Back To School Smarts with Crystal Paine

Faith & Finance

Well, it’s hard to believe, but soon, the kids will be heading back to school.

Are you ready to start the new school year on the right foot? Could you use a few tips? Well, you’re in for a treat. Crystal Paine joins us today with some great advice to make your back-to-school experience easier.

Crystal Paine is the founder of MoneySavingMom.com and the author of The Time-Saving Mom: How to Juggle a Lot, Enjoy Your Life, and Accomplish What Matters Most.

Budgeting for Back-to-School Essentials

As the new school year approaches, parents are reminded of the inevitable expenses, from clothes to school supplies and electronics. It’s crucial to start with the essentials. Determine what is necessary and set a budget. For families with older children, involve them in the process by giving them a budget for their back-to-school needs. This teaches financial responsibility and helps them prioritize their wants and needs.

Also, it’s worth looking into whether your school offers package deals on back-to-school products. These can often be cost-effective and save time compared to buying items individually.

For the best deals on school supplies, clothes, and even laptops, it is highly recommended that you follow MoneySavingMom.com and sign up for their hot deals email list.

Making the Most of Tax-Free Weekends

Tax-free weekends can be an excellent opportunity to save on back-to-school purchases. Check if your state offers tax-free weekends, what items are covered, and the specific dates. Planning allows you to maximize savings, especially on more significant purchases like electronics or even groceries if they are included.

Shopping with Kids: A Learning Opportunity

Taking kids shopping for back-to-school items can be a valuable learning experience. If your children are new to budget shopping, it might be better to leave them at home initially. However, parents should prioritize teaching their kids how to stick to a budget over the coming months. Give them opportunities to earn and spend money wisely, learning from the process.

Establishing a School Routine

Re-establishing a good routine before school starts is crucial. Start a few weeks before school begins. Practice waking up at the required time and go through the morning routine. Involve the entire family in this process by discussing and planning it together. A successful morning routine often begins the night before. Preparing as much as possible the night before—laying out clothes, packing lunches, and planning breakfast—sets up the next day for success.

Maintaining Spiritual Balance During Hectic Times

The back-to-school season can be hectic, but maintaining spiritual balance is essential. Start your day with prayer, entrusting God with your worries and tasks. Pray for your kids, spouse, and the details of your day. Incorporate God’s Word into your daily routine—listen to the Bible on audio while getting ready, play worship music in the car, or read a devotional with your kids at breakfast. Demonstrating reliance on God and releasing stress to Him is a powerful example for children.

Preparing for the school year doesn’t have to be overwhelming or financially draining. With careful planning, budgeting, and a focus on spiritual balance, parents can navigate this busy season with confidence and grace.

On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:

• I have two kids who are in college right now. My grandfather set up a 529 for each of them some years ago, and he passed away in 2010. I had another daughter who was born in 2010. Can that money be applied to my younger daughter with the money left over in one of my two older kids' 529 plans after graduating college?
• I haven't done any IRAs in about 20 years. I was told I could catch up. Is that true?
• Do I need to be concerned about my CDs at the bank and what the bank is investing my money in?
• My husband and I have always tithed because we believe everything we have is God's. But we struggle with where we're at in church and some of their financial decisions. So, tithing has been problematic when we disagree with what they're investing money in. Are we wrong? Is the church wrong?

Resources Mentioned:

• MoneySavingMom.com
• Christian Community Credit Union
• Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool
• Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)
• FaithFi App

Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at [phone]. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.