By: Rachel Poe
Summertime, a period full of pool floats, travel, and leisure. Summer 2020 still captures these activities…inflatable kiddie pool on the porch, frequent travels to the fridge, and leisure aka quarantine. Regardless of how one spent this extended summer vacation, it is now time for parents and students alike to prepare for the upcoming school year. Those not involved directly with schools, the time is now to refresh horn honking and practice your road rage speeches.
Jokes aside, the next couple weeks is a crucial time to prepare for the upcoming time, mental, and monetary commitments that are approaching with the reintroduction of schools. With the majority of schools having closed for summer early, it is important to start considering the process of transition as we come out of a longer duration of summer vacation. Whether in grade school, college, or continued education, keep reading for some tips to help get back in the swing of things.
Fill the Well
One of the most important things to do when preparing for any type of event change in your life is to fill your cup. Mentally preparing for the change before it comes will aid in transitioning period. Whether this is taking a weekend to relax, reading scripture, diving into a book, connecting with family, or going dark on social media, use this time to connect with yourself. Think of it this way, if your glass is empty, you are not setting yourself up to pour into the glass of your children, spouse, coworkers, etc.
Get Ahead
As financial planners, you may think this comes easy for us. In reality, trying to plan at the last second is stressful and inconvenient. Our “trick”, plan in advance! There are many ways this could be taken: planning out vacation days, finalizing a chore chart, beginning morning/evening routines, deciding snack staples, discussing carpool, library visits, or scoping outfit/supplies selections. Carving out the time associated with your particular school will help transition students into school schedules. Whatever this looks like for you, beginning the steps to answering some of these questions may help relieve some of the stresses associated with “Back to School” festivities.
Make it Fun
While parents may be more excited than children to head back to school, do your best to get them pumped! Specifically with COVID, this may be a time to highlight the ability to see friends, meet new teachers, begin some school activities, etc. One way my mother would help boost school would be through shopping! Although I had uniforms, we would partake in Tax Free - Back To School Holidays as a time to get new supplies and deals for school. Specific states like Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire and Oregon don’t charge sales tax statewide. It is important to look into your specific state to see if you are able to take advantage of any back to school events. Get creative - use this time to take some lessons learned during the break to jump start the school year!
Lastly, in a previous blog post, 5 Benefits of Budgeting, I go through some core reasons to begin the budgeting process. With school expenses including supplies, technology, outfits, food, etc. it is never to late to begin getting your expenses in order.
Contact us today to learn more about how to start!