7 Bank Brownsville Tips to Keep Your Back-to-School Budgeting on Track

At the beginning of the school year, you’re packed and ready to start, but what about your expenses and other necessities after you’re back to school shopping? Don’t worry! You’ll be able to save money and ace your exams all in one go with these Bank Brownsville budgeting tips:

• Assess your needs
• Establish a spending limit
• Pad back-to-school shopping budget 
• Be a smart shopper
• Figure out which expenses you can delay
• Plan ahead for next year
• Check for free or reduced-price back-to-school supplies

Assess What is Needed

Start your budgeting list of the most requested back-to-school supplies provided by a class list or by the teacher’s syllabus. Be sure to take inventory of your supplies at home and see what’s available before shopping. Create a list once you’ve narrowed down what you may need. 

Establish a Spending Limit

It’s important to help create a spending limit with what you’re comfortable with that can cover the basics of finances. Shopping for school supplies without the necessary precautions, such as a budget, may lead to overspending. Once you have compiled a list, you can depict and create a specific budget of how much you are willing to spend to achieve your set of items. 

Pad Your Back-to-School Shopping Budget

Find ways to earn extra money to provide less financial stress on yourself. 

• Asking for more hours at work or picking up extra shifts or jobs
• If you have kids, ask them to chip in a portion of their allowances to contribute to school expenses
• Find a side gig or side hustle to receive more portions of income

Be a Smarter Shopper

When shopping for things you might need, it’s better to shop smarter, not harder. Therefore, take the chance and shop where you can find better deals. Take advantage of intelligent shopping strategies such as : 

• Buying generic items
• Comparing prices online
• Get items in bulk in warehouse stores
• Take advantage of coupons or cashback apps
• Shop during your sales tax holidays
• Sign up for emails to save a given percentage on retail stores

Figure Out Which Expenses You Can Delay

You don’t always have to have everything on the first day of class. You can hold off on certain items during the first weeks of school and have time to spend buying the essential supplies before going out to buy the other stuff. 

Plan for the Next Year

It’s best to think ahead and see what you might need for the next school year, especially when it comes to the higher-priced items on the list. Take advantage of sales during holidays in the summer or online to get the best deals on an item so that you’ll be ready and on time for the school year. 

Although saving money can seem difficult at times, saving money is possible! Try: 

• Shopping using cash and saving the extra change you receive from the difference
• Round up your debit card purchases and use a $5 increment and put a difference towards those school expense savings 
• Try a no-spend challenge and resist spending money for 30 days to save money for your expenses

Check for Free or Reduced Price Back-to-School Supplies

Always look for better deals at places that are more community-based. Check your local area for programs that might give away school supplies for the upcoming school year. Various non-profit organizations are willing to give back to their community, especially those who are low-income or can’t afford to purchase supplies quickly.

Choose Our Bank Brownsville for Your Back-to-School Budgeting Needs

As you prepare for the school year, managing your expenses wisely is crucial. At Valley Federal Credit Union – Bank Brownsville, we’re here to support you in making your back-to-school shopping as stress-free and budget-friendly as possible. For personalized assistance and financial solutions, visit us at our bank in Harlingen, and let us help you start the school year on the right foot.