Whether it's afterschool care, a growing school supplies list, or paying for college, back-to-school season can do a number on your budget. Whatever the expense, don't let back to school be a financial fiasco. Below are some tips from our Financial and Housing Counseling program to make sure hitting the books doesn't hit your wallet too hard.
Financially Friendly Furnishings
Got a college-bound child setting up a dorm room? Or a rising 9th grader who needs to refurnish their study space for the new demands of high school? Or, just a child who's ready for a new look in their room to go with a new school year? Start your search at ReStore. We have three donation-based home improvement outlets in Oakland, Concord, and San Jose, where you can find amazing deals on furniture, decor, and more (and know that your purchase benefits Habitat). Inventory is always fresh, so take a look at some of the fantastic finds in store now, and stop in to picture how you can build the space of your dreams on the budget of your reality.
College (Expenses) Prep
For many, the biggest financial concern this time of year is how to pay for higher education. From applying for scholarships and understanding the difference between public and private loans to avoiding scams, there’s a lot to consider when figuring out how to pay for college. Start by understanding your options. One way to learn how you could pay for college is by accessing free, online tools that let you customize your information and help you narrow in on your next step such as our Financial Education Center! There, we have a "Financing Higher Education" pathway where you can explore ways to pay for college, navigate a student budget, manage student loans, and more—all at your own pace and on your own time. Create a free account today and start learning how you can get financially fit for higher education!
Budgeting Built for You
Of course, your situation and your goals are unique. The best way to get guidance tailored to your circumstances is to meet with our amazing counselors. They can work with you one on one to create a school-year budget, recalibrate after summer expenses, and even help you support your own kids in learning financial planning and responsibility. Whatever the school year brings, be sure your finances are ready before the bell rings!