A Fresh Start—Without the Financial Stress

Back-to-school season is more than supply lists and new shoes—it’s a reset for families and finances alike. But between clothes, gadgets, lunch prep, and activity fees, the bills add up quickly. According to the National Retail Federation, families with school-aged children spend hundreds—if not thousands—each year getting ready.

At Ozark Federal Credit Union, we believe you shouldn’t have to sacrifice peace of mind to give your child a strong start. Whether you're a parent buying supplies or a grandparent helping out, this guide will help you plan with purpose.

Create a Back-to-School Budget That Works

The best back-to-school strategy starts with a plan. Listing all expected expenses not only helps you track spending, but also prevents impulse buys or last-minute stress. It’s helpful to break your budget down by child or by category.

Common categories include:

• Supplies: Notebooks, pens, binders, calculators
• Clothing & Shoes: Uniforms, jackets, seasonal shoes
• Tech Needs: Laptops, headphones, chargers, tablets
• Lunch Prep: Containers, water bottles, snack packs
• Activities & Extras: Sports, clubs, field trips, photo day

But don’t stop at listing—assign a budget cap to each item. Even a ballpark estimate helps you identify areas where you can cut or reallocate funds.

How to Save on School Supplies Without Cutting Corners

Back-to-school shopping can feel like a scavenger hunt—especially when prices vary wildly. The good news? A few simple strategies can lead to big savings.

Rather than rushing out all at once, shop with a game plan. Compare prices online and take advantage of price-match guarantees. Team up with friends or family to split bulk packs of pencils or markers. And if you haven’t already, get familiar with browser plug-ins like Honey or Rakuten that automatically find deals and cashback offers.

Other ways to trim your supply bill:

• Shop your home first—reuse scissors, rulers, and pencil pouches
• Sign up for store loyalty programs and stack coupons
• Check discount retailers for basics like notebooks and folders
• Take advantage of Missouri’s tax-free weekend (Aug 1–3, 2025)

Don’t overlook dollar stores or secondhand sales. Many gently-used items can save you significantly, especially on non-consumables like backpacks or binders.

Budgeting for the Extras: Fees, Events, and Surprises

It’s easy to focus on the big-ticket items like shoes and laptops, but what often catches families off guard are the “little things” that add up fast. From school pictures to fundraiser t-shirts and activity fees, these can strain your budget if you’re not prepared.

To reduce stress, create a small buffer in your budget labeled “unplanned costs.” Even $50 set aside can go a long way toward covering unexpected requests.

Common surprise expenses to watch for:

• Club or extracurricular fees
• Musical instrument rentals or uniforms
• Spirit week gear or field trip costs
• Class party contributions

Affordable Ways to Tackle Back-to-School Tech Needs

Whether your child needs a Chromebook for class or you’re replacing a broken tablet, tech costs can easily throw off your budget. But upgrading devices doesn’t have to mean overspending.

Start by checking with the school district—some offer device lending programs or refurbished options. You can also explore student pricing from retailers like Apple, Dell, or Best Buy, even if you’re buying on behalf of a grandchild or teen.

Tech budget tips:

• Compare refurbished options from trusted sources
• Skip the high-end accessories—focus on function
• Use cash-back apps or OFCU’s debit rewards to reduce your cost
• Shop during tax-free weekend or end-of-summer clearance

If the purchase still feels out of reach, talk to Ozark Federal Credit Union about affordable financing options or using your OFCU credit card for extra rewards.

Use Ozark Federal Credit Union Tools to Stay on Track

At Ozark Federal Credit Union, we’re here to help you manage more than your money—we’re here to help you manage your life. Back-to-school season is a perfect time to explore the tools and resources we offer.

From easy budgeting features in online banking to our SavvyMoney credit monitoring tool, we’re your partner in planning ahead.

Here’s how we can help:

• SavvyMoney: Get personalized credit tips and monitoring
• Youth Accounts: Help your child or teen learn to save and manage money
• Flexible Financing: Talk to us about a low-rate personal loan or credit card

✨ Bonus: Zoe’s Club is a great way to introduce younger kids to fun, age-appropriate financial habits!

Back-to-School is a Great Time to Teach Budgeting

As kids grow, so do their financial habits. Involving your children or grandchildren in the budgeting process gives them a sense of ownership and helps them build lifelong skills.

Even small tasks—like helping you compare prices or choose between two backpacks—can be teaching moments.

Ways to include kids in budgeting:

• Let them help with back-to-school lists
• Give them a set budget to “shop” from for supplies
• Talk through the difference between wants and needs
• Encourage saving part of any birthday or allowance money

Empower them with language like, “We’re being smart with our money, not skipping the fun—we’re just planning for it.”

Make This Year a Financial Fresh Start

Back-to-school season doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With the right plan and the right tools, you can confidently prepare for everything the new school year brings—without the financial strain.

At Ozark Federal Credit Union, we’re proud to support families through every season. From digital tools to youth savings accounts to friendly financial advice, we’re here to help you make smart choices that put your family first.

💬 Let’s chat: Stop by your local branch or call us today to see how we can support your back-to-school financial goals!