Back to School: Managing Costs and Making Smart Choices/Budgeting Tips for the Smart Student

CASH KID

It’s time to go back to school already.

(Sigh)

My true feelings about school and the cost of heading back.

Coming up!

Intro:

So, you got some cash, maybe from an allowance? Or, that money your grandma gave you for your seventh birthday.

Here ya go, sweetie! Woo hoo! Thanks, Grandma! Whatever it is, what are you gonna do with it? Spend it? Hide it away? Or maybe invest it? Let's start learning how to make that money grow. Time to learn how to be a Cash Kid.

Hey, Cash Kids! Welcome back to another episode of the Cash Kid Podcast, where we teach you all the tips and tricks to becoming a money-savvy kid or teen.

I’m the Cash Kid and today we’re talking about something that’s on everyone’s mind this time of year—going back to school.

But not just any back-to-school talk—we’re diving into how to be mindful of the costs and expenses that come with it.

Where I live, we are already in week two of school and the idea for this episode actually came from a story one of my new teachers shared in class. We were having to glue some items into some pages in our binder and he was instructing us how to use the glue…we’re 7th graders so thought it was a little strange but then he shared this story how a boy saw this girl using too much glue on a project, and he asked, “Why do you use so much glue?”

And she replied, “Because glue is cheap!”

And he said, “It must be nice to live the 3-ply life.”

(sound effect after joke)

So, whether you can live a 3-ply life or not, you need to listen up to this episode.

Whether you’re getting new supplies, new clothes, paying for lunch for yourself – or your friends, or just taking care of school property, there’s a lot to think about. So, let’s jump right in and see how we can be smart with our money as we head back to the classroom.

**[Sound Effect: School Bell Rings]**

**Segment 1: Back-to-School Shopping**

Alright, first up, let’s talk about back-to-school shopping. It’s easy to get carried away with all the cool notebooks, backpacks, and gadgets. But before you start filling up your cart, take a moment to think about what you really need.

We’ve addressed these a few times already on the Cash Kid Podcast in understanding the difference between needs and wants.

Make a list of the essentials—things like pencils, notebooks, and folders. Then, check to see if you have any supplies left over from last year. Reusing what you already have is a great way to save money. We reused our backpacks, and water bottles from last year for instance.

Also, consider setting a budget with your parents. This way, you won’t be tempted to buy things that aren’t necessary.

Pro tip: Look for sales and discounts. Many stores offer back-to-school deals, so you can get what you need without breaking the bank.

**[Sound Effect: Cash Register Cha-Ching]**

**Segment 2: New Clothes and Shoes**

Now, let’s talk about something that’s super exciting for a lot of us—new clothes and shoes! I made a deal with my parents if I made straight A’s last year could I have a pair of OnCloud Shoes. I already own 5 shares of their company’s stock too so I wanted a pair. So, maybe you can make a deal like that. Maybe you’ve earned some money over the summer and can asks to share the cost of a pair you really want.

Also, it’s always fun to start the school year with a fresh outfit, but it’s also important to be mindful of how much we’re spending.

Before you go shopping, take a look at what you already have. Do you really need a whole new wardrobe, or can you mix and match some of your current clothes to create new outfits? Sometimes, just a couple of new pieces can make a big difference.

You don’t actually need an entire new wardrobe to go back to school.

Well, some my age do as there are kids who grew a lot over the summer. But, that constitutes a need, not a want.

When you do go shopping, try to focus on buying quality over quantity. A few well-made items can last you longer and save money in the long run.

**[Sound Effect: Clothes Hanger Sliding]**

**Segment 3: Lunch Money and Daily Expenses**

Next, let’s talk about one of the biggest daily expenses—lunch! I’m not going to lie, when I moved to middle school, the freedom of more choices for lunch was appealing. I started buying a X drink every day at lunch before my Mom got pinged with the need to replenish my lunch money supply within a few weeks and questioned me on what I was buying. Let’s just say… we had to make some cut backs.

I also know of lots of other kids who want to be kind and buy all their friends an ice cream or buy their friends a lunch with their lunch money. Good intentions… but probably need to discuss with your parents first.

Whether you’re buying lunch at school or bringing it from home, it’s important to be mindful of how much you’re spending.

If you buy lunch at school, ask yourself if there are ways to save. Maybe you can bring a snack from home and only buy part of your meal. Or, if you bring lunch, think about packing leftovers from dinner. Not only does this save money, but it also helps reduce food waste.

And my school is always running some kind of fundraiser for an organization selling cookies, snow cones, and candy. These can add up quickly! Try to set a daily or weekly limit on how much you spend, and stick to it.

**[Sound Effect: Coin Dropping in Piggy Bank]**

**Segment 4: School Supplies for the Classroom**

Now, let’s talk about something a little different—helping out your teachers with supplies for the classroom. Sometimes, teachers ask students to bring in extra items like tissues, hand sanitizer, or dry erase markers. Great parent volunteers usually donate a lot these items for our classrooms. Also, PTO organizations are great at raising funds to mee these needs. So while you may not be buying these supplies yourself, I think it’s important you understand they weren’t free… kind of like back to the glue is cheap story earlier.

Remember, every little bit helps, and being mindful of your spending doesn’t mean you can’t help others.

**[Sound Effect: Pencil Writing on Paper]**

**Segment 5: Taking Care of School Property**

Last but not least, let’s talk about taking care of school property. This might not seem like a cost to you, but it’s super important. When we take care of our school’s devices, desks, and other property, it saves money in the long run.

Think about it—if everyone takes care of their chrome books, lockers, and yes, not trash the bathrooms, the school won’t have to spend as much on replacements. That money can go towards other things that benefit you and your classmates.

Plus, it’s just the right thing to do!

**[Sound Effect: School Locker Closing]**

**Conclusion:**

Alright, Cash Kids, that’s all we have for today! Remember, being mindful of the costs of going back to school doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy it. It just means you’re making smart choices that will help you—and your family—save money in the long run.

So, as you get ready to head back to school, think about the tips we talked about today. Make a list before shopping, set limits on daily expenses, be smart about buying new clothes and shoes, contribute to classroom supplies in a way that works for you, and take good care of your school’s property.

Oh, and what are my true feelings about being back at school?

Well, let’s be honest, if I had a choice, I’d rather be at home checking my stocks and playing video games or swimming.

But… time to get back to work and I’m enjoying so far.

Thanks for tuning in to the Cash Kid Podcast! Be sure to share this episode with your friends, and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Remember, anyone can be a Cash Kid, you just have to learn how to become one.

Cash Kid, Out!

Disclaimer: The information presented represents the views and opinions of the guest. This podcast does not intend to provide personal investment advice. This content has been made for informational and educational purposes only. To make a full and informed investment decision, we advise you to speak with a financial advisor and for kids. Definitely your parents first before investing.