently use items can help you
save a ton.
You already know another thing I love is a teachable moment, so involve your kids. Teach them
about budgeting and financial planning. Take the opportunity to set an example by
demonstrating smart spending habits and financial discipline.
The start of a new school year is a time of mixed emotions. The excitement of new beginnings
brings joy and anticipation, while the challenges of financial burdens require careful planning
and support. By acknowledging both the excitement and challenges, parents can better prepare
for a successful and enjoyable school year. Wishing you all a successful school year!
Additional resources:
Check out my website for a printable checklist to help organize the back-to-school shopping!
Www.intentionEnterprises.com/back-to-school-checklist