Back-to-School Budget Reset Made Simple

Summer always seems to have a way of sneaking a little extra spending into the budget, doesn’t it? Between vacations, spontaneous ice cream stops, extra activities for the kids, and the rising cost of gas for all those road trips, it’s easy to look back and wonder where the money went. And now, here we are again, standing at the edge of a new school year, ready or not.

I’ve felt the shift lately. The store shelves are filled with backpacks, Crayola displays and back to school outfit trends. I drove past the school the other day and saw the football team out on the field probably squeezing in those two-a-days before the year officially kicks off. The parking lot was packed last night too, likely for some back-to-school event that I’m not even looped into anymore. This year feels different for me. It’s the first year we’re entering the back-to-school season as empty nesters. And I’ll be honest... it’s emotional. The routines are changing, the house is quieter, and my usual August prep list looks a lot shorter than it used to. But even with the shift in this season, one thing remains the same—this season still impacts the budget.

Whether you’re getting your little ones ready for kindergarten, dropping your teenager off at college, or navigating this season with an empty house like I am, it’s the perfect time to check in with your money. After all the summer fun, this is your chance to reset.

Start by looking at what’s coming in and what’s going out. I know, that might sound basic, but so many of us avoid it because we’re afraid of what we’ll find. But clarity really is the first step. If you're like most people I work with, the spending in July probably didn’t align perfectly with your long-term goals—and that’s okay. What matters now is deciding what to do moving forward.

Think through the changes this new season brings. Are you packing lunches again? Paying for after-school programs? Buying sports gear or dance shoes? Maybe your grocery bill is shifting or your schedule has changed and you're eating out more than you planned. Take a few minutes to write those things down. Awareness always leads to better decisions.

If you’ve got a college student, those expenses hit differently. Books, housing, meal plans, travel...it all adds up fast. Make sure to take an opportunity before you drop them off to talk about finances and expectations around spending. Be clear on what you’ll be covering and what you expect them to handle. And if you're in the empty nest phase, your budget might need to be reworked completely. The cost of groceries might drop, but you might also be tempted to fill the space with new purchases or last-minute getaways to distract from the quiet. No judgment here—I can call those things out because I can see them in my own budget. Just make sure your money is still working for you and not just reacting to your emotions.

This season of transition doesn’t have to throw you off track. In fact, it’s a beautiful opportunity to realign. Look at your calendar. Look at your goals. Look at where your paycheck is going. Then decide on purpose and with intention how to move forward. The start of a new school year is a phenomenal opportunity for a new beginning. Just because you did something last year doesn’t mean that you have to do it again this year. 

So whether you’re labeling school supplies, decorating a dorm room, or learning how to cook for two instead of four, give yourself permission to pause and plan. Your future self will thank you.

And if you’re not sure where to start, here are three simple steps to help you ease into this new season with a little more clarity and confidence:

1. Review last month’s spending – Take 10 minutes to look back over July. Identify any surprise expenses or habits that crept in so you can make adjustments going forward.
   
   

2. List your upcoming costs – Think through what August (and early September) will require—school supplies, sports fees, schedule changes, or travel. Knowing what’s coming helps you plan instead of panic.
   
   

3. Give every dollar a job – Even if your income feels tight, decide on purpose where your money is going this month. A clear plan brings peace, even when the numbers aren't perfect.

And if you’re looking at your numbers and still feeling stuck, you don’t have to figure it out alone. I’m offering a limited number of Free Strategy Sessions this month to help you reset your budget, create a simple plan for the season ahead, and finally feel like your paycheck is working for you—not the other way around.

Click here to grab your spot and let’s walk through it together.