Summer break isn’t even over—but the back-to-school costs are already creeping in. From new clothes and supplies to tech upgrades and extracurriculars, it all adds up fast.

But don’t worry—you can prep for the school year without sacrificing summer fun. The trick? A few smart saving strategies and a little planning go a long way.

Why Back-to-School Hits Harder Than You Think
The average family spends hundreds per student on back-to-school essentials, including:

  • School supplies
  • Clothing and shoes
  • Backpacks and lunch gear
  • Sports and activity fees
  • Tech devices and upgrades
And if you're not budgeting for it now, you may feel the crunch right when fall starts. Let’s change that.

Tip #1: Break It into Weekly Goals
Trying to save a lump sum in August can feel overwhelming—but breaking it into weekly goals makes it much more doable.

Let’s say your back-to-school budget is $300. With 6 weeks to go, that’s just $50 per week. Want to start smaller? Even setting aside $30 a week gives you $180 by mid-August—enough to knock out supplies, basics, or a new pair of shoes.

Start now by:
  • Setting a weekly transfer into a separate savings account
  • Rounding up purchases and saving the spare change
  • Cutting one small expense a week (like drive-thru runs or app subscriptions)
ALLIANCE members can set up dedicated savings goals and automate transfers in just a few clicks—making it easy to save without even thinking about it.

Tip #2: Time Your Shopping (& Stack the Savings)
  • July is great for early bird deals and tax-free weekends (depending on your state).
  • Use cashback apps, digital coupons, and store reward programs.
  • Buy basics early and hold off on trend items (like clothes) until the post-school sales hit in September.
Tip #3: Cut Summer Costs Without Cutting Fun
Saving doesn’t mean saying no to summer.
  • Host budget-friendly pool days or movie nights instead of expensive outings
  • Look for free local events like concerts, farmers markets, or outdoor movies
  • Pack picnics instead of dining out
  • Swap gently used gear with friends—like outgrown backpacks, sports equipment, or uniforms
Keep It Balanced with ALLIANCE
Whether you’re prepping for kindergarten or college, the right savings plan makes it all easier. With helpful tools like:
  • Savings goal tracking
  • Automatic transfers
  • Mobile alerts and budgeting features

ALLIANCE Credit Union is here to help you balance back-to-school prep and summertime joy.
Want help setting up a dedicated savings plan? Come see us, or set it up yourself in Online Banking today.

Don't forget about Skip-A-Pay!
Eligible borrowers can skip their July or August loan payment and use that cash to help fund back-to-school expenses!