needs. For example, families may budget more for technology if their school requires tablets, while others may allocate more funds for extracurricular activities such as sports fees, music lessons, or art supplies, depending on their children’ s interests.
Take Advantage of Community Resources Look for local supply drives, donation events, and national programs, such as those run by the Salvation Army, United Way, and Boys & Girls Clubs of America. BetterLife members can also access exclusive resources and support through the Member Resources portal, including information on scholarships and volunteer opportunities that can help offset educational costs and build connections.
Plan for Ongoing and Hidden Costs Back-to-school expenses don’ t end in September. If possible, set aside a small fund for field trips, last-minute extracurriculars, and seasonal clothing. Try the envelope method, dividing your available money into separate envelopes for each expense category and only spending what is in each envelope. You can also use a dedicated savings account to keep these funds separate and easily trackable.
Involve Your Kids in the Process Teaching kids about budgeting is a valuable life skill. Give them a set amount to spend on new items and let them make choices, whether it’ s a new sweater or a pair of shoes they’ ve been wanting. This builds decision-making skills and helps them appreciate the value of money. For older children, encourage them to contribute earnings from chores or parttime jobs toward their school expenses.
Review and Adjust Your Plan After the first few weeks of school, review your spending. Did you stick to your budget? Are there areas where you can save next year? Use these insights to refine your approach for future back-toschool seasons.
Remember, budgeting is about more than just saving money; it’ s about building strong families, teaching financial responsibility, and ensuring every child starts the year with confidence.
Quick Checklist
q Download and review your school’ s supply list
q Inventory and reuse last year’ s items
q Set a category-based budget
q Shop early and compare prices
q Use community and BetterLife resources
q Plan for ongoing expenses
q Involve your kids in budgeting
q Review and adjust after school starts
Setting Your Family Up for a Successful School Year As a BetterLife member, you gain access to a network of families, exclusive resources, scholarships, and programs designed to help you succeed. By working together and using these strategies, your family and your BetterLife community can make the most of every dollar and opportunity this year.
Visit the BetterLife Member Resources to explore more resources, scholarships, and ways to connect. Together, we can make life better, one school year at a time.
BetterLife Magazine 19