August has arrived, signaling the “dog days of summer” are drawing to an end, which means school is just around the corner. Getting ready for the annual back-to-school shopping spree can be a daunting task for families, as expenses quickly accumulate far beyond a simple list of supplies. Each year, parents and students face hundreds or thousands of dollars in expenses, compounded by pressure to keep up with trends, the latest equipment, or simply cover unavoidable fees and materials. Start the academic year on a financially smarter foot this year and don’t let new-school-year stress get the best of you.

Adopting a strategic and resourceful approach can significantly ease your financial strain and stress during the upcoming back-to-school shopping season. Smart shoppers can save by first taking inventory of what is already on hand. Go through existing wardrobes to see what still fits, prioritizing versatile basics that can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits. Consider reusing items like backpacks, binders, pens, pencils, lunch boxes, or notebooks from previous years. These functional items prevent unnecessary purchases and cut down on your shopping list before you even leave the house. Additionally, comparing prices across different retailers, utilizing student discounts, checking end-of-season clearances and second-hand shops can help stretch budgets further. To avoid overspending, remember to shop with a list rather than buying impulsively. With these extra tips in mind, you might be able to shop at a discount or reduce the number of items you have to buy.

Careful planning, prioritizing needs over wants, and embracing a thrifty mindset are helpful to navigate these considerable costs without breaking the bank. Fortunately, Visa® is also here to lend a helping hand. By simply using your VacationLand Rewards Visa® Credit Card for all your essential back-to-school needs, you will automatically earn an impressive two ScoreCard® points for every dollar spent. But hurry, this fantastic double-point opportunity is only available until August 31st. Once your back-to-school shopping is complete and your children are well-equipped, the rewards truly begin. Explore all the exciting possibilities and manage your rewards here.

The services and products offered by VLFCU are diverse, including savings and retirement accounts, checking accounts, share savings accounts, personal and mortgage loans, home equity lines of credit, money market accounts, auto loans, business loans, and so much more, all conveniently accessible online or in person at any one of our convenient offices. Proactive financial planning will enable you to maintain a comfortable lifestyle and approach the future with confidence. Not yet a member? You can apply online or visit one of our branches located in Sandusky, Huron, Norwalk, and Vermilion.