Back-to-School Budgeting: From Pre-K to College

I’ve always loved the energy of back-to-school season. Fresh notebooks, fresh goals, and maybe… a little fresh stress.

Whether you’re sending a kindergartener to their first day or prepping a college student for move-in weekend, this time of year often comes with a long list and a short fuse on your wallet.

So today, I’m sharing tips to make the most of your back-to-school budget—no matter your child’s age.

🧸 Pre-K & Elementary: Keep It Simple, Keep It Joyful

At this stage, the pressure to “keep up” is real—but totally unnecessary.

Budget Tip:
Stick to the school supply list, and remember: your kid doesn’t need the most to get the best out of school. Let them choose one fun item (like glitter glue or a lunchbox sticker) and keep the rest basic.

💡 Bonus: Coordinate a “swap day” with friends or neighbors to exchange gently used clothes and supplies.

🧑🏽‍🏫 Middle School & High School: Include Them in the Budget

These years are full of social pressure—and a great time to build money skills.

Budget Tip:
Give your student a budget for back-to-school shopping and let them prioritize. If they want name-brand sneakers, they might choose less expensive basics elsewhere. That’s real-world tradeoff practice.

💡 Bonus: Ask your teen to use my ChatGPT Spending Analysis Cheat Sheet to start tracking how they spend their own allowance or job money.

📥 Download it HERE

🎓 College Students: Think Beyond Tuition

Moving into a dorm or off-campus housing can open the floodgates of unexpected expenses.

Budget Tip:
Print out your school’s full cost of attendance and go line by line. Budget for what’s not listed—laundry, weekend meals, transport home, and school supplies that aren’t included in your fees.

💡 Bonus: My e-book How to Afford College breaks down seven key ways to lower out-of-pocket costs and avoid unnecessary debt.

📘 Grab it here

🏦 One More Thing: Piggy Bank Pathways Can Help

If you're a parent, educator, or community leader who wants to start financial literacy early, check out our program designed for kids ages 4–10.

📚 Piggy Bank Pathways is engaging, culturally responsive, and ready to make money talk a normal (and fun!) part of growing up.

🔗 Explore the program at piggybankpathways.org

👪 Final Thought

Back-to-school is more than just a shopping list—it’s an opportunity to teach your kids how to make smart decisions, manage real-world money, and feel confident as they grow.

Start with what you have. Spend with intention. And don’t forget—you’re doing a great job.